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

Vehicle Overview

In 1969, Renault introduced the 12 at the Paris Motor Show. It was so successful that soon after the French car-maker sold the license to built the car to more countries and was 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 the engine and gearbox 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 country produced the car until 2004 in both shapes as a sedan and a station-wagon.

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. The station-wagon version was slightly longer and featured a liftgate with a wide opening.

Inside, the car featured only a ventilation system and a simple, three-round dials design for the instrument cluster. For the rear bench, the car featured a folding seatback, which extended the trunk area with a flat area, something that was highly appreciated at that time.

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.