1907 Renault AI 35/45HP Vanderbilt racer
Ordered by 28-year-old motoring enthusiast “Willie K” Vanderbilt
Based upon Renault’s successful GP race cars, well known in Europe
Willie K organized the 1st motor car racing in Newport in 1900
The 1907 Renault with 35 horsepower offered performance and advanced technologies that were at the pinnacle of automotive engineering of the time. William Kissam Vanderbilt II, better known at “Willie K.”, one of the heirs to the well-known industrialist family of Newport, wished to purchase a specially built car directly from the Renault factory while motor touring with his wife in France in the summer of 1906. However, Renault stipulated that 10 units must be ordered together, prompting Vanderbilt to reach out to other wealthy friends, ordering 14 cars at $8500 each. Only 4 are known to still exist.
In 1900, 22-year-old Willie K. had organized the first closed circuit race in the USA at the Aquidneck horse track, located near where the Newport airport is now. In 1904, as racing speed and distance had increased, Willie K established the inaugural William K. Vanderbilt Jr. Cup Race. These multi-class races represent some of the earliest organized races in the world, though within a few years, these races got so popular they quickly outgrew the property, drawing more than 10,000 spectators to the races.
As a result, Willie. K organized the first – and most prestigious - international road race held in the United States, the Vanderbilt Cup Race, held on a 20 plus mile road circuit near his Long Island estate. Since Renault’s reputation for outstanding race cars grew at the start of the 20th century, Vanderbilt had little trouble convincing other wealthy enthusiasts to collectively spend the $150,000 required to purchase and import 14 racers. Whereas Renault’s race winning Grand Prix cars would have been very challenging for inexperienced racers, the 35/45 AI model shown here were purpose built to allow amateur drivers to drive and enjoy the car with an emphasis on handling rather than brute horsepower. The connection with the Vanderbilt family and Newport history makes this very special car an important part of the Audrain Collections.
Specifications
Engine: 7.5-liter, L-head inline 4-cylinder
Power: 65 hp
Transmission: 4-speed progressive tansmission
Suspension: Semi-elliptic leaf springs front and rear
Brakes: Mechanical hub and service brakes