Renault 5TL

Launched in 1972, the superb Renault 5 was a huge commercial success that quickly became Europe’s best-selling car with some 5.5 million sold before production of the first series finally ended in 1985. Full of utilitarian Gallic charm, it had excellent ride and handling characteristics and a remarkably spacious cabin for its size. It was also one of the first cars to feature the integrated polyester bumpers that have since become an industry standard.

The R5 borrowed mechanicals from the equally good Renault 4, using a longitudinally-mounted engine driving the front wheels with torsion bar suspension. A variety of engines were offered ranging from 850cc to 1400cc. The 1.0-litre version, as here, produced 43bhp and endowed the car with a respectable top speed of 85mph.

This particular R5 is the TL model which had luxuries not found on the basic L model such as reclining front seats, a passenger vanity mirror and no fewer than three ashtrays for those Gauloise butts! The car has had just two owners from new and has covered a mere 29,800 miles to date.

It was supplied new by long-established Hereford Renault dealer, RF Brown & Sons, to first owner Mr E Jones of Whitehorse Street in August 1978. He only kept the car for a couple of years before selling it to his next door neighbour, a lady who has owned it ever since. She has looked after the car beautifully and it remains in excellent and original condition throughout, with eye-catching Lettuce Green paintwork and a lovely black vinyl interior.

Said to drive beautifully, it comes with every old MOT back to 1990 and is due to have a fresh MOT before the sale. So much more characterful than the modern crop of superminis, it would make a great first car for some lucky youngster.