A remarkable collection of 50 first-generation Renault 5 hatchbacks from the 1970s and 1980s has been pulled back into the spotlight in France. The cars spent years stored in a hangar in Haute-Saône before being offered for sale after the death of their owner.
Most of the cars are said to be in good condition, with many estimated at less than about $5,500. The auction ran until May 18.
A Barn Find Centered On One Iconic Model
Barn finds continue to surprise classic car fans, and this one is especially unusual because of its focus on one model. In this case, the estate of an anonymous collector revealed dozens of carefully stored Renault 5s.
Some had not been driven for more than five years, but auction officials said the cars were not wrecks. According to Stéphane Pavot, head of the classic car department at Osenat, every one of them arrived under its own power.
A Collection Full Of Personal Character
The name of the late owner has not been released. The cars, however, each have their own names.
Denise, Mona, Eugénie, Anaïs, and the rest of their hangar companions cover much of the first-generation Renault 5 lineup. Notably, Turbo and Alpine versions are absent from the collection.
Even so, the variety is impressive. The group includes different body styles, colors, trims, and conditions, giving Renault fans a rare look at one of France’s most familiar small cars.
Some Examples Stand Out
One of the most interesting cars is Dany, a 1978 TL finished in Lettuce Green. It is said to have Italian origins, and its five-digit odometer shows just 2,632 miles, although the mileage is not guaranteed.
Another highlight is Joelle, a Super Campus finished in Van Gogh yellow, showing fewer than 68,350 miles. Its interior has some damage, but the car remains one of the more appealing examples.
Constance also draws attention. It is a five-door version with an automatic transmission and a reported 21,878 miles.
These cars are among the better preserved examples in the collection, yet the auction estimates remained reasonable, staying below about $5,500.
From Light Service To Full Restoration
Some cars may need only a serious mechanical service before returning to regular use. Others will require much more work.
At the lower end of the estimates are cars needing full restoration, priced around $550. One example is Mariette, a 1980 model finished in Linden yellow with visible corrosion, despite an odometer reading of only 5,177 miles.
Between those extremes sits Eugénie, a gray GTL Lauréate limited edition. It needs a reasonable restoration and was estimated to cost between about $1,300 and $1,950.
A Sale Built For Renault Fans
The auction also included parts and accessories that could interest Renault collectors, including fenders and wheel covers.
All the cars were shown on May 16 and 17 at 4 Rue de Cugney in Choye, France. The auction ended on May 18 at 2 p.m.
For now, there is no final information about the results of the sale. Even without those numbers, the discovery is a fascinating reminder of how much affection still surrounds the original Renault 5.
This article originally appeared on Autorepublika.com and has been republished with permission by Guessing Headlights. AI-assisted translation was used, followed by human editing and review.