The Vivastella was a more luxurious version of the Renault Vivasix (1928–1931) and was available in several models. The Lumière brothers, inventors of cinema, decided to purchase only the chassis so that it could be customised to their taste. Louis and Auguste Lumière were members of Lyon’s upper middle class. That is why they commissioned the Billeter and Cartier workshop, luxury coachbuilders based in the Monplaisir district, to fit their Renault Vivastella 6-cylinder chassis with a bespoke limousine body (6 windows) featuring a driver’s compartment, a one-off model.

The roof was raised by 15 cm so that passengers would not have to remove their hats.

Communication with the driver was possible despite the partition thanks to an acoustic horn connecting the two compartments, which was positioned at the level of the driver’s left ear. 

Price of the bare chassis: 22,700 francs

–    6-cylinder in-line engine with side valves (18 CV)
–    3,180 cm³ / 60 chevaux at 3,000 rpm
–    Drum brakes on all four wheels, mechanically operated with brake booster
–    110 km/h 
–    3-speed gearbox