1969 RENAULT 12 1.3L 4MT FWD (54 HP)

Vehicle Overview

The Renault 12 was launched at the 1969 Paris Motor Show and it was an important step forward for the French car-maker. It was a very successful car, manufactured and sold around the globe.

The aged Renault 8 and 10 needed a replacement for a family car. The Renault 16 was successful with its front-wheel-drive and front-engine architecture, while the Renault 8 and 10 with everything in the back were struggling. The Renault 12 was the right answer and it featured a better solution for the drivetrain. It was manufactured in France, Argentina, Turkey, and Romania. The later produced the car until 2004.

With the new, landscape-type headlights from the Renault 16 and classic three-box design, the Renault 12 was a simple car that offered enough room for a family and enough trunk space. It was also available in station-wagon form.

Inside, the car featured only a ventilation system and a simple, three-round dials design for the instrument cluster. Depending on the trim level, it was available with or without an armrest for the rear passengers.

Under the hood, there was a 1.3-liter engine mated to a four-speed manual gearbox. For other markets, the Renault 12 received also a 1.4- and a 1.6-liter engine, which was a carry-over from the Renault 16. The front independent suspension and a rear rigid axle was a fair balance between price and comfort.