Miguel Sánchez
Today, Renault is not only one of the most popular brands in the European arena. It is also one of the most historic, having begun its steps in December 1898. Founded by three brothers, the tasks related to design and marketing were divided between them. However, each and every one of them ended up being involved in almost every aspect of the automotive process. In fact, Marcel Renault died from an accident in the sadly famous Paris-Madrid in 1903. All this when his position in the company was more related to managing the factory than to testing and developing new products.
Thus, the first years of Renault were a mixture of a pioneering character, a certain craftsmanship and not a little nose when it came to knowing where the popularization of motor racing would go. Thanks to that, the stark proportions of the Type A and B soon became part of the memory, being replaced by the Type G or J. Designs much more similar to what we understand today as a car. From here, the new models followed one another, increasing production to an exponential degree.
What's more, Renault knew how to see the business related to serial production from very early on. Moving away from the high-end to compete, even, in obtaining contracts related to the first fleets of taxis. In addition, around 1905 it had already established one of its most recognizable symbols. The engine cover. With a soft and curvilinear shape that would preside over his models until well into the twenties. In fact, the Renault Type BK currently available on Catawiki has this item. Capable of giving even more personality to this veteran unit dated in the same year in which the vehicle was presented: 1909.
RENAULT TYPE BK COUPE CHAUFFEUR BELLVALLETTE, ALWAYS IN BARCELONA
As was customary at the time, cars were often purchased naked. That is, the automotive manufacturer only provided the chassis and mechanics. Leaving the choice of the buyer to take it to the bodybuilder he wanted in order to create what, many times, it ended up being a unique piece. Thanks to this, on the frame of this Renault Type BK with a four-cylinder engine and 1.693 cubic centimeters sits an interesting work signed by Bellvallette.
One of the most famous workshops in France at the time, sinking its roots in the early nineteenth century with the production of carriages. And it is that, not in vain, many of those artisans focused on the cavalries knew how to adapt wonderfully at the arrival of motorsports. In fact, until the appearance of the great series, a multitude of automobiles kept, at least visually, more related to the old carriages than to current motor vehicles.
Something that also changed as the use of different metals advanced or, of course, the arrival of the first monocoque bodies with the lancia lambda by flag. However, since this Renault Type BK dates from 1909 we see an intensive use of wood. Also, The rear passenger compartment has a multitude of details designed to provide maximum comfort to its occupants. Not so the driver sitting in the front seats. Normally a chauffer and, therefore, resigned to suffering the rigors of the open-air climate. Just like in the XNUMXth century stagecoaches.
By the way, note how leather - nowadays such a precious material in the cabins - was destined for the open seats where the service went. Meanwhile, the much more comfortable rear area was upholstered in soft fabrics that, in the case of this unit, They are in a good state of preservation.. Something that is in tune with the rest of the parts of this Renault Type BK, which has won its category several times in the iconic Barcelona-Sitges Rally.
Another one among the attractions of the vehicle. Which has always had Barcelona as a garage since its first owner acquired it. Mr Subirana. One of the founding members of the Real Automóvil Club de Catalunya just three years before. In addition, beyond a restoration carried out in the sixties this Renault Type BK is in quasi-original condition. In fact, as far as mechanics is concerned, only the installation of a Dynastart has altered the traditional way of cranking the vehicle. For the rest, it even has a charming patina that, by all accounts, makes this French model with a Barcelona license plate a very good collector's item.
Photographs: Catawiki
