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Published on 29 December 2015

Another beauty Dr John. It may be of interest that the first Renault 16 in Australia was owned by BMC. Apparently two were bought by BMC in the UK, one being shipped over here for evaluation by the engineering and sales divisions. It was nearly a year before Renault Australia had one for themselves and on a number of times wanted to have a look at ours. Of course, it was the inspiration for the British Austin Maxi and Australian Morris Nomad; both released on their home markets in 1969. British magazines compared the Maxi with the 16 with the 16 coming out marginally better, but the Maxi on its home ground was a little bit cheaper. I compared my Maxi with 16s (at a French Car Day Show!) and we found the load area and tailgate of the Austin was bigger and seats less fiddly to lay flat. Which has the longer wheelbase? Depends on which side of the Renault you measure - 105" for the Maxi. Styling of course is subjective (I love 'em both) with the Maxi being compromised by having to use the 1800 doors, which was daft. The fifth gear in the Maxi is like an overdrive and makes a real difference on long distances. You're right, John, it's a pity we didn't see in the 16.