1976 Renault 5 TL

The Renault 5 on sale is identified by chassis number 1609639. It is the popular TL version and its 956 cc four-cylinder engine, connected to a four-speed manual transmission, produces 44 hp. The odometer shows a mileage of 4,957 km. At first glance, an untrained eye could easily mistake this car for any R5. But that's not the case at all: this one-of-a-kind example was outfitted by the Pistoia-based design studio Casa Garage, which is specialized in "tailoring" custom garage and living space with cues and furnishings taken from the world of vintage and motor racing.

According to what the owner told us, before being completely repainted, the body of this Renault 5 was in excellent condition. The car has been repainted in three colours with a special embossed paint that gives the rough effect typical of the exterior walls of houses. The lower part of the sides features a lavender-coloured stripe that creates a very soft contrast with the creamy white livery of the body while the detachment with the A-pillar and roof - finished in brownish reminiscent of roof tiles - is stronger. The goal of this original design was to transform a car and its interior into a kind of "house on wheels." For added safety, the passenger-side side mirror was added.

The concept of a "house on the move" applied to the bodywork finds a clear correspondence in the special interior design, where the atmosphere of an old-fashioned, warm and cosy home environment is exuded. High-quality materials were chosen for the interior upholstery. A soft wool lines the dashboard and steering wheel hubcaps (with an embossed finish), the interior door panels and the central part of the seats (with a diamond pattern inspired by Renault's logo). An elegant velvet covers the lower part of the dashboard (with its shelves) and the sides and back of the seats. The passenger seat, which comes with the car, has been replaced with a stool inside of which is a large storage compartment. Also covered in velvet, but in a blue-green colour, are the gearshift support base and the pair of removable rear cushions. The cockpit and trunk floors are covered in real oak parquet. The wicker-style ceiling covering is original. There are also three reading lamps in the passenger compartment (one in front and two in back): they are enclosed in elegant brass abat-jours.

The underneath is in good order, with apparently no traces of rust. It still has the original layer of antirumble. Aside from very small oil leaks (that are in the order of normality on cars closer to fifty than forty years old), according to what the current owner told us the engine starts on the first stroke and runs very well. Moreover, earlier this year it has rechecked and the main fluids were topped up. Two years ago the wheel bearings and clutch were replaced.

This unique example of a Renault 5 was unveiled in 2022 in the exclusive setting of the 60th edition of the Milan Furniture Show. The car was first registered

in Italy in 1976 in the province of Bologna (of which it still retains the original black license plates). Before being purchased by the current owner in 2020 the car had about seven previous owners. Looking at the photos of the car before the restoration (the vendor can send them to those interested), it seems that the car has always been stored indoors and that it is always protected from any source of humidity. Accompanying the lot is the original owner's manual.

The Renault 5 is a true pop icon, and this special Italian realization accentuates the transversality of its design, which is among the most brilliant and innovative in the history of small cars. Those looking for a unique car in the verse of the word will be able to find a cheerful travelling companion in this swanky French classic: small, practical, with a fit engine and - what is most important - furnished with taste and highly original cues.

Price estimate for this Renault 5 TL by Casa Garage: €8.000 - €12.000

Viewing is always encouraged, and this particular car is located in Pistoia, Italy. To arrange an appointment please use the Contact Seller button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below or try our “Frequently Asked Questions”.