1939 Renault Viva Grand Sport cabriolet

1939 Renault Viva Grand Sport cabriolet

Renault's luxurious Viva Grand Sport was premiered at the 1934 Paris Salon, with manufacture of a much changed production version commencing in 1935. The first Renaults to dispense with running boards, the Grand Sport models boasted sweeping, streamlined styling - inspired by the influential Lincoln Zephyr - reflecting the contemporary preoccupation with aerodynamic efficiency; indeed, Renault described its Grand Sport range as hyperaérodynamique. Intended to appeal to the wealthy middle classes, the Viva Grand Sport was manufactured in two wheelbase lengths and was powered by a 4.1-litre straight-six sidevalve engine developing its maximum of 95bhp at a leisurely 3,000rpm. Steering was by rack-and-pinion, the gearbox was a three-speeder, and there were hydraulic dampers all round.

This stylish Renault Viva Grand Sport Cabriolet has had only three owners and has belonged to the same family since 1969. The car was sold new in 1939 to a well-known lawyer living on Avenue Foch in Paris, but seemingly was abandoned in 1940 in Nogent-le-Rotrou during the flight from the French capital following the German invasion.

In 1969, the car was bought by Jean Desgardins (the current owners' father), who was director of the 'Ancetres et Classiques' section of the Club des Amateurs d'Anciennes Renault (CAR). Bringing the car back to Paris from Nogent-le-Rotrou was not without difficulty, as the engine failed some 40 kilometres from home. Jean Desgardins eventually found a similar engine in a breaker's yard, and built the unit currently in the car using the best components from the two at his disposal. The Grand Sport belongs now to Jean's sons: Bruno and Luc Desgardins.

Between 2005 and 2016, the car was restored, with most of the work done by Automobiles d'Antan of Châtillon near Paris and Carosserie Lecoq.

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