Partnered by Charles Deutsch, Rene Bonnet formed Automobiles DB in 1949, building a highly successful series of Panhard-based, Le Mans class-winning sports prototypes. In 1961 they split, Deutsch continuing with Panhard-based cars while Bonnet turned to Renault, creating the stylish Djet, one of the first ever mid-engined road cars, though most examples ended up on the racetrack.

The Djet’s 1,100cc Renault engine produced 70bhp (95bhp in Gordini tune), while beneath the typically slippery glassfibre coachwork there was a tubular spaceframe chassis, all round independent suspension and four-wheel disc brakes. A French motoring milestone, the Djet continued after Matra acquired Rene Bonnet in 1964.

Bonham’s Sale of #1148

Jean-Pierre Beltoise’s racing career began in Rene Bonnet cars and he acquired this example from a French industrialist in 1981. Finished in British Racing Green with matching leather interior, the car was restored by Rene’s nephew Georges Bonnet in the early 1980s and is presented in excellent condition. The odometer shows 74913 km, very likely to be original considering the condition.

At their Les Grandes Marques a Monaco in 2005, Bonhams sold the 24-hours Race-Winning 670B. The top bid was 15 000 EU (19 000 USD).

Story by Bonhams 1793 Limited & Supercars.net

In Detail

submitted by	Richard Owen
production years	1962 – 1964
production	150
engine	Renualt Inline-4
fuel feed	Zenith 32NDIX
displacement	1100 cc / 67.1 in³
bore	70 mm / 2.76 in
stroke	72 mm / 2.83 in
power	48.5 kw / 65 bhp @ 5800 rpm
specific output	59.09 bhp per litre
bhp/weight	108.33 bhp per tonne
torque	76.6 nm / 56.5 ft lbs @ 3200 rpm
body / frame	Fiberglass Body over Tubulur Steel Spaceframe
front brakes	Discs
rear brakes	Discs
curb weight	600 kg / 1323 lbs
top speed	~165 kph / 102.5 mph

Auction Sales History