A ONCE-popular French hatchback, long loved by budget drivers, has been driven to near extinction — with just two left on Britain’s roads.
The Renault 6 TL, a 1970s favourite known for its blend of practicality and modest luxury, is believed to be one of the rarest cars in the UK today.
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First spotted on British roads in late 1969, the Renault 6 TL was especially popular among drivers looking for comfort and reliability without breaking the bank.
Manufactured in France and later in Spain, the TL model launched in 1974 as a more refined version, boasting extras like front disc brakes, heated rear windows, reclining seats, childproof locks, and winding windows.
The model was based on the Renault 4 platform but aimed slightly higher up the market, appealing to motorists who wanted something trendier without the price tag of the larger Renault 16.
Its 1.1-litre engine delivered a smooth drive, and the generous boot space made it ideal for family holidays or country getaways.
In its heyday, the Renault 6 TL offered what many considered “affordable luxury.”
Priced at just over £1,000 in the mid-1970s, it was costlier than rivals like the Citroën Dyane but offered better performance and features.
Car experts at the time praised its economy and character, calling it more distinctive than many of its competitors.
Production of the Renault 6 ended in France in 1980 and finally ceased in Spain in 1986 after over 1.7 million units were built.
But like many workhorse vehicles of the past, it slowly vanished from British roads as newer models took over and older ones succumbed to rust and wear.
Today, only two roadworthy Renault 6 TLs are left in the UK – one of which belongs to Terence Byrne.
Based in County Down, Terence bought his 1974 TL in memory of his late wife, Jennifer, who adored the model.
He named the car JEN 74, and it now serves as a tribute to her, turning heads at classic car shows.
The vehicle had once replaced his Ford Escort Mk1 back in the 1980s, proving to be just as capable across fields and stone tracks as it was on the road.
Decades later, after reconnecting with the Renault Classic Car Club, Terence was finally able to find another – travelling all the way to Wimborne, Dorset, to bring JEN 74 home.
Classic car enthusiasts say the Renault 6 represents a forgotten chapter in motoring history – a time when cars were simple, practical and built to last.
While it might lack the sleek styling of modern hatchbacks, it more than makes up for it in charm and character.
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