1911 Renault Other AX Roadster

1911 Renault AX Message - Incredibly Rare Example- Beautifully Restored- 1965 AACA National 1st Prize Winner- 1974 Pebble Beach Concours - Best in Class- In Private Collections for the last 50+ Years Dealership Information Goodman Reed Motorcars805-202-4557info@goodmanreed. comwww. goodmanreed. comSanta Barbara. CA Description

Offered for sale is a truly remarkable 1911 Renault AX Roadster with coachwork by Cann Ltd. of London. Judged the National First Prize Winner for Best Restored Foreign Automobiles by the Antique Automobile Club of America (AACA) in 1965 and awarded “Best in Class” (Antiques through 1915) at the 24th Annual Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance in 1974. this AX has been at home in respected collections since the 1960s and is arguably the finest remaining example in existence.  

Originally restored at some point in the early 1960s. the car was owned by a Mr. James Missimer of Santa Barbara. CA until 1972. when it was acquired by Mr. Willet H. Brown. a radio and television station pioneer who also happened to own Hillcrest Motors. the longstanding Cadillac dealership in Beverly Hills. In addition to new Cadillacs. Hillcrest maintained a substantial classic and exotic car collection in their inventory and it had its own in-house restoration shop. managed by the collection's curator. Jimmie Duffy. III. In addition to the AX Roadster. in the same period Mr. Duffy also sourced a companion car. a 1910 Renault AX “Taxi de la Marne” with coachwork by Audineau & Cie. Mr. Brown directed Mr. Duffy and the Hillcrest shop to restore both cars to Concours quality. the results of which garnered entry and awards for both cars at a number of respected events. including the Pebble Beach “Best in Class” win. Two of his personal favorites. Mr. Brown would retain the Renaults in his collection until his death. when the cars were subsequently sold by his estate at the Sotheby's Petersen Museum Auction in 1995.  

The lucky winner of the AX Roadster was Mr. Robert J. Gottlieb. a renowned attorney whose clients included the biggest names in the automotive industry: Cadillac. General Motors. and Petersen Publishing. to name a few. A classic car connoisseur. he became one of the world's foremost authorities on the subject. contributing his editorial expertise to automotive magazines. including “Classic Comments. his long-running column for Motor Trend.  

Also at the auction was Jimmie Duffy. who watched with mixed emotions as a number of the cars that had been in his care for decades were parceled off to new homes. Mr. Duffy approached Mr. Gottlieb and told him about his affiliation with the car. a conversation that lead to a friendship of sorts and resulted in Mr. Duffy doing everything he could to seek out records. photos and correspondence about the car from his former employer's family. His efforts were largely successful and he gladly forwarded everything he could to Mr. Gottlieb on the condition that it all always stay with the car.  

Mr. Gottlieb recognized Mr. Duffy's passion for the Renault. and he understood it – Mr. Duffy had been involved with the car for more than three decades and it was. after all. his labor and attention to detail that caused the car to go on to win its class at Pebble Beach. Mr. Gottlieb felt the car belonged with its truest caretaker. and so. when he passed away in 2004. he left instructions for his widow to gift the car to Jimmie Duffy. something he would be eternally touched by. Unsurprisingly. he provided the car the finest care. storing it in his large personal garage for the ensuing 12 years. His passing this summer has resulted in the car being offered today. on consignment for his estate.  

Despite having been restored some four decades ago. sparing use and proper care ensured that the car remains in excellent condition throughout. The incredible quality of the restoration is evident in each aspect of the car - it's clear that absolutely no shortcuts were taken and consequently the finishes have held up splendidly. exhibiting only a charming patina that serves to tell the car's story and only adds to its charm. The gorgeous green and black finish is entirely consistent. retaining incredible depth and luster and marred only by incredibly minor imperfections. most notably on the exterior of the fully functional folding “Dickey Seat” behind the main passenger compartment.  

Cloaking an entirely straight body. the finish is beautifully offset by a substantial amount of brass detailing. including the radiator. horns. Union Jack mascot (befitting of its British coachwork) and Rumor of Paris acetylene burning headlamps. running lights and tail lamps. among other trim pieces. All of the wood trim is also in excellent condition. defining a passenger compartment fitted with a large wood steering wheel. Jones speedometer and tufted Black leather upholstery of the period. showing patina typical of a well cared for older restoration. Unused for the better part of four decades. the car's canvas soft top remains in good condition. as does the vinyl boot cover. Lastly. it should be mentioned that the entire car – body and chassis – is entirely rust-free. the undercarriage in excellent condition throughout.  

The car is mechanically strong and correct. recently gone through and sorted by Roy Miller. a Pebble Beach Concours judge and period expert with more than 50 years experience. The original side-valve-type. L-head. 1. 1L. 67 cu. in. . 2 cylinder engine starts easily. idles smoothly and pulls strongly and smoothly through each of the three gears. The car is fitted with a Zenith carburetor – a common replacement – and although producing only 9 horsepower. the car is capable of speeds up to 35 mph. a true speed demon of its day. The brakes and suspension all function properly and despite its long periods of dormancy. the car is mechanically sound and ready for use.  

Awards: 

 1965 AACA – National First Prize Winner – Best Restored Foreign Automobile 1974 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance – Best in Class 1977 Santa Barbara Concours d'Elegance – Best in Class 1982 Le Circle Concours d'Elegance – Class Award 1988 Le Festival de Automobile Classique – Class Award 

The car has also appeared in a numerous publications: Motor Trend Magazine. In Retrospect. Thoroughbred Cars and Old Car Illustrated. just to name a few. The Motor Trend and Old Car Illustrated issues are included with the car. as are a number of archival photos. restoration photos. correspondence. registration history. car show programs. etc. . all compiled by Mr. Duffy in a thick binder.  

Please Note: The car is currently titled in California under its Magneto Serial Number (6114). however the correct original Chassis Number is 24193.

  Contact Us About Us

Goodman Reed Motorcars is a boutique vintage car dealership specializing in the sale. location and brokerage of rare and collector quality vehicles.  Whether you're in the market for your vintage dream car. need help selling part or all of your collection or want us to find and broker your next daily driver. with more than 12 years of experience and a range of industry and collector contacts (both domestically and abroad). we endeavor to offer small-town service with Pebble Beach results.

Sell Your Car Contact Ask for:Sales Contact: Contact Us Office:(805) 202-4557 Alternate:(805) 886-1823 Shipping Assistance Goodman Reed Motorcars is not affiliated with any specific shipping company. but we have longstanding relationships with both domestic and international carriers and can help you arrange transportation at rates considerably lower than those quoted by most shipping companies available to the public. We've shipped hundreds of cars here in the U. S. and all over the world. so please email us or call us directly at 805-202-4557 if you have any questions or need help with shipping or exportation. eBay Terms Placing a Bid: Your bid constitutes a legally binding contract to purchase this vehicle. Please do not bid if you're not seriously interested or financially able to purchase this vehicle. Please read eBay's User AgreementGoodman Reed Motorcars reserves the right to. Obtain and verify the registered information of all users who bid on this auction. Cancel any and all bids at our discretion. or end the auction early if necessary. Bidders Age: You must be 18 years of age or older to Bid. Special eBay Bid Retraction Rules: Please read eBay's "Retracting a Bid" If you place a bid before the last 12-hour period of the auction: You may retract that bid before that last 12-hour period but only for exceptional circumstances. You will not be allowed to retract that bid during the last 12-hour period of the auction. If you place a bid during the last 12-hour period of the auction: You will be allowed to retract the bid for exceptional circumstances but only if you do so within one hour after placing the bid. Funds & Financing: Goodman Reed Motorcars does not offer in-house financing. but we can refer you to reputable classic car financing companies. For help in arranging for a Pre-Approved loan or for any questions please e-mail or call us at (805) 202-4557 prior to bidding. Buyers Inspection: Goodman Reed Motorcars has done our best to disclose all information known about this vehicle for auction. Goodman Reed Motorcars welcomes a buyers inspection. If you plan to have a buyers inspection. please make sure you inspect the vehicle prior to the auction ending. Inspection fees if any are Buyers responsibility. Representations and Warranties made by seller: This vehicle is being sold "as is".  No representations or warranties are made by seller. nor are any representations or warranties relied upon by bidders in making bids. Taxes and Registration fees: California buyers are responsible for all state. county. city taxes and fees. as well as title service fees in the city or county where the vehicle will be registered. All taxes and fees must be paid in full in order for vehicle to be titled and registered. Title Information: While we usually have all titles in our possession at closing. there are occasions where we may be waiting for them to arrive. If payment is made by cashier's or personal checks we will hold all titles until funds have cleared. Shipping & Delivery: All shipping charges are buyer's responsibility. Goodman Reed Motorcars will help with shipping arrangements but will not be responsible in any way for claims arising from shipping damage!Licensed Carriers are generally insured for $3. 00. 00. 00. We assume no responsibility for damages incurred after the vehicle leaves our showroom. All shipping arrangements are provided by Goodman Reed Motorcars as a courtesy. We are not affiliated with any carrier. Any claims or other communication regarding shipment of vehicles will be between you and the shipper. not with Goodman Reed Motorcars. The amount of time it takes for delivery is dependent on the carrier. but is generally 7-14 days from the date the vehicle is picked up from our facility until it is delivered to your destination. Verify with the shipper for an Estimate Time of Arrival to be sure. Finalizing your Purchase: Goodman Reed Motorcars will contact the successful high bidder by e-mail after the auction closes. Successful high bidder MUST communicate with Goodman Reed Motorcars by e-mail or phone
(805) 202-4557 within 24 hours of the auction ending to make arrangements to complete their transaction. If we cannot confirm your intention to buy or the sale is not completed within 5 days. we reserve the right to relist this vehicle or sell to any other qualified buyer. In order to secure bid on vehicle. Successful bidder (BUYER) must within 72 hours of bid closing send to Seller a Deposit in the amount of 10% by bank wire transfer. Paypal deposit. cash in person or bank certified funds. Within 7 days of bid closing. Buyer must send balance of funds by bank wire transfer. cash in person. bank certified funds to Seller. At time of sending initial deposit. Buyer MUST send all registration information such that sales documents can be adequately prepared. Furthermore. before said vehicle is released for shipment to Buyer. all other Sale related and title related paperwork must be signed and returned complete to Seller.
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