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Renault Taxi, Type AG1, 1909 model
In early September 1914, the French army retreated as the German forces advanced and Paris came under threat. On 6 September, General Joffre launched a major counter-offensive. General Gallieni, military governor of Paris, had “the very simple idea”, in his own words, of using taxis to send reinforcements. On 6 September, the Republican Guard and police offers requisitioned the taxis in the streets, like this Renault two-cylinder taxi, AG type, 1909 model. In total, 630 vehicles crossed Paris and went to pick up soldiers in the 103rd and 104th infantry regiments. Groups of 4 or 5 men climbed in at Villemomble and Gagny to be deployed near the combat zone in Nanteuil-le-Haudouin and Silly-le-Long.
The personnel concerned were few in number compared to scale of the battle, as most troops got to the front by train. Nonetheless, the Renault Taxi became one of the symbols of the Battle of the Marne, which halted the German advance.
Characteristics :
- Vertical two-cylinder engine, 1,060 cc
- Bore x stroke: 75 x 120 mm
- Rated power: 8 hp
- Speed: 40 km/h
- Dimensions: 380 x 155, wheelbase 262 cm
- Weight: 1,060 kg
- In 1906, the sale price was 5,700 francs
Renault Taxi, Type AG1, 1909 model, first quarter of the 20th century. Inventory no.: 2011.16.1
