The Renault 5 was launched onto the righthand drive UK market in the autumn of 1972, where, alongside the recently launched Fiat 127, it competed as an imported but more modern alternative to the Mini and Hillman Imp.

The 5 borrowed mechanicals from the similarly popular Renault 4 using a longitudinally-mounted engine driving the front wheels.

Engines were borrowed from the Renault 4 and larger Renault 8; there was a choice, at launch, between 782cc and 956cc according to price level.

The 5TS and 5LS both with the 1,289cc engine from the Renault 12 was added from April 1974.

As on the Renault 4, entry level Renault 5’s had their engine sizes increased to 845cc in 1976 and at the top of the range later models had the engine sizes expanded to 1,397cc.

The Renault 5 went on to enjoy cult status when the turbo and rear engine Group B derived Maxi cars were introduced.

The car offered on sale here is a rare convertible TX, converted by Cleveland.

The Cleveland bodywork incorporates a...