1907 Renault AI 35/45

·      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.

Featured in the “Women Take the Wheel: Fashion, Modernity, and the Automobile” exhibit in the summer of 2021, 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, 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.

In 1900, Vanderbilt had organized the first closed circuit race in the USA at the Aquidneck horse track, located 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. 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 the 10 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 whose history is greatly interwoven in Newport history, makes this very special car an important inclusion in the Audrain Museum’s “Best Of” list.  The care with which this car has received is shown in the astounding condition and authenticity of its presentation.  The engine, frame, suspension, and controls are all beautifully painted and polished and presented in show condition while maintaining the originality of this rare machine.  A characteristic of several European racers, the car’s radiator was placed behind the engine, with the engine and transmission also being carried well behind the front axle for better weight distribution.  Engine and suspension lubrication were controlled from the driver’s cockpit with oiling valves mounted in front of the steering wheel, feeding the “total loss” oiling system that lacked a recirculating engine oil pump.

We know of only 4 examples of the Vanderbilt racer left in existence, making this car a valuable asset to the Audrain Museum Collection.  Like most vehicles shown in the museum, this car is a running example and has participated in several Veteran Car Tours and competed in the Wilbraham Hill Climb, winning its class.

Specifications:

Engine: 7.5 Liter, L Head Inline Four Cylinder

 Horsepower: 35

 Transmission: 4-Speed Progressive Transmission

 Suspension: Semi-Elliptic Leaf Springs Front and Rear

 Brakes: Mechanical Hub and Service Brakes