Loading floor
The Renault 12's career started in September 1969 when production of the new four-door sedan began. Two variants became immediately available, the L and TL. The second bodywork variant followed in 1970, the break. This spatial version of the Renault increased its length by 6 centimetres (4.40 metres). Where people find the 420 litres of luggage space on the limited side, there is no complaining about the 12 break with no less than 430 to 1,650 litres. The back seat can be folded down in its entirety, creating a loading floor 1.65 metres long. Moreover, the break has a payload of 435 kg.
The body of the Renault 12 break cannot be denied some elegance. The arrow shape due to the sloping rear of the sedan has disappeared. Large windows provide an excellent view in all directions. The model goes further than a purely utilitarian version of an existing four-door. The 12-break anticipated the later trend of luxury lifestyle station wagons. Renault confirmed this with the arrival of the 12 TS break for model year 1975. More power and a considerably extended range of standard equipment and fittings take the model to a higher level.
Power brakes
After the arrival of the sedan version of the TS, Renault also expanded the range with the Renault 12 TR, a version with the 60 hp engine of the 12 TS coupled to a three-stage automatic transmission. This was launched earlier in the Renault 16. For the 1975 model year, the 12 TR Break was the latest expansion. And that means that this 12 with automatic gearbox was only available one model year before the facelift. The R number of the 12 TR Break R1337 was identical to that of the 12 TS. Both models were equipped with, among other things, power brakes which are missing the L and TL.
Completely new front
The facelift followed after the summer of 1975 and was therefore valid for model year 1976. On the outside, the changes could be quickly identified. Whereas the 12 sedan was fitted with other rear lights and new grilles on the C-pillars, the 12 break at the rear remained virtually untouched. Only the bumper stops had disappeared, as they had been replaced at the front by two horizontally positioned stops. At the front, the differences were more pronounced. For example, the entire series had a completely new front, with the headlamps encased in a silver-grey frame just like the grille. The bumper had been placed higher up and the indicators and city lights had been integrated into them. The TL lost its wheel covers. These are exchanged for hub caps. For the TS, the designers designed new plastic covers which were very similar to the Fergat wheels previously supplied on the top model. From then on, the 12 TR would continue as the 12 Automatic and would also be fitted with these hubcaps for further dressing up. Incidentally, this was short-lived; from model year 1978 onwards, the Automatic received the same wheels as the 12 TL with hub caps. The Automatic also carried the decorative strips on the sides and the number plate lights with reversing lights, so that the car was in line with the TS on the outside.
Four-spoke steering wheel
The interior of the Renault 12 Phase II is characterised above all by its completely redesigned dashboard. There, the large cluster of three instruments catches the eye, where previously separate, round dials displayed the desired information. The four-spoke steering wheel no longer had the harmonica beam in the centre, but a cushion in trapezium with a central Renault logo. The dashboard has a black plastic base with a metal-coloured centre track with the words Renault 12 on the far right. The familiar slides for heating and ventilation as well as various switches had been reinstated.
Facelift version
The 12 Automatic has the speedometer in the centre with two sets of mainly control lights on the left and right. This makes the whole look cheerful. On the right there is also a fuel and temperature gauge. Whereas the first generation 12 Automatic still had the luxury seats with integrated headrests of the 12 TS, the facelift version left the factory with the Renault 12 TL seats which could be fitted with separate headrests by the dealer if required. Specifically for the 12 Automatic, there is a centre console which integrates the gear lever of the automatic.
Junkyard
This Renault 12 Break Automatic comes from 1977 and is in beautiful original condition. The colour Vert Algue (976) reveals that the car has the specifications of the 1978 model year, because that colour only became available then. Wim Schipper bought the car in 2013 in Chateauroux. There the car had one owner who had just died at that time. The condition of the bodywork was astonishingly good, only the paint was strongly weathered. That's why only the exterior was completely repainted. The engine room is still fully original. Wim didn't do anything about that. He came across the car at a junkyard familiar to him, which he still visits regularly."The left front mudguard had a big dent and I had to replace it. This was immediately included in the paintjob".
On the outside, the light alloy Dunlop wheels stand out. They were available as an accessory from Renault Boutique at the time. They fit in perfectly with the time image of the car and give the whole thing more cachet.
The condition of the bodywork was astonishingly good, only the paint was strongly weathered. That's why only the exterior was completely repainted.
Black vinyl
The seats and rear bench, like the door panels, are upholstered in dark green artificial leather. The buyer of this type could choose from black or green artificial leather in combination with this green exterior colour. Also the headrests in the same material are original. Had fabric been chosen, the interior would have been beige, just like the floor mats and the rubber floor covering for the rear passengers. The luggage compartment was always upholstered in black vinyl, with the exception of the TS, which had carpet.
Wim only drives his Renault 12 a few times a year, which has travelled less than 75,000 kilometres since it was delivered. By the way, Wim is sweetly looking for the next enthusiast who will surround the car with equal love and care.
En détail...
Renault 12 Automatic 1977
Specifications (R1337)
Engine:
4 cylinder petrol, type 810-06, bore x stroke 73 x 77 mm, displacement 1,289 cc, carburetor Weber 32 DIR 39. Power 60 DIN hp at 5,500 rpm, torque 91 Nm at 3,500 rpm, compression ratio 9.5:1. Automatic 3-stage, type 139, gear ratios: 1st - 2,600, 2nd - 1,609, 3rd - 1,114, reverse 2,229.
Suspension:
Front: independent suspension with parallel-mounted support arms, coil springs and stabiliser bar, pressed steel swingarm on centre-mounted hinged triangle. Power-assisted braking system, disc brakes at the front, drum brakes at the rear. Tyres: 155 SR 13.
Dimensions:
Length 4,404 mm, width 1,616 mm, height empty 1,455 mm, wheelbase 2,441 mm, track width front 1,320 mm, track width rear 1,314 mm. Luggage volume 430 - 1,650 litres. Turning circle 11.0 m (between pavements). Weight: empty vehicle 980 kg, payload 450 kg, max. permissible weight 1,405 kg. Fuel tank capacity 47 litres.
Performance:
Top speed 145 km/h. Fuel consumption: 7.6 litres per 100 km (90 km/h), 10.8 litres per 100 km (120 km/h), 10.4 litres/100 km (urban).