Renault 16 TS (1966-'75)

A versatile fastback with true French flair.

- Peter Palm

IN the early 1960s, Renault was known for its rear-engined, rear-wheel-drive 8 and 10 models. The inevitable switch to front/front started with the Renault 4, with the “16” models joining the party in 1966.

PACKAGING

To make full use of the newly adopted engine and drive upfront, Renault designed a clever number of seat-position options, from standard five-seater – with a large boot and less rear legroom – to fully flat for the possibility of compact sleeping quarters. For even more space, the spare wheel was shoehorned into the room remaining under the bonnet in a similar manner to that of the Fiat 128. This resulted in a boot capacity of 350 to 425 litres and a utility figure of 1 200 litres, provided you removed the rear seat. This rivalled station wagons of the day, with the advantage of a sleek fastback shape. A column-mounted gearshift and a retractable centre armrest allowed for a third seat in the front.