Renault 16TS (1974)
The Renault 16 debuted in 1965. Considered by many as the progenitor of the modern hatchback, the R16 featured a mid-size body design with the internal comfort of a saloon, and the load flexibility of a wagon.
The layout, aped that of the Citroen Traction Avant and DS, with the engine mounted longitudinally, rearward of the front axle, with the drive taken forward. This layout provided good axle balance and inertial properties, but made mechanical servicing to the engine very difficult.
Front suspension was by double wishbones, with long longitudinal torsion bar springs providing supple suspension travel. This was enhanced further by a rear suspension with trailing arms, each sprung by a transverse torsion bar anchored to the opposite side of the body. This made for the unusual arrangement that the wheelbase differed between each side of the car, as there was a 70mm offset between the torsion bar positions. The R16 is noted for having the longest suspension travel in any passenger car of the time.
Performance was brisk enough for the time, particularly for the 16TS (shown) which featured a Cross-flow 1,565cc engine producing 84 PS (63 kW) permitting 160 km/h from a relatively aerodynamic body design.
Being French, the R16 was also full of small deign quirks, some endearing, and others frustrating. Having owned two myself, the very feeble fan during hot weather, paired with a feeble heating system during cold, was not ideal where I lived.
Overall, the 16 was a landmark car in design and execution. This model is about the fourth version of this Renault 16 that I have created,
Renault 16TS (1974)
The Renault 16 debuted in 1965. Considered by many as the progenitor of the modern hatchback, the R16 featured a mid-size body design with the internal comfort of a saloon, and the load flexibility of a wagon.
The layout, aped that of the Citroen Traction Avant and DS, with the engine mounted longitudinally, rearward of the front axle, with the drive taken forward. This layout provided good axle balance and inertial properties, but made mechanical servicing to the engine very difficult.
Front suspension was by double wishbones, with long longitudinal torsion bar springs providing supple suspension travel. This was enhanced further by a rear suspension with trailing arms, each sprung by a transverse torsion bar anchored to the opposite side of the body. This made for the unusual arrangement that the wheelbase differed between each side of the car, as there was a 70mm offset between the torsion bar positions. The R16 is noted for having the longest suspension travel in any passenger car of the time.
Performance was brisk enough for the time, particularly for the 16TS (shown) which featured a Cross-flow 1,565cc engine producing 84 PS (63 kW) permitting 160 km/h from a relatively aerodynamic body design.
Being French, the R16 was also full of small deign quirks, some endearing, and others frustrating. Having owned two myself, the very feeble fan during hot weather, paired with a feeble heating system during cold, was not ideal where I lived.
Overall, the 16 was a landmark car in design and execution. This model is about the fourth version of this Renault 16 that I have created,