Synopsis
"Renault, the Cars with the Charisma" by J. Dewar McLintock, published in 1983 by Patrick Stephens Ltd., offers a comprehensive yet accessible history of the Renault marque, tracing its evolution from its founding in 1898 to the early 1980s. Written with the benefit of McLintock’s experience as the former editor of the British Renault house journal Auto World, the book captures the essence of Renault’s legacy as a pioneering French automaker known for its innovative engineering and distinctive designs. While not as exhaustive as some out-of-print or costly Renault histories, McLintock’s work stands out for its broad scope, engaging narrative, and ability to appeal to both enthusiasts and general readers interested in automotive history.
The book begins with Renault’s origins, when Louis Renault, a young inventor, built his first car in 1898, a modest 1¾-hp voiturette that laid the foundation for the company. McLintock details how Renault Frères, established by Louis and his brothers, quickly grew into a major industrial force, producing robust and reliable vehicles like the landaulettes that became symbols of early 20th-century craftsmanship. The narrative vividly describes the company’s early years, including its rise to prominence through motorsport successes and its role in supplying vehicles during World War I, such as the iconic Renault taxis that transported French troops to the Battle of the Marne. McLintock emphasizes Renault’s knack for combining practicality with innovation, a trait that defined its early models and set the stage for its later reputation.
As the book progresses, it explores Renault’s interwar and post-World War II developments, highlighting key models that shaped the company’s identity. The narrative covers the introduction of affordable, mass-produced cars like the 4CV, which became a post-war success story akin to the Volkswagen Beetle, and the Dauphine, which captured international markets. McLintock also delves into Renault’s ventures into more ambitious designs, such as the sleek Alpine sports cars and the quirky yet beloved Renault 4 and 5 models. The book doesn’t shy away from the company’s challenges, including its nationalization in 1945 and the complexities of operating as the state-owned Régie Renault, but it frames these as part of the company’s resilience and adaptability.
The later chapters bring the story into the modern era (up to 1983), with a focus on Renault’s forays into motorsport, particularly its turbocharged Formula 1 engines and rally successes with models like the Renault 5 Turbo, memorably illustrated by McLintock’s reference to Jean Ragnotti drifting one on snow. The book also touches on Renault’s global expansion and its efforts to balance commercial success with its reputation for quirky, charismatic designs. While many of the book’s early photographs are described as familiar “old chestnuts,” such as the 1906 landaulette lineup outside Renault’s Billancourt offices, they are complemented by contemporary images that showcase the brand’s evolution. McLintock’s prose is enriched by his insider perspective, offering anecdotes and insights into Renault’s corporate culture and engineering ethos.
Overall, "Renault, the Cars with the Charisma" is a celebration of Renault’s unique place in automotive history, portraying it as a company that blends practicality, innovation, and a touch of Gallic flair. McLintock’s 184-page account, complete with an index, is concise yet wide-ranging, making it an ideal introduction for readers seeking to understand Renault’s legacy without the heft of more academic tomes. The book’s strength lies in its ability to convey the personality—or charisma—of Renault’s vehicles, from utilitarian classics to bold performance cars, while situating them within the broader context of the company’s triumphs and challenges.