Highlights

• Based in Slovakia
• Single-family ownership since new
• Always stored in a garage
• Factory-standard condition with no known faults

The Appeal

When the Renault 16 hit the market in 1966, it revolutionised an entire sector. Innovative, hyper-practical and using their still fairly new five-door platform, the car offered more than you might expect for a diminutive little hatchback. Sharp, futuristic-looking lines, an impressively cavernous cabin and impressive ride quality all led to a very bold catchphrase - "A new breed of car, for the new man." Indeed, it couldn't be denied this little number felt well ahead of the competition.

It was an enormous success, and rapidly neared a ubiquitous presence in Europe. Perhaps that's why it's become so rare today - despite over 1.8 million being sold internationally, nobody seems to have taken an eye to preserve them, and cars tended to be driven right up until they couldn't do another wheelturn.

This incredibly rare example is a real standout. Owned by the same family in Slovakia since 1971, the car has spent much of its life in a dry garage, only ever taking short-distance weekend trips. As a result, the vendor believes the 17,287km on the clock to be a genuine mileage. It's entirely factory standard, and offers an incredible opportunity for the lucky enthusiast.

The History and Paperwork

• Purchased brand new by the owner's grandparents in 1971
• The owner's grandfather was an engineer and car enthusiast who took great care of the car
• The owner's mother recalls washing the car with her siblings on Sunday mornings at her grandfather's request
• Maintaining the car was a favourite pastime of the owner's grandfather
• Always stored in a garage
• Used only for short distance trips on weekends
• Low mileage of 17,287km is believed to be accurate
• Technical and emissions check was completed in 2021 (expired
• Owner can provide the technical logbook, technical and emissions check documents, and invoices detailing all the repair jobs carried out between 2020-2022

The Condition

• The vendor informs us that the car is in very good order
• It's factory standard and still carrying its original blue paintwork
• Some paint loss and corrosion to the hatchback 
• Some corrosion is noted by the vendor to the exhaust and wheel nuts
• The rear side of the driver's seat is slightly scuffed
• All instruments and switchgear are functioning well
• Dashboard is clean and well presented
• We understand it to be very original throughout 
• The vendor notes that the seats are very plush and comfortable, with no meaningful sag or damage

The Mechanics

• 1470cc A1K 4-cylinder engine
• 4-speed manual transmission
• Mechanically original with no modifications
• We have no reports of any mechanical faults 
• The vendor reports that the engine starts and runs correctly
• They also note that the car has always been very reliable

BEFORE YOU BUY