Cars from 1878 to 1920 - The forerunners
Renault Type AG 1
1908
Code 2209
Body style: landaulet
From 1905 to 1910, motor vehicle production was built around construction. Ranges from great manufacturers like Renault or Dion-Bouton incorporated up to ten different models, assembled using three or four different chassis sizes, and made available in different bodywork styles as required. The AG1 type, a derivative of another successful model, was no exception.
The model is famous to this day for its "Taxi" variant. Indeed, of the many models that Renault produced for its customers over the last years of the Belle Epoque, this model perfectly met taxi companies' requirements. Its engine, a 1,200 cm3 flat-twin, had proven its worth in Renault's successful prior model, the AX type. It had performed respectably and, above all, was reliable. The chassis only measured 3.8 metres. With its landaulet bodywork, it had ample room inside while still being easy to manoeuvre around cities. Finally, the radiator was installed behind the engine, which was much appreciated by the drivers during winter when exposed to cold winds.
The car was adopted by the main Parisian taxi company, G7, helping it to become a permanent fixture of the city landscape. Although it was also sold to private individuals, the AG1 type quickly acquired its nickname as the "Renault taxi". Taxi companies and hotels purchased them far and wide, even in London. However, it was during the Battle of the Marne that the Renault taxi truly shined.
