Economy cars are, for the most part, soulless and boring, but every so often some fun manages to sneak its way into one. Depending on your perspective, the Renault LeCar was in the soulless category, but perhaps you’ve forgotten the spare mounted over the engine, the tremendous amount of interior room for its size, the spartan gauge pod and switch panel for a dashboard, or the optional ragtop. So if you’re willing to reconsider your point of view in light of those facts, check out this 1979 Renault LeCar for sale for $4000 in Eugene, OR.
Refrigerator white with black trim actually looks pretty good on this car, and while the common LeCar graphics on the door bottoms are cool, the car looks very clean without them. It almost looks like it’s been lowered a bit. Also notice the wipers don’t seem to park properly. Said to have 59,000 miles and a leak-proof ragtop, you’ll probably want to verify both those things.
It’s got new carpet, reupholstered seats, and new tires, along with a fairly recent budget paint job. Why would anyone remove headrests from a car seat? Wanting a period look is understandable, but these came with headrests from day one in North America, and is it worth risking whiplash? White piping is also an interesting choice for a base spec econo car, while the rear seats appear stock.
There does appear to be some overspray in this shot, but having a nice, clean interior will go miles towards having your spouse/parent/other skeptical family member ride in your French oddball. If it’s in good mechanical shape, perhaps this could be your next fresh-air commuter.
Rusty But Trusty 
November 15, 2015 at 6:24 am |
Not a car I’ve ever had much desire to own. I do remember seeing them new on the showroom floor when I was a kid with my dad when he was car shopping. Impressive that someone has put forth the effort to maintain this one to present day. I’d still opt for a 205 instead though 🙂
November 15, 2015 at 12:09 pm |
The very first car I bought with my own money was a 1979 LeCar in yellow, with black interior (natch) and sunroof. I can attest to the sunroof being water proof, even through an automated car wash – as long as you remember the side tabs to secure it.
Mine was tremendously reliable. The one and only issue I had was a failed master cylinder, which took some time to piece together a rebuild kit from spares at the local NAPA since both the replacement and the kit were NLA even in 1990.
Fantastic high school car, as you feel like you’re going fast (you’re not) and like you’re cornering quickly (you’re actually leaning WAY over) plus the mileage is astronomical.
I miss mine still.
November 19, 2015 at 11:38 pm |
These are more rare than a Renault Caravelle- yet so much cooler. I’ve been in the hunt for a yellow, green or orange LeCar/R5 for years. The one presented looks pretty good but odd choices with that upholstery head-rest issue. Still, it seems to be gone- poof!