Introduced in 1972, the original Renault 5 was one of the world’s first superminis and was a brilliant piece of design.

Indeed, it looked so good that when it was replaced in 1985, it was hard to tell the difference between the original model and the vehicle that replaced it.

Known as the “Supercinq” and sold alongside the original for the first couple of years, the new R5 was transverse-engined and much more modern under the skin, but the trapezoid profile and distinctive front end of the original were unmistakably apparent in the new car’s styling - a clear case of “If it ain't broke don't fix it”.

The second generation 5 had a shorter innings than the original, though it did remain on sale until the mid-1990s alongside the Clio that replaced it, with the 5 being sold as a budget alternative.

The trim levels were rationalised at the same time, with most 5s being the standard ‘Prima’ model, which is what we have here. It's a 1.4-litre automatic with a fairly well-documented history and a genuine low mileage.

The R5  was supplied new by Bass Rock Garage in Edinburgh and it remained in Scotland right up until last year, which in many ways makes its overall condition all the more astonishing given the Scottish climate.

It has had just four owners, the first two of whom were related, and was acquired by the vendor earlier this year to be added to his vast collection. Sadly due to unforeseen indoor storage issues this little one is now outside so the decision has been made to reduce the collection and hand over ownership of cherished cars like these to someone who can care for and appreciate them.

There is a folder full of bills supplied with the car, along with a tax disc holder and a document wallet from the original supplying dealer.

Many of the receipts are from a local garage that looked after the car for a very long time, while later ones for items such as tyres and brake pads are from a High Street chain. There are also several old MOTs included with the car, along with a key ring also from the supplying dealer.

The Renault comes with the UK V5C and an MOT valid until September 2022, which it passed with one minor advisory.

Finished in a smart and mature shade of gunmetal grey, the R5 is quite a grown-up looking car for a supermini and it's set off nicely by its typically French yellow front fog lights.

It's in very smart condition and is 100% original. As such, you can't expect it to be perfect and there are a couple of faded decals to contend with, and some very small, barely perceptible parking dings and marks - but we couldn't find any corrosion anywhere visible on the vehicle and its incredible originality is absolutely wonderful. 

There can't be many Renault 5s left in this kind of condition and it really deserves to be preserved exactly as it is.

It's currently fitted with aftermarket wheel trims and a set of the 13-inch originals would set it off beautifully, should the next owner be able to find some.

This car predates the Prima being the base model Renault 5 so as a result it's actually quite plush inside, with velour upholstery, electric front windows and a radio-cassette player. Back in 1991, this was big news.

The interior layout is wacky and weird in the way that only French cars can be, with a strangely scalloped dash and instrument binnacle and a handy pop-up storage tray above the stereo.

Everything is present, working and correct, and there’s a surprising amount of head, arm and leg room both front and rear. After all, the Renault 5 was renowned for its impressive packaging and it's easy to see why.

The 1.4-litre engine is a Renault stalwart used in models from the 1970s right through to the mid-2000s. It starts with very little choke and soon settles to a smooth idle, with no excessive exhaust smoke.

The automatic transmission appears to operate as it should and there are no evident problems with the brakes, steering or suspension. 

It was driven back to Hertfordshire from Scotland by the vendor, who reports that the car drives very well indeed and with no known or apparent faults.

Some cars are classics from the moment they leave the production line and the Renault 5 is a case in point. It's a car with immense character, it’s wonderfully usable even in modern traffic, that little 1.4-litre engine is surprisingly peppy and it's an extremely comfortable car to drive.

A car with universal appeal and global recognition, a good example of a Renault 5 Supercinq surely is a thing to cherish and enjoy, and this one is a remarkable, original and tremendously well-presented survivor.

It will be a very easy little car to fall in love with. You might even give it a name. And for those old enough to remember, that was part of the original marketing campaign. What’s yours called?


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