To fully appreciate the significance of this fine motorcar, we must begin with a brief history lesson.

Born on 29th September 1904, Sir Sadiq Muhammad Khan Abbasi V was the final ruler (Nawab) of Bahawalpur, a Punjab princely state of the British Raj pre-Partition, which later joined the Dominion of Pakistan. The last Nawab served with the British Indian Army, fighting the Third Afghan War of 1919, aged just fifteen, and later commanded forces in the Middle East during the Second World War. Supported by Britain's Empire, knighted and received personally by King George V, Abbasi was an important figure during this pivotal point in South Asian history.

He also loved cars.

The Bahawalpur City archives list no fewer than seventy-one motor vehicles in the Nawab's personal collection. He was a great admirer of Rolls-Royce in particular, owning thirteen in total. Car & Classic is delighted to offer one of its bespoke commissions: this 1925 Renault 40CV. With its enormous 9.1-litre engine and prestigious clientele that included French Presidents, this model was the preserve of only the wealthiest motorists. Abbasi's car is a bespoke right-hand drive limousine with limousine coachwork by Windover.

 As a unique vehicle with royal provenance and likely the sole survivor of its kind, this 1925 Renault 40CV Type MC Limousine offers a special opportunity to acquire a fascinating relic from the pre-Partition Subcontinent.

Look at any manufacturer's forecourt today, and it's unlikely any of the shiny new cars you see parked outside will be around in twenty years' time, let alone one hundred. It's quite remarkable to think how incredibly old this car is. The fact that it has survived all these years with its original coachwork intact is simply remarkable; there may not be another car of this specification anywhere else on Earth.

It's clear that this Renault has undergone restorative works in the past. While exact details are lacking, its current condition is a testament to the impressive state of the car's preservation.

Don't be deceived by its stately demeanour. As part of the 40CV model range, which won the 1925 Monte Carlo Rally and set a 24-hour 108.12 average world speed record at Montlhéry in 1926, this was a high-performance motor car. Powered by a 9.1-litre straight-six producing approximately 140 horsepower, this limousine boasts usable performance and reportedly drives very well.

BEFORE YOU BUY 

This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following: 

✓ The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions.. 

✓ We request that a non-refundable fee  be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates. 

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