My grandfather, James Broadbent Haigh, 1874-1923. Date of photo?

[Robert Haigh]

My grandfather, James Broadbent Haigh (1874-1923) was a chauffeur and gardener for a businessman in Bradford, West Yorkshire, England. I wonder if anyone can tell me when this photo was taken? He died in June 1923, aged 48. The car may give a clue, and he looks to be in his 40s in the photo. The number ...C1-84529 is on the back of the photo, which may or may not mean anything. My own feeling is that the photo dates from pre-1920, but I don't really know.

[Treetotal]

Hi Robert and welcome to RootsChat, I'm no expert on cars but this will bring your post back up the board.
Carol

[Annbee]

I am not a car expert either, but if no-one answers on Rootschat, if you google "antique automobile club UK" you will find lots of clubs who will be able to help identify the car. It looks quite distinctive with it's round front bonnet - and if the owner can afford your grandfather to drive around his golf clubs, it's probably top of the range!

[Robert Haigh]

I am not a car expert either, but if no-one answers on Rootschat, if you google "antique automobile club UK" you will find lots of clubs who will be able to help identify the car. It looks quite distinctive with it's round front bonnet - and if the owner can afford your grandfather to drive around his golf clubs, it's probably top of the range!

Thanks for the advice. I appreciate any helpful hint!

[Robert Haigh]

Hi Robert and welcome to RootsChat, I'm no expert on cars but this will bring your post back up the board.
Carol

Thank you for the welcome, and for the goodwill gesture!

[arthurk]

The bonnet shape reminds me of a pre-WW1 Renault, but there may be other possibilities. See for example this 1910 AX Tourer:

https://cars.bonhams.com/auction/21902/lot/380/1910-renault-ax-tourer-chassis-no-22353-engine-no-1887/

[Robert Haigh]

The bonnet shape reminds me of a pre-WW1 Renault, but there may be other possibilities. See for example this 1910 AX Tourer:

https://cars.bonhams.com/auction/21902/lot/380/1910-renault-ax-tourer-chassis-no-22353-engine-no-1887/

Thanks for your input. I've had a look at your Renault-ax-tourer and there are definite similarities in the bonnet and some of the fittings. Probably a later model in my photo, but still pre-1920 I'm thinking. I appreciate your help!

[arthurk]

Having looked into this a bit more now, I'm pretty sure it is a Renault, but I think you're probably right about it being during or a bit after WW1. Many of the earlier models didn't have much in the way of doors, and the radiator surround seems to have been more angular. Too far into the 1920s, though, and the 'coal scuttle' bonnet became much squarer.

This site (in French) has pictures of a lot of the models of that era:

https://renaultheque.wordpress.com/2014/11/30/renault-1910-a-1914/

https://renaultheque.wordpress.com/2014/11/30/renault-1915-a-1919/

https://renaultheque.wordpress.com/2014/11/30/renault-1920-a-1924/

Of the ones there, I wondered about a 1916 FK, but I could be wrong. Have fun!

[Annbee]

Of the ones there, I wondered about a 1916 FK

Good find Arthurk. I think you're right, 1912-1916 from the images. From 1916 I fancy the 1916 H20 model because it has those square cowl lights on the side. Must have square cowl lights and healthy gap from windscreen to where the curved bonnet starts.

I also saw a couple of other contenders from earlier based on square cowl etc.

When I went on an image hunt yesterday, all I could find with a curved bonnet was Renault too.

Apparently it was the deluxe cars which came with cowl lights; regular cars didn't and you'd have to pay extra if you wanted them. I'm not a car person. The things you learn  (But I did once own a Renault Gordini)