Renault 19 Convertible

[RENOMAD]

For some unknown reason I have an urge the acquire another on of Le Regies finest!....Anybody have any experience of these rag tops and what to look out for. They seem tremendious value to me but whats the difference between a 500 and 1500 quid car as price seems to vary somewhat. Most of the 500 quid cars look every bit as good as the more expensive ones!

John

[CreepingJesus]

Nice cars, those. Especially in blue, with the 16v alloys.

Anyway, back from dreamland... I worked on a couple of these back in the day.

There's nothing different to a tin top 19 to worry about, mechanically. They might have been the Heuliez-built ones, and it was a decent job - it should be sealed well above the screen, so any water marks are a bad sign.

The hood itself looked pretty well made, but there's plenty of specialists to repair/renovate one of them anyway. There was, I'm sure, also an optional electric fold available on the better models, which could be pricey to fix.

The main thing to check will be the shell reinforcement bars - IIRC they're tucked in behind the inner sill, and run most of the way along.

Still, they're great cars - one of the few of the type I'd actually buy - and there's still quite a few about. Probly a good time to buy. Good luck.

[25v6turbo]

I used to drive them brand new and always remember how much slower they seemed compared with the all steel 16V,and they used the bang down draincovers etc,the ride was very stiff...

Only buy a 16v and maybe if you can with leather,they are out there and quite cheap i agree buy one now if you can find a good one,watch out for boy racers and rusty rear arches.