GG-254 1933 Replica of a 1898 Renault built for Rosalind Melville

[guido66]

This is not what it looks like..

[guido66]

Experts?

[RayTheRat]

Is the gent doing something other than putting fuel in the vehicle?

[guido66]

No, it's probably normal petrol, although I know nothing about the mechanicals of this car.

[Craig Gillingham]

The car dates from about 1900, but the couples clothing appears to be from about 20 or 30 years after that. Perhaps something to do with one of the first London to Brighton Runs? The fuel bowser nozzle has a trigger, so I think that would date from at least the late 20's. The car has a French look about it, possibly a Renault type C? I know I've seen one before somewhere, I just have to remember where.

[Craig Gillingham]

I'm fairly sure that the car is a Renault Type A 1¾hp, introduced in 1899. They used an air cooled De Dion Bouton engine, which you can see part of the atmospheric inlet valve chamber on top of the cylinder.

[guido66]

The car is less old than you think. The 2 people are not a couple, however you're about right on dating their clothing.

[Craig Gillingham]

The car is less old than you think.

The latest it can be is 1900, so somewhere in between 1899-1900?

The 2 people are not a couple

Oh dear, are they a father and daughter?

[guido66]

Yes, father and daughter.  

The car is from the same time period as the clothing.  

[Craig Gillingham]

hmmmm.....are you sure? I must disagree (with respect). If you Google 'Renault Type A' you'll see the same type of car. The Type B used a 3½hp engine, which is different to the engine shown in your photo, this was made in 1900. The Type C followed, and the cars progressively got bigger. There are some websites that state the Renault Type A was made as late as 1903, but I think this is an error.

[guido66]

Perhaps the maker of this car was inspired by the Renault.

[RayTheRat]

Are father and daughter participating in an "antique car" event?

[guido66]

No, the car was probably new when this photo was taken...

[D-type]

A replica for a film?

[guido66]

A replica indeed, but my source doesn't mention a special purpose.

[Craig Gillingham]

Perhaps the maker of this car was inspired by the Renault.

It's just that it bears an uncanny resemblance. Judge for yourself.

The first photo was taken in 1967 of the 1899 Renault, now at the Beaulieu Motor Museum. Second photo of same car, as restored without bonnet. Third photo shows what it looks like today, and the last photo is a Renault factory photo of the Type A.

[guido66]

My source says it's a replica of a 1898 car. 

[guido66]

Pro time!

[pnegyesi]

Again, I don't have time to translate, sorry:
Auto's geschiedenis: Een auto, nagemaakt volgens een model uit 1898, gebouwd door een Engelsman als verjaardagscadeau voor zijn dochter, de Engelse danseres Rosline Melville. Engeland, 1933.

[RayTheRat]

Again, I don't have time to translate, sorry:
Auto's geschiedenis: Een auto, nagemaakt volgens een model uit 1898, gebouwd door een Engelsman als verjaardagscadeau voor zijn dochter, de Engelse danseres Rosline Melville. Engeland, 1933.

"Cars History: A car, according to a replicated model from 1898, built by an Englishman as a birthday gift for his daughter, the English dancer Rosline Melville. England, 1933."

[guido66]

Another one solved 

I suspect that the daughters first name should be Rosalind and this is the lady in question:

[RayTheRat]

I hope you gave the point to pnegyesi cuz all I did was run it thru Google Translate.

[guido66]

Don't worry, I can read Dutch

[RayTheRat]

Yes, I suppose you can.