Mini Road Test: Renualt 5 Mk1 dash-change

[dollywobbler]

Inspired by Pete-M's Senator thread, here's a quick review of a much-missed supermini. A 1973 Renault 5L.

 

First off, I apologise for the poor pics. I loved this little car but seem to have spent no time at all taking any photos of it. I don't even have any interior or engine bay shots at all! Perhaps Mr Bickle, the current owner, could supply some? (please!)

 

Here's a photo of it next to a Ferrari Daytona, which I think highlights the skill of Michel Boué who designed Renault's little hatchback. Frankly, the Ferrari looks a bit clunky by comparison (I didn't get to drive the Ferrari, both cars were featured in a book).

 

Where the Renault really wins me over is with its pert little arse. Considering hatchbacks were something pretty new, the Renault 5 is astonishingly well styled.

 

But this is a road test, so here goes.

 

This 5 features a dashboard gearchange. As a 2CV owner, it took some getting used to as the pattern is conventional (to the left and forward for first etc). The gear mechanism is basically a rod that goes over the top of the engine to the front-mounted gearbox. It's surprisingly accurate and easy to use. The footwell is quite cramped, because the engine eats into the footwell area, rather like a DS. The controls and instruments are nicely laid out though.

 

With 845cc of sheer power, the 5 isn't that brisk, though it feels a little nippier than a 2CV due to more torque. Sadly, it's rather short on gearing and while the 2CV will scream along at 70mph, the 5 feels hard-worked at 60. The crankshaft has only three bearings and it's not very refined at speed. Settle down to a slower pace though and it's really rather jolly. The engine hums, the steering is nice and accurate and the all-drum brakes have good stopping power.

 

It rolls on the bends, if not as comically as a 2CV then not that far off. The ride is very different though. Bouncy torsion springs lack control (maybe it had worn dampers) and with bouncy seats too, undulating Fenland roads are best taken with consideration. I once got carried away and smacked my head on the roof.

 

Overall, the 5 is incredibly charming, especially in this earliest incarnation. Massively practical too, though as can be seen, they do like to rot.

[wuvvum]

I still wish I'd bought that car when it came up on RR a few years ago. Still, at least it went to a good home.

[Split_Pin]

I enjoyed that

 

I have a book on the 5 but theres only a short section on an early 5 reg'd SAY339M.

 

Glad to see yours is still in good hands (and no doubt company with the 14)

[michael t]

well written and lovely little car, its just struck me how much a rover SD1 looks like the Daytona (well i suppose it was designed to look like it )

[dollywobbler]

Aye. I was sad to see it go. Had I a barn, this would be in it. Probably with that R21 Monaco I got from Lanktim. I'd love to know where that is now.