More French car craziness today.  This is the US spec Renault 5 (a.k.a. “Le Car”) imported during the AMC/Renault partnership which went so well.  This example is the first generation, imported from 1976-80.  It had amazing gas mileage and handling, but lacked the credibility in the US market that the Civic and Rabbit had.  People were slow to catch on and it died a slow death, being replaced by the heinous Kenosha-built Renault Alliance in 1983.

As strange as it is, I do like the design of the rear of this car.  Also it had a targa top which is pretty sweet in theory, but I am sure it is miserable above 40 MPH.

Utility, plain and simple.