Renault

The Renault 5 was styled by Renault employee Michel Boué, who designed the car in his spare time, outside of his regular duties. When Renault executives learned of Boué's work, they were so impressed by his concept that they immediately authorized a formal development program. The first images and technical details were released in December 1971, with the official launch following in January 1972. The Renault 5 adopted the hatchback formula pioneered by Renault with the R4 and R16, combining compact dimensions with surprising practicality. The first generation, produced from 1972 to 1985, was offered initially as a three-door hatchback, with a five-door version added in 1979. Boué had originally envisioned vertically extended rear lights reaching into the C-pillars, though the production car retained a more conventional arrangement. One of its most innovative features was the use of large plastic bumpers made of polyester and fibreglass, which resisted low-speed impacts and reinforced the car’s reputation as an ideal urban vehicle - an approach that soon became industry standard. The Renault 5 quickly became France’s best-selling car, a position it held from 1972 until 1986, with first-generation production exceeding 5.5 million units. The range expanded to include sporting variants such as the Renault 5 Alpine in 1976 - one of the earliest hot hatches - as well as the Spanish-built four-door Renault 7 saloon. Boué himself tragically died in late 1972, only months after the car he designed had entered production.