Introduction: The Renault 5, a beloved car among many, has a lesser-known variant - the Renault 5 6x6. This unique vehicle was born ou...
Introduction:
The Renault 5, a beloved car among many, has a lesser-known variant - the Renault 5 6x6. This unique vehicle was born out of the "Dakar fever" following the Paris-Dakar rally and later found its niche as a service vehicle for the French police, fire, and rescue services. In this article, we will explore the history and development of the Renault 5 6x6, from its initial conception to its use in various industries.
Origins and Concept:
After the successful debut of the Paris-Dakar rally in 1978, many in France were captivated by the extreme endurance event. Christian de Léotard, an experienced conversion specialist and engineer, saw an opportunity to create a formidable rally car based on the popular Renault 5 hatchback. His vision was to develop a 6x6 vehicle with increased ground clearance, a longer wheelbase, and a hydrostatic all-wheel drive system for improved traction and stability.
Design and Features:
De Léotard began by extending the Renault 5's body by 70 centimeters, adding a third axle behind the rear axle. To accommodate the increased size and weight, the car featured disc brakes on all four corners, resulting in a curb weight of 980 kilograms – a modest increase from the standard model's 800 kilograms. The most notable change in the design was the raised roofline, which allowed for ample space to store spare parts and equipment necessary for the grueling rally conditions.
Renault 5 6x6 in Rallies and Service:
Despite retiring early due to technical issues in its only Paris-Dakar appearance, the Renault 5 6x6 caught the attention of various French government agencies seeking a reliable service vehicle for use in rough terrain. The French police, fire, and rescue services expressed interest in utilizing the 6x6 for their operations, leading to the production of additional vehicles.
Evolution and Innovations:
De Léotard continued to innovate and refine his creation, developing a unique Renault 5 Turbo-based 6x6 with a mid-mounted turbocharged engine driving the rear two axles and a front-mounted naturally aspirated engine from the Renault 5 Alpine powering the front axle. This one-of-a-kind vehicle showcased de Léotard's dedication to creating a high-performance, all-terrain machine.
Legacy and Surviving Vehicles:
Sadly, one of the most recent examples of the Renault 5 6x6 met a tragic fate when it was almost entirely destroyed in a garage fire. However, the rally car that participated in the Paris-Dakar rally still exists and is displayed at the Musée d'Art Classique de Mougins (MACM) in Mougins, France. The exact number of surviving Renault 5 6x6 vehicles is unknown, but they remain a testament to de Léotard's ingenuity and the car's versatility.
Conclusion:
The Renault 5 6x6 is a fascinating chapter in the history of the iconic Renault 5 hatchback. From its humble beginnings as a rally car to its transformation into a capable service vehicle, the 6x6 showcases the creativity and determination of Christian de Léotard. Though its production was limited, and only a handful of vehicles survive today, the Renault 5 6x6 remains an important part of both Renault's history and the evolution of all-terrain vehicles.
Images: Renault
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