We've got a live one here..

[Pete-M]

After nearly 25 years of hunting one down, I've managed to find a tidy Renault 30 TX. 68k miles, been off the road since the late 80's / early 90's. Needs recommisioning, a new back box, trim and bumpers putting back on and a few little bits and bobs here and there. Need to flush the fuel tank, etc.

 

I is a happy bunny.

 

For those of you who're not sure what a R30 is, this is identical to the one I've just bought (spec wise), except mine has headlamp wash / wipe.

 

[whitevanman]

always had a soft spot for these, though I am mostly anti frogmotor now

[Mr_Bo11ox]

Not getting it off a certain 'Darren Bowker' are you?

[Pete-M]

No, this chap has had it in his garage for about 18 years.

[mouseflakes]

Blimey! Good work - how did you manage to find it? What year is it?My TS was a chance buy quite few years back - I wasn't mad keen at the time - just always owned old Renaults (never a 30 though) and was surprised to find one. However - I've grown to love it, they really are a super drive (if you like the old French style of motoring). I'd choose it over a 16 any time - much simpler to look after.Enjoy it!

[Pete-M]

It's a "W" reg 30 TX.Silver with blue velour trim, TRX wheels, original "Turnolock" stereo, unmarked interior, even the wood dash is still tidy.Needs the wheels refurbing and a lot of TLC but it's worthwhile..

[mirafioriman]

Nothing beats that feeling of excitement when you get offered the car of your dreams! I can still remember the buzz of finding my 130, 131s, 132's and the Argenta!

[RENOMAD]

Well done there lad -----a very nice find . I am sure that there are many cars around just lying there just waiting to get the kiss of life,but unfortunately there are just as many people out there that would rather try bringing their cars to the grave sooner than see someone else get enjoyment out of it

[RedSparrow]

Nice - Well done!Yes its a tragedy how many families will inheirit a motor thats been hidden in a garage for years as part of an estate and send it straight to the scrappy...

[Pete-M]

Brought it home today, thought you may be interested in seeing some pics of it emerging from the garage..

 

 

Front reg plate removed so I could use the straight bar without worrying about the plate being damaged.

 

 

I'm looking forwards to this. Just been through the receipts with it and it seems to be an easy enough job to get it back on the road.

[Ratdat]

Wowzers, that looks mint!

[fordpoplier]

Fantastic find! Car looks great.

[andrew e]

Why bumperless? Looks grand mind

[Mr Lobster]

Congratulations, that looks mint! Where did you find it?

[pogweasel]

Wonderful!!

[Guest]

I can't remember seeing one of those, ever! Lovely proportions, looks a good one.

[Pete-M]

Why bumperless? Looks grand mind

Bumpers are in it. It was repainted just before it went into storage and it's not been reassembled completely yet. They could do with being rechromed, but they're not bad really. Not bad at all for a 28 year old Renault...

[Baz]

Not getting it off a certain 'Darren Bowker' are you?

Message to Pete: In R20/R30 circles, it's almost inevitable that you'll encounter the weasely little ponce....DON'T GIVE HIM ANY MONEY!

 

I bought a car off him once....Allegedly

 

Love the R30 by the way!

[Renault18]

I have seen the photos. . .and I'm off for a cold shower.(Previous owner didn't have a matching 1981 R18LS Estate waiting to be saved did they

[mouseflakes]

Looks superb! I deeply regret not picking up a silver/blue 1977 TS many years back (before I had my current one). No space at home and no Autoshite to spur me on to get it back then. Didn't know what I was missing did I? If I knew then what I know now I woudn't have hesitated. You will enjoy it Pete. Auto or manual by the way?

[pogweasel]

I can't remember seeing one of those, ever! Lovely proportions, looks a good one.

Really? Although never prevalent, they were certainly 'about'.Our neighbour had an R30 when I was a lad, super luxury and cool especially compared to the R20 my dad had...

[Split_Pin]

Lovely!I'm the same on not recalling seeing one in the past though - remember the 20 well though.Looking forward the the work in progress pics

[Pete-M]

few more pics for you

 

[Albert Ross]

You 4 wheel towed a Renault Auto? I do hope you didn't kill anything in the box!

[mouseflakes]

Looks superb!Blue interior is a cracker.I'm currently carrying out minor welding repairs to the corners of my 30 - don't think it'll ever look as fine as that though - can't run to a full respray sadly.

[Pete-M]

You 4 wheel towed a Renault Auto? I do hope you didn't kill anything in the box!

Not the only one, according to the handbook it's ok as long as you don't go over 18 mph or further than 30 miles.I went a little bit quicker (stuck to under 30), but for about 10 miles. Fluid and box were cold when it got home, so it should be ok. Hopefully. Maybe.After 19 years standing I doubt a gentle tow will have killed it...

[AnthonyG]

Thats a honey ! Good luck getting her back on the road!

[Mr_Bo11ox]

I once towing-dollied a MR2 Automatic from gretna to gloucester and the auto box didnt seem to mind!This R30 is an amazing find, heartening to know such treasures are still out there waiting to be discovered. How did you track it down?

[garethj]

You 4 wheel towed a Renault Auto? I do hope you didn't kill anything in the box!

Not the only one, according to the handbook it's ok as long as you don't go over 18 mph or further than 30 miles.

The guideline was 30 miles at less than 30mph when my dad used to work for Borg Warners.Cool motah, I remember loads of the kitcar magazines saying a R30 transaxle was used for the juicier mid engined kits in the 80s, were they used in the Lotus Esprit too? Perhaps yours being an auto saved it from being parted out 20 years ago.

[Spottedlaurel]

That's great to see! Such a different way of making an executive luxo-barge to the Japanese Cedrics, Laurels etc I'm used to.I can't recall many 20/30s from my youth, certainly no specific examples anyway.