This 1927 Renault 15 CV is one of approximately 344 examples of the
RA model built in 1927 and was outfitted with one-off cabriolet
coachwork by Million-Guiet before being displayed at the 1926 Paris
and New York motor shows. Chassis 287084 was delivered new to a
family in Southampton, New York, who retained it for over 60 years
before it was purchased by a Connecticut collector in 1989.
Following a subsequent refurbishment, the car completed the
4,095-mile 1990 Great American Race and was later placed in
long-term storage in the Hamptons, where it was rediscovered in
2017. It then received a mechanical refresh before being acquired
by us in 2021 and displayed at the 2024 Arizona Concours dElegance,
where it placed second in its class. Finished in champagne and
brown with orange accents, the car is powered by a 3,181cc L-head
inline-six that features a single updraft carburetor, distributor
and coil ignition, and a radiator mounted rearward of the engine.
Additional features include a four-speed manual transmission,
mechanically actuated four-wheel drum brakes with servo assistance,
hydraulic shock absorbers, orange-painted wood-spoke wheels, JM
bumper shocks, a beige convertible top, tan leather upholstery over
three-place seating and a rumble seat, and a rear-mounted luggage
trunk with fitted luggage. The Type RA was introduced in September
1926 as a longer-wheelbase and more-luxuriously appointed variant
of the 15 CV Type PG, which was replaced by the Vivasix line the
following year. While sharing the PGs 15-taxable-horsepower engine,
the RA benefited from the massive chassis, brake servo,
cantilever-spring rear suspension, and four-speed transmission
utilized on the top-of-the-line 40 CV. The Type RA was produced
through 1928 when it was superseded by the Vivastella. This
examples Million-Guiet two-door open coachwork was separated from
the frame for repairs during the refurbishment performed between
1989 and 1990. The car was repainted during the project in its
current color scheme of beige and brown with orange pinstripes and
wheels, replacing the original two-tone green combination. Paint
repair has been performed in 2022. Features include a sloping nose
profile ahead of a louvered radiator shroud, front and rear bumpers
mounted on JM Pare-Choc shock absorbers, Marchal headlights, a
tilt-out windshield, rear-hinged doors, trafficators, a beige
convertible top, and a fold-down luggage rack hosting a trunk with
fitted luggage under a beige canvas cover. Orange-painted artillery
wheels feature nickel plated lock rings and are wrapped in
5.00/6.0020 Michelin Confort Cord SS tires, as is a side-mount
spare. Mechanical actuation of four-wheel drum brakes incorporates
a mechanical servo that provides assistance in accordance with the
intensity of driver input. The brakes were adjusted in January
2024. The right-hand-drive cabin houses a pair of bucket seats and
a side-facing rear seat trimmed in tan leather while matching
upholstery covers the door panels and rumble seat. Gorgeous burl
wood surrounds the passenger cabin. Additional features include
complimentary orange carpeting, wood door caps, a right-hand gated
shifter, roll-up side windows, and a fire extinguisher. The
five-spoke steering wheel sits ahead of a burl wood-topped dash
panel housing a Jaeger 75-mph speedometer and clock as well as
gauges monitoring coolant temperature, oil pressure, amperage, and
voltage. The five-digit odometer shows 17k miles. The speedometer,
clock, voltmeter, and temperature gauge do not work. The 3,181cc
L-head inline-six features a Detroit Lubricator updraft carburetor,
Mallory coil and distributor ignition, an electric starter, a
dynamo, and a radiator positioned behind the engine. The car has
undergone a mechanical recommissioning by Restorations by York in
Ridgefield, Connecticut, in 2021, while fluid changes, lubrication
service, and electrical repairs were performed in January 2024.
Power is sent to the rear wheels via a four-speed manual
transmission. Suspension incorporates solid axles and hydraulic
shock absorbers with semi-elliptical leaf springs up front and a
rear setup comprising a transverse upper spring and angled
cantilever springs. The Renault features four wood drawers built
into a side cabinet for Renault branded tools and spares. Photos of
the car before and during the 1989-1990 refurbishment are included
in the sale. Renault production records and the Renault Certificate
of Production list Million-Guiet cabriolet coachwork as well
manufacturing number 120 and engine number 208, both shown in the
photo gallery below. The identification number listed on the title
is the cars radiator number, 125 RA, which is shown stamped on the
radiator in the gallery. The Renault comes complete with decades of
photos, memorabilia, brochures, service receipts and more. For more
information and details, call, text or email Harry Clark at
1.602.245.7200 or
[email protected]. See our 140 photos
and three videos on our website to learn more. This Renault is
available for viewing at our Phoenix showroom. We are pleased to
offer FaceTime or WhatsApp live video inspections and we help
coordinate shipping worldwide. We also have financing partners if
you are interested in financing.