Renault Monastella

Renault Monastella
Renault Monastella
	Renault Monastella RY3
Overview
Manufacturer	Renault
Also called	Renault Monasix Monastella
Production	1928–1932
Assembly	France Île Seguin, Boulogne-Billancourt, Paris
Designer	Louis Renault
Body and chassis
Class	compact luxury car ; executive car
Body style	4-door Sedan ; 4-door Torpedo ; 2-door Convertible ; 2-door Coupe
Layout	FR layout
Related	Renault Vivasix ; Renault Monasix
Powertrain
Engine	straight-6, 1476 cc, 8CV, 26HP ; straight-6, 1476 cc, 8CV, 33HP
Transmission	3-speed Manual
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2650 mm
Length	3700 mm
Width	1550 mm
Height	1600 mm
Curb weight	1350 kg
Chronology
Predecessor	none
Successor	Renault Primastella

Last updated November 06, 2025

The Renault Monastella (Type RY1) was a compact luxury car manufactured between late 1928 and 1933 by Renault. It shared the mechanical elements and bodywork options of the Renault Monasix but was differentiated by superior levels of finish and equipment.^[1]

Details and evolutions

The Monastella was a more luxurious version of the Monasix which had itself first appeared at the 1927 Paris Motor Show. The 8CV Monastella was released for 1929 at the October 1928 motor show with a small 6-cylinder engine of 1476 cc.^[1] Apart from the superior equipment levels, it was differentiated from the Monasix by a plate that said "carrosserie STELLA": at a time when names for cars rarely went beyond defining their engine size and type, this badge stressed the manufacturer's determination to differentiate the two models.

Initially the radiator was positioned behind the engine, reflecting the normal layout for Renault engine compartments during most of the 1920s.^[1] However, starting with the massive new Reinastella at the end of 1928, Renault moved the radiator to a more conventional position ahead of the engine, and by time of the next motor show, in October 1929, all Renaults including the Monastella's, lost the old "wind-cutter" grill-free front panel, in favour of a conventional front grill, reflecting the positioning of the radiator to a more "normal" position, just ahead of the engine block.^[1] (This also meant an end to the prominent "gills" just ahead of the doors on the sides of the hood/bonnet that had formerly directed air onto the radiator.)

In 1931 the new engine is more powerful with 33HP and new grill.

In 1933 ceased the production and the car was replaced by the Renault Primastella.

Types

RY1: Produced in 1929 (radiator behind engine).
RY2: Produced between 1929 and 1931
RY3: Produced between 1931 and 1932
RY4: Produced between 1932 and 1933

Characteristics

Speed: 90 km/h
Power: 26HP (8 CV) initially, 33HP (8CV) later versions
Brakes: Cable controlled drum brakes on all four wheels
Battery: 6 V

External links

website with more info on the Monastella

Sources and notes

1 2 3 4 "Automobilia". Toutes les Voitures Françaises 1929 (Salon [Oct] 1928). Vol. 84s. Paris: Histoire & collections. 2006. p. 77.

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[Automobilia1929-1] 1 2 3 4 "Automobilia". Toutes les Voitures Françaises 1929 (Salon [Oct] 1928). Vol. 84s. Paris: Histoire & collections. 2006. p. 77.

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