1975 Renault 12 TR Saloon

The Renault 12 was launched at the Paris Motor Show in 1969 and its production stretched from 1969 until 1980 in Western Europe, and until 2000 in Turkey.  The model was popular with the European motoring press for its design styling and economic fuel consumption, although American journalists took issue with its steering system. Despite the love hate relationship with the motoring press, the Renault 12 was a highly successful small family car, ultimately selling some 2.5 million vehicles.

In January 2011, a Mr Robert Doran purchased this particular 12 TR from a breakers yard, of all places. It had been recovered from a garage where it had been in storage since 1990; the family of the deceased owner wished for the motor car to be removed and dealt with as swiftly as possible and clearly presumed the Renault to be of little cultural or commercial value. Mr Doran was alerted to its new home at the scrap yard and paid the handsome sum of £150 after a quick inspection that showed the car to be in remarkable condition; an astonishing odometer reading of just 13443 miles was considered to be correct and the automatic transmission made the ‘12’ a rare motor indeed. Apart from some light surface rust and some pitting and dullness to the brightwork, the Renault appeared to be in sound condition with an interior like new.

The ‘12’ initially started fairly easily without drama, with the aid of a replacement battery, clean plugs, points and carburettor, fresh fuel and air in the old tyres. Next, the ignition steering lock, and the boot and door locks were replaced with those found from donor cars, and the braking system was checked and cleaned, with components replaced as required, including later the master cylinder and servo.

The Renault was given new front wings and its body was carefully rubbed down, etch primed, undercoated and repainted. The underside was cleaned and again treated with Waxoyl and underseal. Genuine new chrome bumpers were fitted and the road wheels were professionally cleaned, treated, lacquered and fitted with new tyres and new hubcaps. With a valet, the interior was indeed near perfect.

Mr Doran documented his endeavours in a Renault magazine article, a copy of which is included in the file.

The current custodian purchased the ‘12’ in 2013 and has continued to cherish the time-warp motor car. We are assured that it drives well and remains in very good condition. In August 2016, the braking system was checked, with new brake fluid added and new rear wheel cylinders fitted; a new battery was also installed, together with a new steering ball joint.

The history file contains MOT test certificates from 2011, receipts for servicing during the current ownership, the V5C registration certificate, the aforementioned copy article and a copy log book showing one owner from 1975 – 2011. 

Auction Date: Thursday 2 March 2017