Renault Monastella

Renault produced the Renault Monastella, a tiny luxury automobile, between late 1928 and 1933. It shared the Renault Monasix's technical parts and bodywork choices but was distinguished by higher levels of finish and accessories. The Monastella was a more opulent version of the Monasix, which debuted at the 1927 Paris Motor Show. The 8CV Monastella debuted in 1929 at the October 1928 motor exhibition, powered by a tiny 1476 cc 6-cylinder engine. Apart from the greater equipment levels, it was distinguished from the Monasix by a plaque that said "carrosserie STELLA": at a period when car names seldom went beyond describing engine size and type, this badge emphasised the manufacturer's determination to distinguish the two.

Initially, the radiator was located behind the engine, which was the standard configuration for Renault engine compartments throughout most of the 1920s. However, Renault relocated the radiator to a more standard position ahead of the engine, and by the time of the next motor show, in October 1929, all Renaults, including the Monastella, had lost the old "wind-cutter" grill-free front panel in favour of a conventional front grill, reflecting the radiator's positioning to a more "normal" position ahead of the engine block. In 1931, the new engine had 33 horsepower and a redesigned grille. The car's manufacture was halted in 1933, and it was replaced by the Renault Primastella.