Classic Frenchie: 1985 Renault 11 Turbo
The Renault 11 was a small family car built by the French automaker for several years (1981-1988). Styling was by French designer Robert Opron (Simca 1100, Citroen DS restyle, SM, GS, CX, Renault Alpine, Fuego, and Alfa Romeo SZ) but mechanical bits were sketchy metal things shared with the Renault Alliance and Encore. The end result is a car that looks amazing while sitting on the side of the road. Is that such a bad thing? Find this 1985 Renault 11 Turbo offered for $6,900 in Longwood, FL via craigslist. Tip from David.
From the seller:
1985 Renault 11 Turbo
$6,900
Vehicles
Dealership · Listed in Longwood, FL
About This Vehicle
Driven 89,500 miles
Manual transmission
Exterior color: Black · Interior color: Tan
VIN: VF1C37500F0004470
Fuel type: Gasoline
See a better way to drive an old French car? tips@dailyturismo.com
If it weren’t for the sealed beam headlights this would look nearly contemporary. At minimum it looks a decade fresher than it is. I did toy with the idea of buying it, but the Abarth already in our driveway and the project TR6 in the garage convinced me otherwise.
Still … the desire to be the only gallic entry at most cars & coffee events is compelling considering this car started out beautiful then fell through a time warp into the distant future, the year 2020.
I owned the mechanically similar Alliance of the same vintage, purchased new. It’s a good thing this car looks good sitting still. It will do a lot of that.
Turn it up loud!
https://youtu.be/22WeTeW0mRw
Cool! They look like Audis, sound like Audis … but still exude Gallic pride and probably smell like cheese.