Miguel Sánchez
1968 always appears as a key year when we talk about sedans in Europe. Not surprisingly, during his summer free trade was approved among the six founding members of the European Economic Community. In other words, the tariffs responsible for protecting their respective markets disappeared. This way, BMW and Mercedes models could compete in France without the additional tax cost applied to imports. At this point, it is quite obvious to locate here the beginning of the reign of the German sedans in the European markets. Leading a sector where, shortly after, Audi would become the third referential brand.
Now, why did this phenomenon occur so easily? Well, to begin with we have to understand how the bets of Mercedes and BMW for the D and E segments were well above those presented by FIAT or Citroën. It's more, the first reacted in 1969 thanks to the 130. An interesting model but, at the same time, below the level reached by the German manufacturers. Likewise, the second one no longer had much more room to continue stretching with updates to the DS born in the fifties.
Thus, the track was open for the expansion of the German models in Italy, France, Luxembourg, the Netherlands and Belgium. Yes indeed, that had an unexpected consequence. And it is that, after years giving up the most exclusive segments of motorsport, Peugeot and Renault decided to stand up to BMW and Mercedes. To do this, at the end of the decade they joined forces in the so-called Project H. One "joint venture" in which it was expected to achieve a high-end model differentiated from the Germans based on the technological load.
In this way, while in the motorization a V8 with 3,5 liters was opted for, in relation to the suspensions they would have an oleo-pneumatic system on the rear axle. In addition, the general appearance would run away from the classic scheme with three volumes, thus opting for a soft drop at the back. Nevertheless, After making sales forecasts, Project H was closed. And it is that, after all, neither Peugeot nor Renault saw themselves with a real chance of succeeding in the high range. A fact that, coming to our days, we can understand through the case of the VW Phaeton.
A technically excellent saloon although, at the same time, weighed down by carrying the symbol of a generalist brand. At this point, the truth is that it is not difficult to understand how even today a large part of the fans are surprised to see the existence of high-end vehicles manufactured by Peugeot and Renault before the Second World War. Moreover, while the house of the lion had its imposing 601, the one with the rhombus rubbed shoulders with Packard or Hispano-Suiza thanks to the Reinastella. One of the most unknown and impressive models among all those produced by the French house.
RENAULT REINASTELLA, THE HIGH RANGE OF THE MANUFACTURER
During the interwar period, Renault did not just want to be a manufacturer with generalist ambitions. Far from it, in the mid-twenties he strove to develop a truly impressive engine with which to play alongside the most exclusive manufacturers of the moment. So things, at the end of the decade he had already completed a block with eight cylinders in line and 7.125 cubic centimeters capable of delivering more than 110 hp. In addition, she completed her vision with a 3,71 meter wheelbase chassis. At the time, one of the largest in all of prewar European motorsports.
From here on, just the bare set of mechanics and frame added up to almost two tons on the scale. Reason why, by adding the bodywork and the passenger compartment, almost all the Renault Reinastella caressed the 2.700 kilos with ease. However, still Its powerful engine launched the set up to 140 kilometers per hour. Benefiting from the excellent performance at low revs provided by its more than seven liters of displacement. Of course, given the enormous invoice of the 1929 Renault Reinastella, shortly after its launch the Vivastella and the Nervastella were presented. Both with displacements and costs below our protagonist.
At this point, there is no doubt about the low production achieved by this high-end model. Which, in addition, had a serious problem after the Second World War. And it is that its huge body was made mainly of aluminum. A material more than desired by the war effort, thus forcing the disappearance of not a few queenstar during the conflict. Just one of the necessary reasons to understand how, today, this is one of the rarest and most unknown cars in the entire history of Renault.
Photographs: Renault
