Renault - 5 L - 1973

Renault 5 L 1973

• Restored in the past
• Beautiful bright color "Rouge"
• Interior in neat condition
• Revised 845 cc four-cylinder "Billancourt" engine and a manual five-speed gearbox
• Vehicle tax and APK exemption in the Netherlands

HISTORY

The now iconic Renault 5, world-famous as the successor to the Renault 5 and recently even put back into production! This points to the popularity of the retro look of this car. This example was brought to us from Italy in 2026. In 1973 this Renault 5 L was newly delivered by the Renault dealer in Pezze di Greco, Italy. The original dealer sticker is still present on the rear window!

Production of the 5 began in 1972, so this is an early-produced specimen. There are many reasons to choose an antique car, but seldom does a car involve its gear lever. Yet that is exactly what the last owner from Milan was looking for: an R5 L, because as a enthusiast of the R4 (he owns a TL from 1971 and a Safari from 1977) he specifically wanted the version with the characteristic “umbrella” gear stick. In 2014 he bought this example and had it transported by transporter from Brindisi to Milan, and then restored it.

The restoration was difficult due to the lack of parts: in Italy R5s have almost disappeared. The odometer stood at 34,800 km three years ago, and almost 10,000 km have since been added. In 2017 this specimen was extensively described in an Italian classic car magazine. Because of its age over 50 years, the Renault is exempt from road tax and the APK in the Netherlands.

EXTERIOR

The red paint with color code F733 has a nice shine, but also some imperfections. It concerns an older restoration. Looking at the car, one notices more and more distinctive and beautiful details. Think of the sporty grilles next to the rear window, the door handlesless doors, the air intake on the hood, and the side indicator lights in the Renault logo shaped like a window. The chrome work has patina and the rubber seals are in good, renewed condition.

The 13" wheels are equipped with neat chrome hubcaps. The lighting and glass are also in good condition without cracks. The gray plastic bumpers are likewise in good condition. The tires still have sufficient tread.

INTERIOR

It was the R5 that caused a turning point in automotive history. In comparison with the Fiat 127, in its early years it already had an extra asset: it was a three-door, while many competitors still had no tailgate. Together with the R4, the R5 initially also shared the position of the gear lever high on the dashboard. The only side opening is very long and makes entry relatively easy.

What stands out especially is the exceptional comfort for such a small car: the suspension has an almost spectacularly large travel, the engine is unobtrusive, and the seats are soft. People used to call it “French suspension.” The interior is in neat, restored condition. The upholstery was re-woven based on an original sample, while the door panels were simply thoroughly cleaned.

The side panels are also upholstered with synthetic leather. The headliner is a work of art in itself. Floor mats are present throughout the interior. The interior is in good condition with normal signs of use. The side panels and the dashboard are also in good condition without damage or worn spots. The trunk space is tidy.

TECHNICAL

The R5 is equipped with a small Billancourt 782 cc four-cylinder gasoline engine, delivering about 34 hp and driving the front wheels via a manual five-speed gearbox, which was quite modern for a small car at the time. This engine comes from the older Renault engine family, named after the factory in Billancourt (near Paris) where it was developed. The engine is transversely placed at the front, with the gearbox next to it, keeping the car compact while offering relatively generous interior space.

The suspension consists of independent front axle with torsion bars and a trailing torsion bar rear axle, which provides surprisingly comfortable handling despite the simple technology. Brakes are drum brakes, and the steering is fully mechanical without power assistance, making the car light but direct at low speeds. Due to the simple mechanics, the low weight and robust construction, the R5 L is known for being easy to maintain and relatively easy to repair, which at the time made it a popular city car and today a beloved classic among enthusiasts of pure, analog technology.

The car was used without problems on a long trip in June 2026 and runs, brakes, and shifts well. The engine bay looks clean and well-kept and provides space for the spare wheel. The engine was fully rebuilt around 2015 by a specialist in R4 engines, and radiators, exhaust, brakes, suspension, and steering gear were also renewed. The clutch and gearbox are pleasant to use, with very smooth operation, while the steering is light.

GENERAL

The 1973 Renault 5 L is an early version of the first generation Renault 5, a compact hatchback that was introduced in 1972 as a modern and economical alternative to Renault’s older small models. It followed the Renault 4 indirectly as a more contemporary city car, but the Renault 4 remained for many years alongside the R5 as a tougher and simpler utilitarian model.

The R5 L itself was the base version with the small 782 cc engine, intended for affordable transport in a period when efficiency became increasingly important due to the oil crisis. As the successor to the first generation R5, in 1984 the second generation Renault 5 (often called “Supercinq”) appeared, which became more modern in design, comfort and safety and eventually was succeeded by the Renault Clio in 1990. Interestingly, the R5 also became popular for its practical third or fifth door and clever use of space in a very compact exterior, and the simple L version today is exactly loved by classic car enthusiasts for its pure, minimalist character without superfluous luxury.