Renault 900: The Car That Deceives Your Eyes

In the history of the automotive industry, few cars have been as curious and controversial as the Renault 900. The model, created in the second half of the 1950s, is a real challenge to look at: after all, is it going or coming back? Its confusing design, combined with innovative (and risky) solutions, made it one of Renault's most interesting prototypes.

If you've never heard of Renault 900, get ready to travel back in time and discover why it was one of the French brand's most eccentric projects!

An Unconventional Design

O Renault 900 was born from the need to create a model that prioritized internal space It is comfort for occupants. The project was developed by Michel Beligond It is Sergio Coggiola, two visionary designers who, together, shaped this enigmatic car.

Take a good look at him! The first impression is of a fastback with a long hood. But, upon closer inspection, you realize that the rear of the car is actually the front. When viewed from the side, the confusion becomes even greater! This unusual design made the Renault 900 was one of the most misunderstood cars of its time.

Another interesting point is the advanced cabin, with the front occupants positioned in front of the axle. This created a feeling of spaciousness, reinforced by the use of large glazed areas.

The Twin Ventoux V8 Engine

As much as the design stole the show, the mechanical set also deserves to be highlighted. The Renault 900 had a 1.7L V8 engine It is 80 hp, a true engineering feat for the time. This engine was the result of the joining of two Ventoux four-cylinder, the same ones that equipped models like the Renault Dauphine and Gordini.

The body, made entirely of aluminum, helped to reduce the weight of the vehicle, ensuring better performance. air suspension offered a smoother, more refined ride.

At 4.33 meters long, the Renault 900 could have been a promising model for its time, but its bold concept never made it past the prototype stage.

Two Prototypes, Two Identities

Renault built only two copies of Renault 900, both currently preserved in the collection of Renault Classic. Although they look identical, each of them has notable differences:

• The first prototype was golden and presented two sets of round headlights, bi-partite front bumper and vertical taillights. The engine was set all the way back, which meant there was no externally accessible trunk. All luggage had to be stored behind the rear seat.
• The second prototype it was green and had headlights rectangular, a one-piece front bumper and horizontal taillights. The air intakes were moved to the sides and, unlike the first model, there was a small trunk behind the engine.

But this solution was not the best. The heat and smell of the engine compromised any luggage placed there, in addition to making access to the engine even more complicated.

The Big Problem: Practicality and Safety

Although it was a design and engineering exercise, O Renault 900 faced considerable challenges in terms of practicality and safety. Some of the most critical issues included:

• Difficulty accessing the interior: The driver needed to move the steering wheel to the side to get into the car. This is because the wheel arches were very close to the doors.
• Low safety in frontal collisions: The forward cabin made the occupants very vulnerable in the event of a frontal impact. This was also a known problem in models such as the Volkswagen Kombi.
• Inefficient baggage transportation: In the second prototype, the trunk behind the engine turned out to be a big mistake, compromising cargo space.

A Car That Left a Legacy

Although it did not reach mass production, the Renault 900 helped inspire future models of the brand. Some of the solutions adopted in this prototype were refined and applied to Renault family cars over the decades.

Today, the two surviving prototypes are true relics of automotive history. They represent a time when car manufacturers dared to experiment with new ideas without fear of making mistakes.

If the Renault 900 Had it reached dealerships, would it have been a success or a failure? We will never know. But one thing is certain: it remains one of the most curious prototypes ever created!

And you, what do you think of Renault 900? Did it deserve to be produced? Leave your opinion in the comments!

Bonus Fun Fact!

If sold today, considering its rarity and history, a Renault 900 could easily surpass the R$ 2 million at classic auctions! Not bad for a car that never made it past the prototype stage, huh?