WHAT IS IT?
The Renault Fuego was sold through American Motors dealers from 1980 to 1986. AMC had a partnership with French manufacturer, Renault, to sell smaller European cars in the US. Some Renaults later continued to sell through Chrysler following their acquisition in 1987, though sadly the sporty egg-shaped Fuego didn’t continue. The Fuego came in normally aspirated and turbo-charged variants, though this example is the non-turbo with the 2.2L 4-cylinder which produced around 108 horsepower when new.
Though not the best handling or sportiest coupe on the market, it was designed to be efficient, aerodynamic, and carry four full-sized passengers in comfort. Tests at the time (1982 Motorweek Fuego Turbo Review) noted a soft but comfortable and relatively well-controlled ride.
The styling was certainly interesting, with horizontal plastic trim running from nose to tail, a large rounded hatch, and sleek door handles hidden behind the trailing edge of the front doors.
WHY THIS ONE HAS “BEST ONE ON THE PLANET” CHOPS
“Best” examples don’t have to be perfect concours-ready cars. Simply surviving is sometimes enough. When was the last time you even saw a running example, much less a seemingly rust-free, complete, and original Fuego? The front seat fabric is a bit stretched, one rear taillight needs a (likely unobtainable) replacement, there was certainly a repaint at some point, and the title was rebuilt after a “minor fender bender” according to the seller. Yet, this French treasure seems to have led a far more bourgeois life than most of these French-American hybrids from this period. Add in a 5-speed manual transmission and a huge factory cloth sunroof and this could make a fun weekend cruiser and a star at your nearest Concours d’LeMons or Cars and Coffee event. The current owner seems to be a proud caretaker of the car, as numerous local car show photos indicate. Vive la difference.
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