1982 Renault 5 TL Sells for Record Price After Decades in Storage
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1982 Renault 5 TL Sells for Record Price After Decades in Storage
- A 1982 Renault 5 TL, with only 12 kilometers on its odometer, recently sold at auction for €64,453, significantly exceeding its initial estimated value of €5,000 to €10,000.
- The metallic blue car was discovered in a barn in Saône-et-Loire, France, in January, having been stored since its purchase in October 1982 by a Ms. M.
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A remarkable “barn find” has captured the attention of classic car enthusiasts: a 1982 Renault 5 TL, virtually untouched for over four decades, fetched a record-breaking €64,453 at an Aguttes auction in France on March 15, 2026. The vehicle, a metallic blue five-door model with a 1108cc engine and a four-speed gearbox, had a mere 12 kilometers (approximately 7.5 miles) on its odometer.
The car’s extraordinary condition stems from its unique history. Its original owner, identified as Ms. M, purchased the Renault 5 TL in October 1982 from the Renault Sodirac dealership in Chalon-sur-Saône. Despite acquiring the car, Ms. M had not yet obtained her driving license and, even after doing so, reportedly never felt comfortable driving. Consequently, the car was delivered directly to her home and remained in storage in a barn in Saône-et-Loire for 43 years, its battery disconnected, accumulating dust but no mileage.
The discovery of this “time capsule” occurred in January, under a thick layer of dust. The car still had its original temporary license plates, valid for only 15 days, and the final, uninstalled license plates were found in the trunk. Originally costing 40,000 francs in 1982 (approximately €15,400 today when adjusted for inflation), the recent auction price far surpassed its initial valuation. This sale highlights the significant value placed on exceptionally well-preserved, low-mileage classic cars by collectors.