By Classic Yorkshire contributor Tony Lofthouse
This year, the French carmaker is celebrating 125 years in business.
The company began when aspiring engineer Louis Renault, moved from developing several prototypes to the sale of his first car, the Renault Voiturette 1CV, helped by his brothers Marcel and Fernand.
Today, Renault is revered for its design and quality and produces over 1.5 million vehicles a year worldwide.
To mark their milestone I’ve picked five classic models that made their mark before 2000.
Renault 4
Prompted by the success of the Citroen 2CV, Renault would take the same road with the roll out of the R4. Launched in 1961, this boxy hatchback become known for its affordability, practicality and straightforward design.
It came with engine options ranging from 600cc to 1100cc and in 31 years sold over 8 million units.
Renault 5
In 1972 Renault came up with the 4’s replacement, the R5. It was billed as a car for young people and pitched at the lucrative ‘supermini’ market. The car came with a choice of 782cc and 956cc engines and its wraparound plastic bumpers was a masterstroke.
The car’s success would lead to a series of ‘hot hatches’ including the GT Turbo and Alpine Turbo. The R5 became France’s best selling car and ‘clocked up’ over 9 million sales.
Renault 16
Unveiled in 1965, the R16 was the first family-sized hatchback with ample interior and luggage space. Within a year, it was crowned European Car of the Year – the first French car to achieve the honour.
Initially, the R16 came with a 1.5 litre engine but further revamps featured upgrades. In 1973, the 16TX came with a gutsy 1647cc engine and five-speed transmission.
Over 14 years, Renault produced 1.8 million R16s with half going for export.
Alpine
The Alpine sports car is synonymous with Renault and its success on the track! Notably, the A110 chalked up rally victories all over Europe, including winning the Monte Carlo Rally and the World Rally Championship in 1973.
Then in 1971, the striking but heavier A310 came along, fitted with a 1.6 four-cylinder engine taken from the Renault 16 TS. A much more powerful 2.7 litre V6 engine was available from 1976 but this couldn’t recreate the magic of the revered A110.
Renault Caravelle
My last pick is the Caravelle convertible sports car. Made between 1958 and 1968 this was a fabulous looking car with distinctive Italian styling.
Originally, the car was powered by a modest 956cc rear-mounted engine but a more powerful 1.1 litre unit was added in 1963. By the mid-sixties the car was showing its age and in the UK cheaper cars like the homegrown Spitfire were taking the market.
Whilst Renault has enhanced its global reputation with motorsports success, the company has built its business around delivering affordable small hatches and hot hatches alongside big selling family-sized motors. Long may it continue.
Do you have a favourite Renault? If so, why not share your pick by leaving a comment at the end of this story?