Renault Primastella: the six-cylinder Renault of 1932

The Renault Primastella, Type PG8, is a mid-size luxury car manufactured between 1932 and 1935. It was released in 1932 with a six-cylinder 16CV engine derived from the Renault Vivastella but with a slightly smaller cylinder bore.

Renault Primastella at a glance

Based on one source, the English Wikipedia article on the Renault Primastella.

History of the Renault Primastella

The PG8

The Primastella was released in 1932 with a six-cylinder 16CV engine derived from the Renault Vivastella but with a slightly smaller bore. The Type PG8 was produced until 1933, with 65 or 85 hp depending on version, a claimed top speed of 130 km/h, cable-operated drum brakes at front and rear and a six-volt battery.

The PG10 and aerodynamic bodies

At the 27th Paris Motor Show in October 1933 the Primastella Type PG10 appeared with Renault’s ‘aérodynamique’ body style, most readily recognised by a sloping tail instead of the very vertical rear of the earlier PG8. Renault intended to offer aerodynamic bodies across the range and achieved that by the middle of 1934, but the Primastella and the larger cars had the new look before the end of 1933. The PG10 was built until 1935.

Design and features

• Six-cylinder 16CV engine: derived from the Vivastella with a smaller bore.
• Two power levels: 65 hp or 85 hp, with 130 km/h claimed.
• Aerodynamic body: the PG10’s sloping tail arrived at the end of 1933.
• Cable brakes: drums front and rear on a six-volt electrical system.

Renault Primastella versions

• PG8 (1932–1933): the original Primastella.
• PG10 (1933–1935): with the aerodynamic body and sloping tail.

The Primastella’s engine came from the Renault Vivastella, and the larger cars of the same family include the Renault Nervastella. More cars are in the Renault collection.

Video: Renault Primastella coach decapotable, 1933

Video by alaud56 on YouTube.

Sources

• Renault Primastella, English Wikipedia: engine, types, performance, body style