1934 Renault Monaquatre 1.5 Liter Cabriolet
French automaker Renault introduced this compact family car in October 1931 as an economical alternative to their larger Primaquatre model. The Monaquatre shared the same 104-inch wheelbase as its bigger sibling but targeted budget-conscious buyers seeking reliable transportation.
The cabriolet version stood out as the most expensive and rarest body style among seven available configurations. By 1934, Renault had redesigned the model with more aerodynamic “aérodynamique” bodies featuring fashionably sloping tails that replaced the very vertical rear ends of earlier versions.
The dashboard featured a distinctive octagonal speedometer, an unusual geometric design that set it apart from the typical round gauges found in most contemporary automobiles.
Under the hood was a water-cooled four-cylinder engine that grew from 1,289cc to 1,463cc (1.5 liters) in 1932, producing 34 horsepower. This side-valve unit paired with a three-speed manual transmission and conventional rear-wheel drive layout.
Renault marketed the 8CV Monaquatre as economical to buy and maintain, claiming speeds exceeding 62 mph while consuming less than 9 liters per 100 kilometers (26 miles per gallon).
Production continued through various iterations until 1936, when the Celtaquatre replaced it in Renault’s lineup.
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