1957' Renault 5

Having performed its duties impeccably as a pre ’66 taxi at the Revival, I realise I need to part with the Renault. I have too many cars, and this one just doesn’t get driven.
The car is probably unique in its combination of condition and its original interior. It had a nut and bolt rebuild in France, and the underside of the car is as smart as the top.
When the Dauphine was designed, Renault went to Parisienne fashion designers for colour schemes and interiors. Only the very early cars, like this one, benefited. It came to me unfinished, with the interior needing restoration, but the seat and door card fabrics in tact. I spent thousands on reviving the interior, with the front seats completely rebuilt, and door cards refreshed. I sourced Argentinean pattern rubber floor mats - Dauphines were built in Argentina in the same way as Beetles in Mexico. It has a new headlining and door trim seals. It’s as close as you will get to original showroom condition and specification. What doesn’t show is all the sound deadening I fitted. Something else you can’t see is the clear Waxoil I carefully applied underneath.
The underside is spotless, with many new panels used. The suspension and brakes all look new. The engine runs sweetly, is lively and is leak free. The three speed gearbox works just the way it should, but needs a little learning. It trundles along at a comfortable 60mph.
The only non-original feature is the front indicators I have fitted. Better than being driven into, and easily removable. The numberplates are signwritten in the style of ‘50s French plates. The ‘France’ badge will stay on the back. I also have a Haynes manual.
I have several old cars so I’m used to the attention they get. However, I was not prepared for the admiration this one generates. At the London Classic Car Show it was continual. Two people told me it was their car of the show! The girls organising the Goodwood Revival taxis told me it was their favourite taxi.
I’m sure this is the best Dauphine in the UK, and there can’t be many better in France. It’s about as cute as a car can be, and is only on the market due lack of use. It is freshly serviced, and ready to go.
Rarer and far more chic than any Fiat 500, Beetle or Mini, this is a very special motorcar.