March 1965. You're a middle class european gentleman charged with the task of finding a middle sized car, large enough for your small family. Alfa Romeo, Fiat? A new BMW 1500 would be too expensive and the same to the Citroen ID. A Mini or a Volkswagen far too small and not powerful enough to traverse the ever expanding network of new roadways on the continent.
Whilst affordable, Peugeot 404s were a bit archaic even in 1965, but Renault was right on the money; a new 1500cc engine, and front-wheel drive. A four speed transmission and what would be the world's first full five-door hatch back style arrangement, with an interior that could be re-arranged in 7 different ways! The only answer: Renault 16!
Even without quirky mechanicals and terrific driving dynamics the sixteen was destined to be a design classic from the get go. Renault's current chief of styling Patrick le Quement has made no secret for his affections for this car, sighting it as the inspiration for many of the cars that he has created for the famous marque from Le Havre.
Stand behind a sixteen and observe the recessed rear window and the way that the contours blend into the roof line, or the grille and the channel that runs from it, up the centre of the bonnet and the gentle swage that runs almost the length of the car, emphasising the wheelbase.
Another contour can be observed running backward from the window line, down toward the back corner of the profile and then quickly forward and forming the door's top crease, facilitating a 'shelf' and a neat resolution to a simple (and probably cheap) outer door release.
Wherever you choose to examine a Renualt sixteen you'll find a curious detail. A late model TX variant with Gordini wheels, yellow headlamps and a truly seventies european hue on the panelwork will make for a terrifically unique ride nowadays. No longer the fodder of the out of work bohemian arts student, this magnificent Renault is one of the tastiest treats of Philippe Charbonneaux, a veritable feast of design. Under-rated by comparison to its contemporary Citroens, the sixteen was as much a driving masterpiece as it was a visual puzzle. Unlike its Italian competition on the sales charts the Renault wasn't an outwardly sporting design, and that has meant that the length of time taken for the creature to appear to an interested audience has been far longer, but surely the remaining few will be treasured.
There couldn't have been many cars better to own in the sixties and seventies than a Renault sixteen, a picture of practicality that had a unique look and a relaxed attitude it was as at home hauling baguettes from the boulangerie or towing a caravan at 100mph.
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