In the early years of the twentieth century the development of Renault as a make of motorcars was significantly enhanced by its successful participation in motor racing that culminated in a Renault winning the first ever Grand Prix race.

From then on until the Great War, whilst the public most frequently encountered the make in the form of the ubiquitous twin cylinder models that were available as both private cars and taxicabs, there were always cars of substantial engine capacity and horsepower in the Renault range, even after the largest, the 9½ litre six-cylinder 50-60hp was discontinued in 1910.

Its place as the largest model was first taken by the 8½ litre four cylinder 35hp Type CI and by 1913 this had evolved into the Type DQ with identical engine dimensions but with an increased output of 40-45hp.

Because of its horsepower rating the DQ has sometimes been compared with the better-known Vintage period 'Renault 45' (40CV in France), but this was a six-cylinder car developed f...