Perhaps if a Renault LeCar joined the RustyButTrusty fleet, the desire to feature every one that comes up for sale would diminish. That said, even after a Lancia Beta came and went, the attraction to the theory is still there, even if the reality is not as compelling. And these were best-sellers in France and many other parts of the world, so how bad could it be? Anyhow, enough blathering, check out this 1978 Renault LeCar for sale in Glendale, CA for a relatively high $3800.
It’s not clear how many Renault LeCars were sold in North America, and you don’t see many on the road, but it’s interesting to see the regularity with which they show up in online listing sites. While there is no available sales breakdown, Renault’s overall sales increased by a factor of six during the LeCar’s US run, so it must have had some impact. While it only had 58hp, the comfortable seats, torsion bar suspension, and long wheelbase did their thing to give the car a comfortable ride. No doubt this must have been frustrating for Renault’s US sales and marketing team – they were giving Americans the ride quality to which they were accustomed, along with the fuel economy they needed, and yet they failed to beat out the Japanese and Germans (nevermind the Americans’ own efforts). Anyhow, if you’re in the market for a smoooooth ride and great fuel economy, you’ll want to check out this 1982 Renault LeCar for sale in Ann Arbor, MI, with bidding at $1877, reserve not met and less than one day left to go.
Based on the Renault 8, which itself was based on the Dauphine of 1956, the 1965-71 Renault 10 received the Caravelle’s 1108cc engine, and benefited from a larger nose (insert inappropriate French stereotype here) in which the owner could store more luggage. The interesting thing about this car is the engines available in its little brother, including a 1255cc engine with an impressive 103hp – this when the Alfa Romeo GTA 1300 Junior Stradale had 96-110hp, depending on spec. The car itself definitely has a funky which-way-is-it-going vibe, which would actually make it a great sleeper, providing you can keep the front wheels on the ground. Check out this 1969 Renault 10 for sale in Alliance (really!), OH for $1500.
Rusty But Trusty 