Renault 12 van

[RustbucketP6]

Did you know they sold a Renault 12 van in the UK? I found an old news article about it - which I assume comes from the late 1970s?http://www.roadtransport.com/blogs/truc ... vival.htmlSorry I have diverted you to my blog again - but like I explained in my Lada calendar entry I'm trying to boost my blog figures in the hope that I will one day get a raise at work - which will enable me to buy another Peugeot 504!

[wuvvum]

I believe Mr Bickle has one in his extensive collection?

[mouseflakes]

Named in France the 'Société' I believe?Mr Bucket - a diversion to your blog is always a pleasurable one. No matter what your views on the all-round wonderful R12.

I think its safe to say that this can be added to our list of crap CVs, although some of my friends on www.autoshite.co.uk may well disagree.

[Baz]

Named in France the 'Société' I believe?

And also known as....

 

 

....Somewhere!

 

I think its safe to say that this can be added to our list of crap CVs, although some of my friends on www.autoshite.co.uk may well disagree.

PAH!!!!

[nigel bickle]

Funny youmention that Wuvvum -as its 'developing nicely'.I do indeed have a 12 van -a curious beast -I imported from mid France -basically an estate with over panelled sides. I had fitted a 5 Gordini turbo engine -but was stymied by the turbo needing the same space as the suspension! And so it sat till 10 days ago -when I helped Paul Godfrey scrap a rusted out 12 estate 4 by 4- and bought the relevant partsDifferent gearbox- 2 levers to move in and out 4 wheel drive, a different rear axle -apparently modified by Simca, gear levers, trans tunnel with a nice little 4 by 4 light, propshaft etc etc.So-I will shortly be converting the van to an 'original' 4 by 4 renault.(Seemingly they made a dozen Estate versions -but never a van). I intend to use a 17 engine -if i can find one, or if pushed- after I fit a 21t engine to my 17- and use that- apparently its a near straight fit -better than the 5 anyway!By pure chance- I have the 12 Estate sitting on the dolly outside- moving it into store for the winter...Small world

[nigel bickle]

Here it is -awaiting resto!

[michiel]

Way to go Nigel! Is that an 850 Spider next to it?

 

 

That'll be us! Bestel or bestelauto = van.

[mouseflakes]

Mr Bickle - you are a hero!What a fantastic machine the R12 (Gordini) 4 x 4 van will be!I recently gave away all my R17 engines, else you could have had one of those. Can you post any piccies of the estate (is it the pale blue one Mr Godfrey had)?

[mk2_craig]

 

So by implication there were perhaps only 12 RHD examples ever built. Chances of one surviving = NIL

[nigel bickle]

Hi guys -yes that is an 850 spider. Given me free- if I moved it within 12 hrs from a 'bolt hole' it had been in for 12 years. Rustfree and complete- but mechanically shot. Wont be too difficult -when I get around to it....Bit disinterested- my now portly figure makes it a bit of a squeeze...The 12 estate was bought from a chap near Poole. Was originally intended to be spares for the van -but its too good to break. The roof and bonnet are suffering from sun damage, a few more bits of rot here and there -but basically a nice one. Green 'R' plate -with a replacement blue o/s front wing -I needed it out of the way to have a shift around. Only the cost of tax stops me getting it out at pres- might use it next spring....

[Dukestar25]

nigel bickle wrote:

What's this in the foreground? looks like a mega-rare Mitsubishi Celeste or 'Mustang wannabe' Celica mk1. Do tell...

[MrRegieRitmo]

nigel bickle wrote:

What's this in the foreground? looks like a mega-rare Mitsubishi Celeste or 'Mustang wannabe' Celica mk1. Do tell...

I'm going to assume it's one of his Renault 17's!

[nigel bickle]

Right first time Regie -awaiting time to MOT/tax .

[ChinaTom]

The number plate lamps and reversing lights on that 12 look like they came off a 5. Is this how they were? I don;t recall the 12 Estates ever having them.Edit: Just seen them on the B&W photo of the dealer vans. Obviously original.

[nigel bickle]

And my estate has 'em too!

[Dukestar25]

nigel bickle wrote:

What's this in the foreground? looks like a mega-rare Mitsubishi Celeste or 'Mustang wannabe' Celica mk1. Do tell...

I'm going to assume it's one of his Renault 17's!

Ok, so I only got the 'mega-rare' bit right

[MrRegieRitmo]

Hey Regie -did you realise that 2 of the cars 'out front' at pres are indeed Standards? The Estate (called a Companion) passed its first MOT in 7 years yesterday (somewhat shocked to notice on the V5c that I've owned it since 1977!) and the saloon -a Pennant is gradually being prepared.And hidden behind the Trannie -a 1937 Flying 9, mid 'up date' -6-to 12 volt, plus the addition of hidden indicators (- semaphores are just no good in this day and age) and a hidden elec fuel pump -the original mechanical is a bit lazy.That'll be out shortly -too, hopefully!

No I didn't! Not really surprising though, as there can't be much you haven't got / have had! Maybe I subconciously took it in if you mentioned them before, as they're a bit old for my liking and it's a bit of a coincidence otherwise!I passed yours today, just to see what was new (it's a fun game!). What's happening to your metallic green R12 estate, is it off on a little adventure? Nothing serious I hope, it's one of my favourites of yours, not least because of the colour, & I've never seen it move before! I saw your FSO pickup more clearly now too! Is that leaving soon?

[nigel bickle]

12's gone intoo store for winter -virtually MOTable -but I dont fancy paying Tax on it yet...Pickup is awaiting collection -from Wigan! -after selling for a pittance on the 'Bay. not really bothered if he doesnt collect- I'll just put it away with the rest -till'1 day' finally arrives!MG Midget, 17 and early 127 out shortly.

[MrRegieRitmo]

Do you have to take them far to store them?

[nigel bickle]

Depends where. My barns -about 25 miles. Local storage- 4.

[mouseflakes]

I'm just bumping this, 'cos the latest entries in Mr Buckets blog are bally hilarious (especially 'Small Lunchbox').Go on, add it to your favourites. I have.http://www.roadtransport.com/blogs/truck-and-van-blog/

[the02shed]

Nigel, I would just like to say that I too love your house ( or rather the things parked outside/ around it, though I'm sure the actual house if fine too) and have taken to detouring past it whenever I drive thru that village you live in! A great game!

[nigel bickle]

Well thank you kind Sir. All change at the moment as I tidy the front up a bit. FSO pickup goes tomorrow, Transit comes out -so I can get the doors open enough to weld a floor in, MG goes for an MOT this or next MOnday (I have a 'standing'MOT time -8am Mondays- usually used!) and now I have to find a new engine for the Mrs' Fiat Coupe that I spectacularily grenaded on the M40 yesterday! If you see me out there- say hello - everyone else does!! Late Sunday pms I often get a few other 'old boys' turn up for a cuppa and a chat...

[michiel]

Hey, Arundel? We had a holiday in Brighton when I was eight, very much into castles not cars back then, so the visit to Arundel was brilliant.

[nigel bickle]

Yep a nice part of the world. I'm sandwiched between the castles and the sea -but far enough away from oth to avoid tourists and sea spray!Welcome -if you ever whizz over.

[michiel]

Cheers! I do want to spend some time in the UK next year, so who knows...

[nigel bickle]

You can bring over a purchase. -bound to make one by then!

[michiel]

[mouseflakes]

I'm bumping this again as the latest entry in mr bucket's blog has some nice old British vans spotted in Malta - looky look!