brute force

40 CV des records

40CV
1926
scroll

A RECORD-BREAKING

TREND

In the 1920s, every self-respecting carmaker was locked in a battle to set new speed records. There was quite an obsession with speed at the time and speed ovals were built all around the world. The track in Montlhéry was built in 1924 and became the arena for many a high-speed confrontation. Renault naturally shared this need for speed and entered its flagship model, Renault 40 CV with its huge 9,000 cm3 engine!

1926
40cv_01
40cv_02
40cv_03

spirit

ITS

BEST

SIDE

Renault commissioned Plessier and Gartfield, two automotive engineers, to develop a highly streamlined Renault 40 CV with a narrower chassis, an engine with a free-flow exhaust system, the radiator mounted behind the engine (instead of on the sides, to allow for more slender bodywork) and flexible, single-seater bodywork (again, to keep the weight down) with no wings over the wheels (to improve aerodynamics).

40cv_04
Click on the car to start exploring
360°

original soundtrack

LISTEN TO

THIS PLAYLIST

Here is the soundtrack to Renault 40 CV and its record-breaking exploits. Drivers, start your engines!

technical features

AROUND

200 KPH

  • production

    a single model

  • Performance and engine

    6 cylinders inline, 9,121 cm3, 140 hp

    4-speed gearbox + reverse

    around 200 kph

  • dimensions
    Length 5,40 m
    Width 1,45 m
    Height 1,70 m
  • architecture

    streamlined single-seater on a narrowed chassis

    front engine, rear-wheel drive

The Originals Store

KEEN TO

BREAK RECORDS?

Imagine you’re beating records yourself or display it on your coffee table – a miniature Renault 40 CV is the perfect gift for aspiring racing drivers.

The entire Renault Lifestyle collection online at The Originals Renault Store.

visit the store
explore
The Originals