Comfy limousine goes for the bronze

Shortly after the launch of the six-cylinder Renault 30 TS in 1975, a considerably more down to earth version followed: the Renault 20. Initially it was only available with 1,647cc power source as known from the 16 TX. But the program was expanded in 1977 with the 20 TS. This car was the first variant to use the 2-litre Douvrin engine that was to have a long lifespan within the Renault range. This was an extremely modern engine in its time and the first for Renault to be fitted with a timing belt. The 20 TS formed the perfect connection between the slightly under-motorized 20 TL and the 30 TS V6, which was a bit too much for many.

In the summer of 1980, Renault introduced the facelifted 20/30 series. The 30 TS with carburettor was cancelled in favour of the 30 TX V6 à injection. But that also meant that there was a major price difference between the 2-litre 20 TS and the 2.7 litre 30 TX V6. The new 20 TX filled that gap in perfectly, taking a lovely middle position in terms of equipment and engine. The 2-litre Douvrin engine got an enlarged stroke and increased cylinder capacity to 2,165cc. The purpose of these modifications was not just an increase in power, from 95- to 115hp, but above all a greater flexibility due to the risen torque figure from 154- to 177Nm. A considerably reduced acceleration from standstill to 100 km/h made this best noticeable.

Exterior-wise, the 20 TX was easily recognizable by its 14” steel wheels. These were also applied to the 20 TS and 30 TS model up to the facelift. However, the 20 TS used smaller 13’ wheels after being facelifted. Compared to a Renault 30, the 20 TX distinguished itself by the absence of brightwork around the rear lights, short bumpers with overriders, 2.2 Litres badging at both front and rear, large flat headlights and also a grille without the wide chrome strip, which from that moment on became specific to the 30 TX. A 20 TX could also be recognized easily by the brightwork around its side windows. The 20 TS only used a chrome strip on the bottom, while the 30 TX still carried aluminium trim on its B-pillars.

Most changes were made in the interior in mid-1980. The dashboard was given a full redesign, while the door panels and seats received a similar treatment. Where the first dashboard was completely flat and the information communicated through four round clocks, the new 20 TX had a totally new dashboard layout, more wrapped around the driver. The instruments included two main gauges: rev counter and speedometer. The oil level gauge, fuel gauge and temperature gauge come in the shape of smaller instruments placed in a central cluster, supplemented with a large series of indicator lights.

The top of the speedometer concealed small lights to indicate the speed that the driver has set on the Normalur, a precursor of the cruise control system with speed limiter. Its main switch was located to the right of the instruments. With the buttons on the steering wheel (+/-) the desired speed could be selected and could be locked (=). If not locked, the system worked as a speed limiter with the throttle becoming very heavy once the desired speed was reached. Above the centre console, the 20 TX used a real on-board computer with an impressive number of buttons. The meaning of these will only become clear if you read the instruction manual well.

The design of the door panels was in line with the dashboard, with armrests, which were partly upholstered with the same fabric used on the seats. The left-hand exterior mirror could be adjusted manually from the inside, with a second mirror still being optional at the time.

The seats and rear seat received a completely different look. Four passengers had plenty of room inside and could enjoy the comfort of four large headrests, adjustable in height. The fold-out centre armrest brought the comfort to rear passengers to an even higher level. An armrest between the front seats - with storage compartment - was missing, since this had now become another item exclusively to the Renault 30 TX.

The car on these pages has not yet driven 94,000km since it was new and that is noticeable at once. Everything feels solid, with no play whatsoever on steering and suspension. The foam of the driver's seat is also still firm as if it is new. However, the car’s exterior did receive a restoration and repaint in its original Bronze colour (123) some years ago. Originally, it was first registered in France on December 8, 1981 in a region unknown to the current owner. It makes this 20 TX a car of the 1982 model year. The history only goes back to 2012 when garage owner Jean-Pierre Didier from St. Jean and Val (department 63) took care of this lovely limousine. He says he bought the car from a castle owner who used to own a collection of cars. The current owner, Jean-Pierre Ruijs, found out about it and collected the car in July 2018. Wherever this 20 TX is examined, it appears to be extremely healthy and rust-free. As the son of a former Renault dealer, Jean-Pierre pampers his Bronze R20, with the intention of preserving it for the next generation of enthusiasts.

Renault 20 TX (R1279)

Engine:

4-cylinders petrol, bore x stroke 88 x 89 mm, capacity 2.165 cc. Max power 115 bhp at 5.600 rpm, torque 177 Nm at 3.000 rpm, compression ratio 9,2:1. Caburettor Weber 32 - 36 DARA , manual five speed gearbox.
Suspension:

Independent front with two triangular support arms superimposed on each other and stabiliser bar (24 mm), independent at the rear with longitudinally and transversely arranged wheel support arms, coil springs. Ventilated front disc brakes (diameter 252 mm), rear drums (diameter 228.5 mm). Tyres: 165SR14.
Dimensions:

Length 4,520 mm, width 1,732 mm, heigth (empty) 1,430 mm, wheelbase  2,671 mm, track front 1,444 mm, track rear 1,436 mm. Luguage compartment 395 - 1.550 litres.  Turning cycle 10,600 mm. Weight: empty 1.290 kg, charging capacity 430 kg, total weigth 1.720 kg, trailer weigth (braked) 1.300 kg. Fuel tank capacity 67 litres.
Performances:

Top speed 178 km/h, acceleration from 0-100 km/h in 11,6 seconds. Fuel consumption 7,4 litres/100 km (90 km/h), 9,6 litres/100 km (120 km/h), 12 litres/100 km (city).