1980 Renault LeCar

NO TITLE-SOLD ON A BILL OF SALE ONLY

The North American Renault 5 debuted in 1976 as the Le Car as part of American Motors Corporation's partnership with Renault at the time. AMC marketed it through its 1300 dealers where it competed in the United States against such front-wheel-drive subcompacts as the Honda Civic, Toyota Starlet, and Volkswagen Rabbit. It was described as a "French Rabbit" that "is low on style, but high on personality and practicality".

For consignment the French foray into the economy market in the form of this 1980 LeCar from Renault. Our version has been converted to electric and arrives without an internal combustion engine. It also arrives without batteries so it will require some tinkering and engineering to get it running again.

Exterior
Utilitarian, small, lightweight, efficient, and a simplistic hatchback way to get around even the most crowded of narrow streets. This electric version of the LeCar comes to us with slight rust seen on seams, bathed in off white paint and a black just above the rocker stripe and badging on the front quarter and doors. A two-door hatchback version, with black crash bumpers, square European styled headlights, and a metal pusher in front of the front bumper. Standard steel wheels are all around, and a few noticeable dents and dings are in the body.

Interior
Continuing with the simplicity, the interior uses tan vinyl for the door panel covers and front buckets and rear bench seats. A simple dash with extra electrical voltage meters to monitor the status of the batteries is seen to the left of the steering wheel. Otherwise, its standard Renault fare with the typical layout right out of the square and rectangle era of the 1980's. A triangular pleated headliner may be an unexpected highlight and some tan carpeting floods the floors and needs a good cleaning.

Drivetrain
Prestolite electric motor company has provided the electric motor which has been placed near the rear wheels on this car. It runs on 48 volts so you will need 4 12-volt batteries to power it up. A 4-speed manual transmission is optioned in this car.

U.S. Electricar has done the conversion, and there were several others who did this as Renault would ship a combustion engine free car to the US for just such a conversion. The cars were small and light enough to get about a 50 mile range on the (4) 12-volt batteries.

NO TITLE-SOLD ON A BILL OF SALE ONLY

Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special interest automobile showroom, featuring over 600 vehicles for sale with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914. Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.