1967 RENAULT 16

Background

When it launched in 1965, the Renault 16 was a real game changer. Its innovative and quirky two box design allowed for acres of cabin space, making it a very practical and more up market family car. The forward-looking concept was a true five door hatchback, allowing the Renault 16 the accolade of being one of the world’s first ever production hatchbacks. Under the bonnet resided a lively 1470cc four-cylinder aluminium engine which was coupled to a column change four-speed manual gearbox. There were even disc brakes on the front. The Renault 16 on sale with The Market is a rare 1967 RHD survivor that looks to be in very nice condition indeed.

The Vehicle

This very tidy-looking Renault 16 was first registered on the 2nd March 1967. It is powered by the compact all aluminium 1470cc engine and has benefited from an upgrade to a 5 speed gearbox from a later TX version of the R16. It has had just 5 owners from new, which is pretty low for a 56 year old motor.

On the Outside

Today the Renault 16 looks like no other car on the road. It is a typically French design that has some clever design details, the super-practical hatch back being the most impressive.

The car’s red paint presents very nicely in the photos with a nice deep shine, which is off-set by its equally shiny chrome trim, which all looks to be present and intact. A nice touch is the Renault 16 side badge on the rear wings, which gives it a sporty look.

The rest of the car’s exterior looks very sharp in the photos and would no doubt turn many heads as it wafts down the road on its noted magic carpet ride.

On the Inside

The Renault 16 was offered with vinyl seat trims and this example’s black trim looks very presentable indeed. The seats look to be in very nice condition, with some wear evident on the driver’s bolster, and the door cards are clean and straight.

The dashboard also presents very nicely and is a lovely example of 1960s simplicity. There’s little to distract the driver here, with the dials and instruments oozing Gallic character.

There are nice touches as well, such as the front arm rest that is shared by the driver and passenger and the radio and single speaker mounted in the centre console.

One of the handwritten notes in the history file states that new carpet was fitted at some point.

Moving to the rear, the bench seat looks very spacious indeed with plenty of leg room. The addition of seat belts in the back (also fitted up front) is a welcome addition for those wishing to bring their kids or younger relatives along for a spin. There’s even an arm rest in the back which adds to the more upmarket feel of the R16.

There are a few marks and scratches on the seat trim, but these do not distract from the charm. The headliner also appears to be clean and mostly intact in the photos, with a small tear and a small hole which are shown in the photos below.

Moving to the car’s signature feature, the hatchback, this allows for easy access to a spacious boot, which as shown in the photos has plenty of room for a whole host of R16 parts. Replace those with a set of weekend getaway bags or a picnic set and there should still be plenty of room for some shopping.

Underneath

Under the bonnet the engine bay presents very nicely indeed and is in fresh clean condition. The 1.4 litre unit sits quite far back with the gearbox mounted towards the front of the car. It is not quite mid-engined, but it was a clever move by Renault to improve the car’s weight distribution.

We expect the upgrade to the TX 5-speed gearbox over the original 4-speed improves this R16’s drivability and no doubt allows for much improved cruising and lower engine revs on the open road.

On the underside this R16 appears to be very tidy indeed and presents in good condition. There is evidence of underside repairs being carried out in the past, which are documented in the history file. The information in the file suggests the repairs were carried out in 2004. There are also copies of photos which document some of the repairs carried out to the underside.

History Highlights

The R16 comes with a selection of invoices detailing its maintenance over the years. There are a few hand written notes which document an engine rebuild, the fitment of a later type steering rack, the installation of new drive shafts and shock absorbers and the upgrade to the Mk1 TX gearbox.

Also in the history file is the current V5C along with the original Buff Logbook. There is also peace of mind for the new owner with a valid MOT Certificate until 8th June 2023, with no advisories.

There are also a selection of old tax discs and expired MOT certificates included in the history file, along with a Haynes workshop manual.

The R16 also comes with a selection of spares which are presented in the boot photos. No doubt these will be a welcome boon for the new owner.

What We Think

This 1967 Renault 16 is a charming car that looks like nothing else on the road today. It is a remarkably practical family classic, one that can still function today as it was first intended when it was named European Car of the year in 1965. This example looks like it has been well cared for by its previous owners. And with few R16s left on the road today, the chances of bumping into another are quite slim, especially one in RHD. We think could well be a great buy for someone looking for something a bit different. We estimate that it will sell for between £4,000-£7,000, and is offered at no reserve, so the highest bid will take it.

Viewing is always encouraged, and this particular car is located with us at The Market HQ near Abingdon; we are open weekdays 9am-5pm, to arrange an appointment please use the Contact Seller button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.

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