Most people trade in their cars after a few years; some reach 10 years and a few 20 years, and these latter cars often end up with enthusiasts and collectors. There is no longer an enthusiasts' club for this type - there are still a handful on Dutch registration plates. But Ron is an enthusiast and proud owner of this Renault survivor, a wonderful, comfortable driver's car. A Renault 14 TS from 1981.
Renault fan
Ron is a Renault fan through and through, a true enthusiast. There are no less than 12 'voitures' of his favorite brand in 'La Place du Travail'. He is one of the Renault enthusiasts in the Netherlands and far beyond, who make an important contribution to the preservation of the brand's past by keeping the classics in good, original condition.
Renault 14, a car with its own face
But also a car with its own history: the advertising messages spoke of a car with its own IQ. A concept that was far ahead of its time and came onto the market with a wide choice – a luxurious GTL, a fast TS and an attractively priced LS. In fact, it started with the L version, the most stripped-down version. The Renault 14 TS was not sold in large numbers, because the 'frugal' Dutch found it too expensive for the extra price compared to the GTL.
A look into the past
Due to the unfortunate publicity, the Renault 14 TS was promoted as “La Poire” (the pear). The pear could still be called friendly, but changed when the sensitivity to rust became apparent within a few years, which is why it was soon labelled as a “rotten pear”. That is where it went wrong – not with the shape of the pear as such.
Renault 14 TS
Perhaps the 14 was an odd one out; the lines of the bodywork were very special, an idiosyncrasy that aroused admiration. In 1983 the curtain finally fell for this unique car, which used the engine with attached gearbox as a common component - which was also used in the Peugeot 104 and some Citroën BX models. It is interesting to note that the engine is tilted, which allowed the spare wheel to be placed on top of the engine, thus creating a larger boot space at a time when a full-size wheel was often placed in the boot.
What's shining in the collection?
What Ron owns in his collection goes far beyond the Renault 14 TS. For example, he has the Renault 4 GTL from 1990 and the Renault 4 (F6) Van from 1984, both of which testify to the versatility of the brand. He also shows off a Renault 19 Cabriolet from 1994 and two classic examples of the Renault Twingo, dating from 2003 and 2005. The sporty side of Renault is also represented: a Renault 30 TS Automatic from 1978 and a Renault 30 TX from 1981, as well as an impressive Renault Alpine V6 GTA Turbo from 1987. Finally, his collection includes three special Renault Megane Cabrios, manufactured in the years 2000, 2001 and 2004. This composition makes it clear that Ron's passion for Renault encompasses all facets of the brand.
Satisfaction
Ron: “I really enjoy being in the shed with my collection. It’s also about the pride of the owner! The Renault 14 in particular deserved more success; the rust problem made it an underrated talent and failed to counter the VW Golf in the market.”
(The article continues below with the photos.)
A very valuable brand:
– Most brilliant after the 16: the five and the twingo.
– The best failed campaigns: the R14 poire.
– The wokest cars: the Retro 4 and 5 plug-in.
– The greenest urban family alternative is the Zoe. Light, agile and economical.
– Most useful in the city: Twizy.
– The most ingenious Renault of today is called Dacia, the classic of the future = TIP!!!
It's great that it's still there, I bought exactly the same colour and model in 1981. I drove it very pleasantly for a year and a half. Then the clear coat on the roof started to flake off. At that time you could whistle for a guarantee on something like that. I traded it in for a 5TS. That one had a hole in the box girder after a year. Then my love for Renault was completely over and I swore never to drive a Renault again. Too bad because the models were quite nice.
I bought a 1977 TL in about 14. I drove it as one of the first in our country I think. At first people looked at this car strangely because they thought there was a big dent near the rear doors. I didn't think it was a pleasant steering car. Searching driving behavior. Came from a sportier 5LS. It was a metallic red with orange upholstery.
Ron, you have a very nice and cool R14TS, the color as well as the number of R14's is rare.
From what I read and see, you are a true enthusiast of classic Renaults.
The R14 has found a good owner with you.
It is a wonderful hobby and passion, the classic Renaults, especially the first years of construction of the Twingo, many years with enormous numbers on the road in matching color combinations, now almost impossible to see in the wild, and even then when you see them the condition is less good.
The GTA V6TURBO is also a great Grand Tour low flyer, beautiful, completely original on registration, most of them were imported.
I also have a small special collection of classic Renaults and Alpines, a wonderful hobby.
The 14 always found a beautiful car. Too bad about the poor quality.
My parents bought a 14 gtl in '80. After 4 or 5 years the sills were rusting. Garage sprayed without removing rust. When jacking up the car in my own garage I almost hit the ceiling while the wheel was still on the ground. After 6 years my father left the vehicle to the seller, on its way to Africa. What a disaster of a car!
The R14 was unique in terms of engine. The almost flat 4 cylinder was a model of construction with its tension anchor construction for the cylinder head bolts. And yet the cylinder head gaskets sometimes leaked. I have repaired one myself. The engine had to be removed from the car to get a good look at it. The character of the engine running was beautiful. However, the brown plague struck quickly, which gave them a not so good reputation. The road holding and suspension were great. It is a real shame that they are hardly visible anymore.
Nice collection Ron, there will probably be another article with so much choice for the journalist. The 14 is almost as rare as the Alpine I think.
The most brilliant Renault is still missing…
The unsurpassed 16.
What a beautiful collection of cars from the Renault stable. A Renault 14 has almost disappeared from the streets. The stress of choosing will be lurking for Ron. For me, the Renault 30 stands head and shoulders above the rest. When do you see a 30 driving around in the Netherlands again. Very nice limousine then and now. Perhaps an idea to put it in the spotlight too?