Tell me About: Renault 6

[Deleted]

After some jiggery pokery on the internet and with the sterling efforts of many fellow enthusiasts, I've agreed to purchase a 1975 Renault 6 that's been off the road since 1993. Eventually, there'll be a build thread providing all goes to plan over the next few days.

I already know it's an 1100cc engine, front wheel drive with the gearbox mounted ahead of the engine (apparently the original application was rear wheel drive, rear engine, Renault just put it in the front) and I know they're on a chassis. What I didn't know when I agreed to the project is how rare they are, but parts seem plentiful since most of the mechanicals are shared with the Renault 4. Bodyshell is a bit rough looking and has been repainted a couple of times but I kinda like that. From the pictures I've had, nothing serious jumps out as causing problems with the car, but obviously I won't know the full extent of the issues until it's at the super secret storage location where it will be getting fettled.

Primary reason for agreeing to buy the car was to save it from the crusher. The secondary reason is that I've been after a small, quirky, old sub-1500cc Happy Shopper as the Princess isn't the most pleasant of cars to lug around town in modern traffic. This is either a brilliant idea, or a really stupid one, I don't know yet. I do think I'll enjoy the car a lot though, it gives me the same vibe as the Princess which is probably the least reliable car I've ever owned but also the one I've enjoyed owning the most.



I've joined another forum that has a Renault 6 section, looks like the strength is in their numbers on the Continent even though they're pretty rare in the UK.

[grifterkid]

Very nice... I'm sure there are many parts for these over in France. Seems like a good excuse to take the Princess on a continental jog...!!!

[Smiler]

So you now have a frog to go with your princess.

Oh come one, it was only a matter of time. Someone had to say it...

[grifterkid]

[Adey]

awesome, get over to renaultccc on the web and they should sort you out

[Deleted]

Already there That is the forum I alluded to but strangely didn't link to in my initial post.

[Adey]

good stuff, friendly older bunch over there. always seem to be willing to help with parts and info

[jrevillug]

Expect rust and lots of it, a complete brake system overhaul, and lots of fiddly issues related to corroded terminals and rotten rubber bits...

Nice save though, hope it goes well.

[jiminwatford]

Nice save

What's the orange car behind it?

[Deleted]

I'm expecting engine needing work to free off, brakes to be stuck on and knackered, full fluid change including petrol if there's any in it. There seems to be at least one door rubber missing too. Probably rotten on the rear suspension mounts where they join the chassis but it looks like flat sheet so shouldn't be too horrible to repair with the body off.

Going to have to brush up on my French to get the best bargains, I've not used French in anger for... 18 years.

EDIT TO ADD: Orange car is a Renault Rodeo and utterly ruined.

[VIP]

Dec 16, 2013 16:11:42 GMT @volksangyl said:

Orange car is a Renault Rodeo and utterly ruined.

Never heard of it before.

[Sinky]

Still a few kicking about ma bit. They all look the spit of your photo too.

[djefk]

Vulg, what's the story with this one, how has it come your way? And aren't you utterly skint at the moment? Only a car nut buys an old croc out of blind love like that when they don't have the money - I salute you.

[joem83]

I know nothing other than I really like them lol.

[Soopahfly]

Interesting car, but why don't you use the money to make the princess more useable?


How hard would it be to get power steering, improved braking etc, more efficient engine wrapped in a retro package?

Or am I missing the point somewhere?

[waveman1500]

I've seen a couple of these at my local U-Pull-It. Very unusual car, especially for their era.

[Smiler]

Dec 17, 2013 9:02:05 GMT Soopahfly said:

Interesting car, but why don't you use the money to make the princess more useable?


How hard would it be to get power steering, improved braking etc, more efficient engine wrapped in a retro package?

Or am I missing the point somewhere?

I was wondering that myself, I reckon the Princess could be made into something really special.

However, I'm also equaly as guilty of taking on multiple projects.

A word of caution though (not criticism), I have spent the last ten years with two retro-rides sat on the drive in bits unuseable and spent all that time driving dull modern stuff whilst lusting after driving a retro. As a result, at the start of this year I decided to cut my losses and get on with enjoying the hobby. I am selling the two projects asap and using the money to fund the 'rolling refurbishment' of a cool old tax free car that has MOT and I can actually drive it! (The Scimitar) Just don't want you to make the same mistake I made and over-stretch yourself.

[joem83]

Can I just ask, whats the deal with the roof at the front of the door - has it been lifted with a chain or something?

[grifterkid]

The classic car disease shows no signs of reason or rationality as we all know...!!!

This is a good save and I am sure Vulg' has something up his ingenious sleeve to get this up and running.

I do hope the Princess duo don't get forgotten about too but I doubt very much that will be the case...

[dbizzle]

Some inspiration from this year's Bromley Pageant...


DSC_3228 by dbizzle_, on Flickr


DSC_3229 by dbizzle_, on Flickr