Not comfortable driving?

Here’s a very ordinary car (for France).

A 1982 Renault 5TL.  A 5 door metallic Blue example with an 1,108cc engine and 4 speed manual gearbox.

One of thousands rolling off the production line 44 years ago.  Most were pressed into service on the school and supermarket runs.  Maybe filled to the brim with stuff and driven to the South of France once a year on holiday.

Certainly not a mid-engined rally special or even a 5GT Turbo.

This very car was listed for auction last weekend with an estimate of 5-10k Eur.

And the actual selling price?

EUR 64,453 – around £54k!

What was so special about it?  It was discovered in a barn in Jan 2026 in the middle of France.  It still was fitted with the original temporary plates from the dealer.

The car’s owner, Mrs M, bought it before she had passed her test.  It was driven 12km to her home and left it – never to be used again!

She did eventually pass her test but never felt comfortable driving so it never moved again.  It was left for 43 years with the battery disconnected.

As the auction house described it:  “This car truly redefines the concept of frozen in time.”

And that is obviously incredibly valuable to the right buyer.  Much more so than a restored car.

Here are the details, press return once you click the link.

Thanks
Neil @ Carrosserie
Tel: 01833 630 011

PS. If we can help with your classic (time capsule or no) just contact us.