1970 Renault 10 S 1.275

Summary:

Something light, something different!

Faults:

Needed a full brake overhaul. That's it.

General Comments:

I bought this car in 1991. A green 10S. The S means that they had the bigger Renault 12 engines, a floor choke (rather than the automatic choke), and a rounded dial dash including a tachometer. The couple in Frankston who sold it to me told me that they had bought it for their son, who didn't like it... For a RWC it needed brake work, mainly the master cylinder, and other bits and pieces, to be replaced. These cars have 4 wheel disc brakes.

Unlike our American friend, I can attest that these are fantastic cars to drive! But be circumspect. 1.1 + litres of power,(not 0.7) will propel this unbelievably light steering car to speed limits quite quickly. I could have met disaster doing 80mph (130ks+) near Bordertown; a back tyre blew, and I was lucky that I had only spun off the road and hit nothing. NOTE. Put on good Michelins, don't put on fat wheels, 'cos it buggers up the whole feel of the car!

Great city cars, very reliable, easyish to work on!?, and with a noise of their own. They rust. The front boot is a rust trap.

I have had two, and I hanker to own a third; but they are getting old.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 27th February, 2017

11th Dec 2023, 08:46

Yes they were a wonderful little town car and quite capable on the open road, although the rear suspension didn't like corrugated roads. Steering was exceptionally light, especially with the narrow tyres, which by the way would last a phenomenal length of time.

The compact engine (sewing machine) was bulletproof and required very little servicing. This could be done at home with no real effort. I managed to change a clutch without any real mechanical background.

The seats were exceptionally comfortable for the period and were miles ahead of most other cars.

The disc brakes were pretty average and calipers were subject to corrosion if I remember straight.

The front luggage compartment had a drainage channel under it which rusted out; I replaced it with some corrugated iron cut to fit.

The front luggage compartment was double skinned and when I ploughed into a car that turned across my path, I remember a very soft impact as energy was absorbed by the box construction.

Sadly the little beaut was written off.

1969 Renault 10 1.1

Summary:

Brilliant

General Comments:

My brother bought a R8 when I was a kid, and totally fell in love with it. Considering my father always preferred yank tanks, this was quite a departure.

When my time came, the first car I purchased was a 1969 white R10. A phenomenal car, and way ahead of its time in Australia, compared to what was available on the local market. Used to drive between Adelaide and Brisbane each year (1400 miles).

Fantastic on the open road, and very economical. Cruised all day at good speed, and the extra luggage in the front boot certainly helped the handling. The motor used to sound a bit like a sewing machine in the boot, but it never let me down.

Used to get 50,000 miles out of a set of Michelin tyres.

Best seats in any car I've had, except maybe the legendary R16.

Also had a R15 and R20. Loved them all, but the R10 has always had a special place in my heart. Got caught one night and had to sleep in the car. Thank god for the fully reclineable seats. This feature obviously had side benefits as well. Never really had any mechanical issues with the car during its life. Love reading other owners experiences, quite nostalgic.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 30th October, 2011

18th Nov 2012, 06:47

I had one of these -- probably my favorite car ever. It didn't go very fast, a gentle lady, but so supple! Rear wheel drive, rear engine. I loved driving it on the winding country roads in upstate New York.

1969 Renault 10 R10 1.2

Summary:

Best value for money car - ever

Faults:

Nothing.

General Comments:

This car is the most comfortable car I have ever driven - bar none. I was in the military when I owned this car and traveled all over Australia with it. A thousand kilometre day was not unusual and it never let me down once.

The fuel tank filler beside the engine was a worry and a lot of garages in Australia at the time would not let you fill up for fear of fire.

The Michelin X tyres would last for ever, but you prayed for no rain.

The boot up front was enormous.

I actually rallied my R10 and had a ton of fun. The trick was to place a bag of cement in the front to cure the under-steer.

Did I love this car? You bet - I am currently trying to find a restorer in Australia for my retirement.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 15th May, 2004

23rd Nov 2005, 19:07

I owned this car as my first car in 1967. I bought a new 1967 Renault R10. All my other friends got VW bugs. The Renault was comfortable. However, the rest of the car was junk. Constant problems. The drove the car from upstate New York, the Albany area to Florida. We got down to Florida OK. On the return trip the carburetor fell off in the D.C. area. Terrible. I got rid of this car for a 1968 Mercury Cougar.

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