1926 Renault OS Charabanc

The chassis number of this exceptionally rare LHD manual Renault OS Charabanc is 251996.

The odometer reads 46,023 kms.

The car comes with no history or service records beyond whatever documentation is shown in the gallery.

The car was first registered in the UK in 2003, at which time it underwent the full restoration you see today.

Since then, a new hood has been fitted, the petrol tank professionally restored and, recently, a new battery installed.

The vendor, who for many years was in the classic car trade and now lives mostly in France, tells us that the car drives perfectly well and is more than happy to trundle along for hours once up and running.

He has recently replaced oils and fluids and given the car’s mechanicals (including the clutch) a thorough check.

In his own words - “Here is my 1926 Renault OS Charabanc. It has been such fun owning this totally charming and unique car. I have some history and pictures of when it was totally rebuilt. It is in all-round excellent condition. The tailgate comes down so you can use it for pretty much anything. It can take up to 8 people. It has 2100cc side valve engine which runs smoothly. It has many uses including weddings, film, fashion shoots. I think you could call this the original people carrier, albeit with period suspension. I also have the original handbook and catalogue.”

He purchased the car from a UK seller early in 2021 through Honest John Classics.

The then seller’s listing notes were as follows.

“This unique pre-war survivor is in great usable condition. It’s ready to be enjoyed, all working as intended, fully restored some years ago and just been completely rewired, absolutely everything works as intended, needs nothing but using. Can seat up to 6 adults [8 including front seats] with room to spare for a picnic hamper, pram, parasols and a couple of dogs as well.

Fold back the roof on sunny days or flip it back over for shade, the back door folds down to make a picnic table and the rear seats unclip to be used outside or to clear the way for a huge load space. A truly adaptable and practical machine. 1926 Renault OS with a 2100cc four-cylinder petrol engine and three speed gearbox, electric start - so no cranking - it runs really well with no smoke when pushed hard.

The brakes are very good with a very firm handbrake. Now running 12v electrics it’s been completely rewired, all the lights and indicators are working, as is the wiper, plus it benefits from modern push-in fuses. It’s very well presented and is just as clean underneath as it is on top. It’s not an immaculate finish, it’s gathered up a few tiny marks and defects over the years.

It was restored in 2003 and has spent some time working as a guest shuttle vehicle for hotels in Brittany and Romania before coming to a private collection in the UK.

There is a collection of original manuals and parts books plus a copy of the workshop manual in English, there are also a few old MoTs and a few pre-restoration pics in the history file.

The last owner changed all the oils in the engine, gearbox and axle.”

The vendor tells us that nothing has really changed since those words were written.

He is only selling this charming 96-year-old car because he can’t give it the use it deserves.

The car presents very well indeed from every angle.

The bodywork appears to be largely free of any dinks, cracks, creases or folds of any real significance that we can see.

The panel gaps and shut lines are as consistent and even as you could reasonably hope to find on a car that’s the same age as Queen Elizabeth II.

The grey-over-maroon paintwork is very good in general although, as this is a vehicle that’s been used, not kept in a museum, there are inevitably some stone chips here and there and the odd scratch or two elsewhere.

Some of the trim around the reflectors on the rear wheel arches looks a little tired and there’s some paint missing below the front of the bonnet.

The wheels, lights and badging look to be in good order, as do the various exterior hinges, handles, clips and other fixtures and fittings.

The relatively new hood is in fine condition and appears to function as intended.

The interior of this delightfully idiosyncratic automotive oddity is equally impressive.

The front cabin has plenty of patina but nothing looks over-used, worn-out or otherwise compromised by use or the passage of time.

The front seats are in good condition, as are the door cards, the dashboard, instruments, gear lever and steering wheel.

As far as we’re aware, all buttons, levers, dials, switches and knobs do what they’re supposed to do.

The rear of the vehicle is decidedly different because of the face-to-face bench seating layout and the copious use of beautifully glossy and well-preserved wood panelling.

The inside of the hood seems fine, as do the tailgate, upholstery and floor mats.

The engine and engine bay look to have everything in its right and proper place.

The car’s undersides appear to have a good amount of structural integrity.

The car doesn’t come with any service records, history or documentation beyond what is shown in the gallery section.

The history includes a UK V5C registration certificate, restoration images, correspondence, a photocopied maintenance book, MoT test certificates, starting and driving instructions, and a few other bits and pieces.

We think you’ll be a very long time waiting for another one of these to come up at auction.

In fact, it’s quite possible that there isn’t another one of these anywhere outside of a car museum.

Not only is it 96 and looking fabulous, it starts, goes and stops - and does all three without complaint.

The condition of this extraordinary vehicle is a fitting testament to the skills of the people who built it in 1926 and the diligence, care and expertise of those who’ve owned and maintained it ever since.

It’s really very special indeed..

We confidently offer this enchanting car for auction with an estimate of between €8,500 - €12,000.

Viewing is always encouraged, and this particular car is located with the seller in Juignac, France; to arrange an appointment please use the Contact Seller button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.