For Raymond, it was always clear what he wanted: to keep at least one of his beloved Renault 14s, in all its glory, in its original condition and running, no matter how many years pass. For him, the car is much more than a means of transport. It represents a piece of history, a reminder of a bygone era when innovation and emotion went hand in hand. Raymond’s mission was simple: because the Renault 14 Safrane was produced more than twenty years ago and has been carefully preserved, it must always remain the domain of the enthusiast – a car that is not used every day, but whose existence must be cherished and honoured.
The story begins in 1977
In 1977, Raymond's father bought a new Renault 14 TL to replace the old Renault 4. At that moment, a bond with the brand was forged, a bond that only grew stronger over the years. The memories of that first encounter, the recognizable shapes and the familiar feeling, led to Raymond eventually entering the world of the Renault 14 himself. The search for a copy was not easy; the supply was scarce and the chance of finding a car in original condition was small. Until an advertisement appeared in AMK in August 2000: a Renault 14 Safrane, offered by the son of the first owner in Germany.
The special Renault 14 Safrane
The Renault 14 Safrane that Raymond found turned out to be a special luxury model. Finished in a brown metallic colour, a shade that has virtually disappeared from the roads since the early 90s, the car made an immediate impression. After the purchase, the slowing down took over. After all, there is no room for haste in the world of classic cars; every detail, every restoration is carried out with love and patience.
History and technical details
Raymond quickly became fascinated by the rich history of this model. “From various sources, more became known about the history of the model, the technology of which was created in a collaboration between Renault and Peugeot. The development of the engine and gearbox – the so-called 'suitcase engine' – took place in the factory of the Compagnie Française de Mécanique in Douvrin”, he says with sincere admiration. The car, with its characteristic concave lines that were later also seen in the Renault 18 and the Fuego, stood out because of its modern appearance. This idiosyncratic line was in stark contrast to the more traditional designs of Renault at that time.
Donor car and parts supply
Not long after, Raymond also found a Renault 14 in the TS version, a kind of donor car that proved essential for the parts supply. After the purchase, the TS turned out to be in such good order that, as soon as the battery was secured, the MOT was passed without any problems. This moment of success expanded his mission: the intention was no longer just to preserve the car, but to see it shine on the Dutch roads again. Although the Renault 14 may not be the most popular classic, it proves itself time and again as a comfortable, silent car in which a speed of 110 km/h is more than sufficient – taking the time to enjoy is the most important thing.
The rolling past and enduring charm of the Renault 14 Safrane
The nostalgia that accompanies the Renault 14 Safrane is unmistakable for Raymond. Every ride takes him back to his childhood, to the familiar feeling of a car period that he cherishes with love. The elegantly shaped bodies convey the story of a mobility past, a story in which both technical innovation and emotional value play a central role. In the eyes of many car enthusiasts, the Renault 14 is not just a classic, but a living monument of an era in which design and technology met.
A living monument
Produced between 1976 and 1983, the Renault 14 was a paragon of modern design and technological innovation in its day. The collaboration between Renault and Peugeot resulted in unique engine and transmission technologies that laid the foundation for an entire era of European automotive engineering. Although the use of thin, recycled metals later led to problems with rust, it was precisely this vulnerability that contributed to the Renault 14’s special status as a collector’s item. For Raymond and many other enthusiasts, keeping this car alive is a tribute to a rich past, a reminder of the days when driving was not just a means of transportation, but an experience in itself.
And so Raymond drives, time and time again, with a smile and a sense of pride, knowing that every kilometre in his Renault 14 Safrane honours a piece of history. “Glad I’m Driving” is not just a slogan, but the essence of his passion for a car that is more than a means of transport – it is a living, moving monument to a special time.
In 1980 I bought a Renault 14 when my Renault 4 Safari was worn out.
With damage. Therefore cheap, repaired myself.
Great car for a young family with 3 children.
Never regretted it. Not a single derogatory word about this car!!
We have had such a car in the past, a beautiful car with carpeting, etc.
Yes, they did rust. But a nice report. You must be proud of such an exclusive car. Let the rest talk !!!
What a load of rubbish, this story. The 14 was a disastrous and ugly thing! The frog we called it at home. The worst of all our Renaults.
I also bought a 1977 in 78/14. After trading in the R5LS. Regretted it. That R14 had the front suspension and engine of a Peugeot 104, I think. Roadholding was a bit of a search. Longed for the 5 with 64 hp and a two-stage Weber carburetor. Traded in the 14 for a Alfasud Sprint. Nice (sports) car but never had such a poor quality car. Built in Southern Italy.
completely lost sight of it, nice Dunlop rims on that green one!
The Renault R14 is now quite a rare model,
In Germany, one million R14s were sold at the time,
In 2024, of these 1.000.000, exactly 2 were still registered in Germany, status unknown.
What a nonsense response above.
“One million copies sold in Germany, of which two remain”
Just under a million R14s were produced, only 999.250 units between 1976-1983
The car had some fans in Germany, but its sales there were not more than reasonable.