The Renault Monaquatre, Type UY1, is a small family car assembled by Renault between 1931 and 1936. It used a conventional front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout and a four-cylinder water-cooled engine.
Renault Monaquatre at a glance
| Maker | Renault, France |
|---|---|
| Production | 1931–1936 |
| Type | small family car |
| Layout | front engine, rear-wheel drive |
| Launched | October 1931 as Type UY1 |
| Wheelbase | 2,650 mm, shared with the Primaquatre |
| Engine growth | 1,289 cc to 1,463 cc at the 1932 show |
| Types | UY1, YN1, YN2, YN3, YN4 |
| Replaced by | Renault Celtaquatre |
Based on one source, the English Wikipedia article on the Renault Monaquatre.
History of the Renault Monaquatre
The UY1
Launched in October 1931, the Monaquatre was similar in design to the larger Renault Primaquatre, with which it shared its 2,650 mm wheelbase. It used a four-cylinder water-cooled engine mounted at the front driving the rear wheels.
The YN types
At the 1932 Paris Motor Show the new Type YN1 appeared with the engine enlarged from 1,289 cc to 1,463 cc. In October 1933 the Type YN2 was shown with a redesigned bonnet whose radiator grille was raked a little more; it was a transitional model, since Renault had already decided to fit aerodynamic bodies with sloping tails instead of the very vertical rear ends of existing cars. By then the Monaquatre was offered in seven different body types, including four-door berlines with four or six side windows and, at the top of the price list, a two-door two-seat cabriolet.
The aerodynamic end
The YN2 was built for only three months before the more aerodynamic Type YN3 appeared at the start of 1934, initially with only two body styles. Production of the final Type YN4 ended in September 1935, and the Monaquatre was replaced by the Renault Celtaquatre.
Design and features
- Primaquatre wheelbase: 2,650 mm shared with the larger model.
- Growing engine: 1,289 cc at launch, 1,463 cc from 1932.
- Seven body styles: berlines with four or six side windows and a two-seat cabriolet.
- Turning aerodynamic: the YN3 of 1934 brought a sloping tail.
Renault Monaquatre versions
- Type UY1 (1931): the original Monaquatre.
- Type YN1 (1932): 1,463 cc engine.
- Type YN2 (1933): redesigned bonnet and raked grille.
- Type YN3 (1934): aerodynamic body.
- Type YN4 (to 1935): the final version.
The Monaquatre sat between the Renault Primaquatre and was replaced by the Renault Celtaquatre; the related Renault Novaquatre followed. More cars are in the Renault collection.
Sources
- Renault Monaquatre, English Wikipedia: types, engines, bodies, end of production
