She bought a new one 43 years ago and she's hardly ever driven it: when they opened the garage, it was only 12 miles an hour

A 43-year-old Renault 5 TL with just 12 kilometers on its odometer has sparked interest among classic car collectors after being sold at auction in Paris for €53,711. The vehicle, purchased new in late 1982, remained largely untouched in a garage for decades due to the owner’s lack of a driver's license and subsequent reluctance to drive it regularly. The Renault 5 TL features a 1.1-liter petrol engine and a four-speed manual transmission. It was bought by a woman in November 1982 from the Renault Sodirac dealership in Chalon-sur-Saône, France, for 40,000 French francs at the time. The car was delivered directly to her home and stored in the garage because she did not have a driver’s license. After obtaining her license, she felt too insecure behind the wheel to use the car regularly, leading to its long period of inactivity. Over the years, the Renault remained parked in the garage, accumulating almost no mileage. When it was finally taken out this year, it still bore its original black French registration plates, and the odometer had barely moved from the initial reading when it left the showroom. Following cleaning and preparation, the car was put up for sale at an auction organized by the Aguttes house in Paris. Despite not being one of the rare turbocharged versions of the Renault 5 that typically attract high prices from collectors, this particular example generated significant interest due to its unique history and nearly non-existent mileage. The final sale price of €53,711 highlights how market values can shift dramatically for exceptionally well-preserved vehicles. A standard Renault 5 from 1982 in normal condition would not come close to such a valuation, making this example virtually unparalleled on the market. The story takes on added symbolic significance given that Renault has recently reintroduced the 5 model as an electric vehicle, the Renault 5 E-Tech. While the new version aims to capture the spirit of the original through retro design, this 1982 Renault 5 achieved preservation in a much simpler way, by remaining almost entirely unused in a garage for over four decades. The owner, who initially purchased the car without a driver’s license, later obtained her permit but chose not to drive it regularly due to a lack of confidence. This decision led to the car being stored away, where it remained until its recent rediscovery and eventual sale. The car's minimal usage and pristine condition made it a rare find, drawing attention from enthusiasts and collectors alike. The auction result underscores the changing dynamics of the automotive market, particularly regarding the value placed on cars that have been meticulously preserved. While typical used models from the same era hold far less value, examples like this one demonstrate how exceptional circumstances can drastically alter their worth. The Renault 5 TL’s journey from a newly purchased vehicle to a collector’s item with near-zero mileage serves as a compelling illustration of this phenomenon. Renault’s current revival of the 5 model as an electric vehicle adds another layer to the narrative, highlighting the contrast between technological advancement and the simple act of preservation. While modern interpretations aim to evoke nostalgia through design, this particular 1982 Renault 5 stands as a testament to the power of inaction, remaining untouched in a garage for over four decades, ultimately fetching a price that reflects its extraordinary condition.