DENYS PUECH 
"A man of means"... one of his automobiles, a Renault XB".

A visit home to the hamlet of "Gavernac", near "Bozouls", in Aveyron, France...

[ Note the unique details, as pointed out by the RED arrows. ]
The "Renault XB" that belonged to sculptor, Denys Puech ...
This "Renault XB" that was owned by Denys Puech, ca. 1914 (his chauffeur in uniform, name unknown).


Compare the [above] details to this photo.
Renault "Taxi Marne" 1914
A vintage Paris "Taxi"...

Paris taxicabs lined-up to carry meals to the troops during World War I.
Paris taxi cabs lined-up to carry meals to the troops during World War I.
"Les Taxis Marne"... 1914

"Taxi Parisien" ca. 1907-to-1914
Parisian "taxis" like this one were used during World War I to deliver food to the troops.
Renault XB (Detail - Note the absence of a drivers compartment / N.B. l'absence de calandre à l'avant.)

A color photo of a beautifully restored model.
1907 Renault XB "Landaulet Labourdette"
1907 Renault XB "Landaulet Labourdette"

"Retromobile" -- Paris -- 1997
Renault XB "Retromobile Paris 1997 (double berline de voyage).
Renault XB 1907 -- "double berline de voyage".
  
This is the same XB [as above] -- a prestige automobile that served as a Presidential vehicle.
Photo, compliments of: Monsieur Thierry Thomas (France).
Renault XB (refer to its specifications and vital statistics, below)
 

Vital statistics (courtesy of Renault SA, France)

The long-wheelbase Renault Type XB, released in 1907, was an up-market touring saloon with refined coachwork and distinguished looks that would earn it pride of place among high society as far afield as Argentina, Great Britain and Russia. This prestige car also served as presidential vehicle in France.

With the Type XB, Renault won the 24-hour event at Morris Park in New York, and US papers praised the car as being "one of the finest machines in the world". International success was part of Renault's booming industrial development, as the company began to apply its technology in new manufacturing ventures, diversifying into aircraft and ship engines from 1907 onwards.
Data sheet (courtesy of Renault SA, France)

 Name: Type XB touring saloon
Model year: 1907
Engine: Four-cylinder (dual two-cylinder castings) Renault unit - Capacity 3051cc (186 cubic inches) - Bore 90mm (3.54 inches) - Stroke 120mm (4.72 inches)
Nominal power: 14¾HP
Gearbox: Three forward speeds and reverse
Brakes: Footbrake on transmission shaft - Handbrake on rear wheels
Coachwork: Belvallette
Dimensions: 4.50m long by 1.63m wide by 2.50m high (14.7 feet long x 5.3 feet wide x 8.2 feet high)
Weight: About 1760kg (800 pounds)
Top speed: 65kph (40 MPH)

 

L'essentiel (courtesy of Renault SA, France)

 La Renault Type XB à châssis long est lancée en 1907. Cette berline de voyage est une voiture "haut de gamme". Sa carrosserie est élégante. Une allure distinguée nécessaire pour plaire aux grands de ce monde, en Argentine, en Grande-Bretagne, en Russie… Ce modèle prestigieux est aussi utilisé par la présidence de la République française.

Avec la Type XB, Renault remporte les 24 heures de Morris Park à New York. Les journaux locaux soulignent que cette automobile "est reconnue comme étant l'une des meilleures machines du monde". Ce succès international accompagne l'essor industriel de Renault : le constructeur applique sa technologie dans de nouveaux domaines à partir de 1907. Il se diversifie et entreprend ainsi la fabrication de moteurs d'avions et de bateaux.
Carte d'identité

Nom : Berline de voyage Type XB
Année du modèle présenté : 1907
Moteur : Renault 4 cylindres fondus par groupes de deux - Cylindrée : 3 051 cm3 - Alésage : 90 mm - Course : 120 mm
Puissance nominale : 14 CV 3/4
Boîte de vitesses : 3 rapports AV et marche AR
Freins : A pied sur l'arbre de transmission - A main sur les roues AR
Carrosserie : Belvallette
Dimensions : Longueur : 4,50 m - Largeur : 1,63 m - Hauteur : 2,50 m - Poids : environ 1760 kg
Performance : 65 km/h

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last updated 10-June-2007 21:07