Once hailed as revolutionary, now virtually extinct on UK roads — the Renault 16 GL of 1969 stands as a testament to bold design and practical innovation. David O’Leary’s meticulously restored example is among just 14 GL variants still registered in Britain, reminding enthusiasts of a car that reshaped family motoring six decades ago.
A Revolutionary Vision on Wheels
The Renault 16 emerged from Project 115 in the early 1960s, representing a leap into uncharted territory for the French automaker. Its radical formula combined a front-wheel-drive layout with a five-door body — a format that would eventually become the norm for family cars, but at the time was considered futuristic.
Changing Minds in a Conservative Market
Skepticism met the 16’s unconventional silhouette. Critics questioned its appeal compared to stalwarts like the Peugeot 404. Yet Renault’s then-CEO Pierre Dreyfus had unwavering confidence. He believed the R16’s distinctive shape and innovative features would set it apart — and he was right. Within a year of its 1965 Geneva debut, the R16 was crowned European Car of the Year for 1966.
A Car Designed for the New Era
Marketed as “a car for the new man,” the Renault 16 positioned itself as more than a mere vehicle — it was a lifestyle statement. British adverts described it as looking “decidedly modern” compared to boxy competitors, while its mix of comfort and function caught the attention of family drivers and government fleets alike.
Engineering That Stood Apart
- A die-cast aluminium cylinder block — a European first, according to Renault
- Steering-column mounted four-speed gearbox — slick and easy to use
- Unique torsion bar rear suspension — enabling an asymmetrical wheelbase
Such quirks weren’t just eccentric — they enhanced space and practicality. The 16 GL offered multiple interior configurations, allowing for creative ways to fold or suspend seats and adapt to different storage needs. It was part-saloon, part-estate, but fully original.
A Survivor Among Millions
From its launch to its final production in 1980, Renault built over 1.8 million units of the 16. By the time the last one rolled off the line in Sandouville, its design influence had spread across Europe. Yet few remain — especially in GL trim.
David O’Leary’s 1969 GL
This rare survivor spent decades tucked away in a shed, having been retired in the early ’80s due to engine trouble. When O’Leary acquired it from the family of the original owner, the car was in rough shape. Years of patient restoration followed — and the result is nothing short of showroom-worthy.
Today, O’Leary treasures its eccentric charm: “Even some other owners don’t know how versatile these cars really are.” From the seemingly haphazard dashboard switchgear to the distinctive gear-change feel, the 16 still holds unique appeal.
Legacy of a Trailblazer
While the Renault 16 may not grace the pages of modern buyers’ guides, its legacy lives on in nearly every hatchback and crossover on today’s roads. It helped redefine how families think about space and function — long before such terms became industry buzzwords.
So if you’re ever at a classic car show and spot a sleek, unassuming Renault that prompts someone to ask, “Is that an Alfa Romeo?” — take a moment to appreciate one of Europe’s most quietly radical cars. With only a handful left in the UK, the 16 GL is a reminder that sometimes, practicality and originality are the most enduring forms of elegance.
