Classic Renault Espace - my next car but... ANY LEFT?!

[hoganscrogan]

The original MkI and MkII

Designed and built by Matra (french Lotus), hot dip galvanised chassis, composite body panels, V6 engine (Williams option was 800hp V10), AWD, THE most practical, intelligent interior I have ever used, those door bins were huge (well other than pedal placement which destroyed by knee), pretty light and neat handling. What's not to love?

My BMW M2 comp if going back in Aug and want to get something interesting - a Mk2 V6 AWD Espace began to creep into my mind so a quick google revealed ZERO other than 1 in Switzerland, I'm feeling forlorn, where have they all gone and can the Pistonhead hive mind help me find my dream?


NOTE: I am sick (and have a brown Allegro), but I had a FWD V6 Mk2 as a company car in my mid twenties and the 'party bus' saw some real action.

You've never lived until you've got serious air, 7 up (one with his torso out of one of the THREE sunroofs) after hitting several hump-backs, one on a slight turn (I felt like Pentti Airikkala on crab-landing that one), in North Yorks on way to various hidden pubs. The post drive, bar room chats from that machine were epic. The rear most seats were the most exciting as you felt everything and received enhanced hang time.

[Yertis]

hoganscrogan said:

The original MkI and MkII

Designed and built by Matra (french Lotus), hot dip galvanised chassis, composite body panels, V6 engine (Williams option was 800hp V10), AWD, THE most practical, intelligent interior I have ever used, those door bins were huge (well other than pedal placement which destroyed by knee), pretty light and neat handling. What's not to love?

My BMW M2 comp if going back in Aug and want to get something interesting - a Mk2 V6 AWD Espace began to creep into my mind so a quick google revealed ZERO other than 1 in Switzerland, I'm feeling forlorn, where have they all gone and can the Pistonhead hive mind help me find my dream?


NOTE: I am sick (and have a brown Allegro), but I had a FWD V6 Mk2 as a company car in my mid twenties and the 'party bus' saw some real action.

You've never lived until you've got serious air, 7 up (one with his torso out of one of the THREE sunroofs) after hitting several hump-backs, one on a slight turn (I felt like Pentti Airikkala on crab-landing that one), in North Yorks on way to various hidden pubs. The post drive, bar room chats from that machine were epic. The rear most seats were the most exciting as you felt everything and received enhanced hang time.

The Mark 1 is a design classic IMO and I'm sure you agree. An design consultancy I worked for had one as a company runabout, referred to as "The Variety Club Sunshine Bus". I must admit I went off them after the Mk1. I recently suggested getting a Multipla, as a 2CV-style so-ugly-its-cool update on the same theme, but my wife said she'd divorce me "if I see that thing on the drive". No taste, some people.

[shih tzu faced]

Yertis said:

I recently suggested getting a Multipla, as a 2CV-style so-ugly-its-cool update on the same theme, but my wife said she'd divorce me "if I see that thing on the drive". No taste, some people.

Time to get rid I think! Pop up a readers cars thread when you’ve picked up the Multipla, I’ve always liked them.

Those early Espaces had really cool looking wheels.

[moffspeed]

The V6 Espace might seem a bit slow after the M2, why not seek out a V10 version ??

[tog]

Very few early Espaces left in this country. Try France:

https://www.leboncoin.fr/recherche?category=2&...

[moffspeed]

I'm not sure whether this gentleman sold his before he moved residence, it might be worth chasing up.




I believe Fred West also owned an Espace...

[Shy Torque]

My dad bought a Mk1 in ‘85 as a runabout for our French holiday home. I remember him saying “look at this!” As he operated the remote central locking (a relative novelty at the time).
I loved it and bought a Mk1 in the UK soon after.

The French MK1 struggled on to the noughties, dying a death due neglect, to be replaced by a MKIV 3.0 dci which we still have. I preferred the earlier one - it just seemed that much more special and different at the time - which I guess it was until other manufacturers caught up.

[hoganscrogan]

Agree there is something special about the early cars - nothing designed or built like it. I remember the remote unlocking now, it was infrared so you had to point it near the inside light module to work. Also just remembered the steering column mounted volume and track change controls being a first for me!

Thanks - of course I should have looked in France to buy - surprised at the strong money for some of them!

Lemonicoin is my new Autotrader

[hoganscrogan]

Lordy - Brexit and Covid lockdown are very frustrating! This one looks great - and left hand drive would mean the knee ruining pedal position of UK cars is solved!

Also I don't think you can blame the Espace for Mr. West & Shipman's regretful behaviour.

https://www.leboncoin.fr/voitures/1908439492.htm

Edited by hoganscrogan on Saturday 16th January 08:49

[Skyedriver]

Remember thinking these were just a bland people carrying thing (before the term was even coined) until I helped a local Scrutineer on a rally . peter had one and carted us all up through Northumberland (think it was The Ranges but my memory fades) . That Espace (Mk 1) was absolutely brilliant, did everything, went everywhere, seated all of us in comfort and became a comfortable place for lunch.

[Turbobanana]

Not sure they ever made a V6 with 4WD, other than the single prototype Bi Turbo Quadra.

I stand to be corrected.

[hoganscrogan]

Turbobanana said:

Not sure they ever made a V6 with 4WD, other than the single prototype Bi Turbo Quadra.

I stand to be corrected.

You are proven correct 2.0 only - BUT did rediscover/remember the AWD used a 'hollow fibre-composite prop-shaft' so multiplies the coolness even more for me!

[magpie215]

There is a mk1 soldiering on local to me I think a local handyman is using it as a cheap almost a van option.

Its a lovely green colour and has a blue rear nearside door.

[hoganscrogan]

Not within my budget....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dGUyIOGVa0M

[Turbobanana]

hoganscrogan said:

You are proven correct 2.0 only - BUT did rediscover/remember the AWD used a 'hollow fibre-composite prop-shaft' so multiplies the coolness even more for me!

Yes that is quite cool.

I owned a Mk1 Espace for a week while we moved house: gearbox bearing was on the way out but it was a useful old thing and drove well. With all the seats out they make a comfortable van.

Bought a later, 2002 one when my second son was born which served us well, and had the novelty of the hidden radio accessible only via the remote!

[V8 Bob]

Only app out 3 quadra four wheel drives still on road but several scorned. Look here fir details if other models

https://www.howmanyleft.co.uk/vehicle/renault_espa...

[gforceg]

I saw a mk1 this week. This is in south Devon which seems like a bit of an extinction's waiting room for rare old cars.

[Auto810graphy]

Funny enough we have taken two Espaces in px within the last year, one was a Y reg Grand Espace V6 that sounded great with a blowing exhaust and the other a 2005 diesel. Despite both being low ownership, lowish mileage both went on a trade to trade auction site and neither made over £500.

[cptsideways]

Or an Avantime

[Paw]

How about this one, Espace 2 Quadra

https://www.lacentrale.fr/auto-occasion-annonce-69...

Or a nice first gen, but 7k

https://www.theparking-cars.co.uk/used-cars-detail...

Edited by Paw on Saturday 16th January 18:30