1982 Renault Le Car Manufacturer Promo

Mechanically, the LeCar 5-door was identical to the 3-door that Renault and AMC had been selling all those years. Unlike most small front-wheel-drive cars, the baby Renault mounted its engine inline rather than transversely. The 1397cc engine produced only 51 horsepower in federal emissions trim. With so few cubic inches on tap, one would find oneself constantly stirring the 4-speed manual gearbox to keep things moving. But then the LeCar was basic transport, not a weekend warrior sedan for frustrated racers. Not that the LeCar couldn’t be be driven with a good deal of gusto. But those wheeling the miniature Renault at speed will discover the dreaded French roll first hand. The car’s supple 4-wheel torsion bar independent suspension made LeCar ride like a much larger car, but also induced catamaranesque cornering attitudes.