Renault R5
A popular automobile, the Renault R5 is also a favorite of road rallies. A small and simple supermini hatchback automobile, the Renault R5 was manufactured from 1972 until 1996. More than 5 million were produced and sold worldwide. In the United States it was marketed as ‘Le Car.’ Designed to supplant the Renault R4, and cheaper to produce than the R6, it was a successful model for Renault. The body structure was relatively light yet the interior was considered fairly roomy. R5's had a choice of seven engines, ranging from 850 to 1400 cc. A turbo version was built. R5s placed first and second in the 1977 Monte-Carlo despite running against automobiles with more powerful engines!
Renault R5 model
The R5 is fully assembled and packed in a light plastic form-fitted tray, surrounded by a paper label, and secured in a light plastic box with opening ends.
The molding is flawless. Fine recessed panel lines delineate the various body panels, doors, hood and hatch. The lines seem a bit shallow and broad for the scale. The rims of the tires are molded in color. This Renault is a model of the ‘first generation’ R5, manufactured from 1972 to 1984, or
Epoch IV in European railway terminology. The model features clear lenses for the headlights and colored lenses for the taillights. Parking lights and turn signals are painted on. The interior features pleated seats, a dashboard, gear shift, and steering wheel. The model has a detailed molded underbody.
The model exterior is detailed with chromed hubcaps and side view mirror. The vent on the rear sill is recessed. The R5 was decorated with chromium-plated strips. These fine details are faithfully printed by Herpa. Herpa does not use decals and the Renault logo is also printed. The paint is thin, opaque, and glass-smooth. The model is available in silver-metallic, and in orange with chrome trim. Around the windshield and rear window is fine black trim. The accompanying photographs highlight the sharpness of this detail.
Finally, your model rolls upon rubber tires with good tread detail.
Herpa spotlighted their new R5 model in the 6/2010 issue of their magazine
DER MASS:STAB, with photos of models and actual cars.
Summary
The spritely Renault R5 is a fun little model of a popular car that can be found all over the world. Herpa’s R5 model is an impressive model with good plastic detail and great finishing. The exterior is pleasing as is the interior which is visible through the relatively large, clear windows. This is a fun model to have, whether for detailing an automotive or railroad diorama, or just to display. Recommended.
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