The Renault Fuego was a French-built car offered in the U.S. between 1982 and 1985. You could get one at your local American Motors dealership, as the makes were in cahoots at the time. The seller has a pair of these “sport hatchbacks” available, a running 1984 model and a 1982 parts car. The running car needs some attention, so perhaps the donor might be helpful. Located in Ypsilanti, Michigan, this due goes together here on Facebook Marketplace for $2,999. Thanks for the tip, JDC!
Fuego is a Spanish word for “fire.” It was built by Renault from 1980 to 1986, and more than 265,000 copies were produced, the majority in France (some in Spain). To improve its market share in the U.S. (which was minimal), Renault bought into AMC to have access to their dealer network and some production capacity. Cars made for U.S consumption had some modifications from their French counterparts, such as bigger bumpers, rectangular headlights, and side marker lights. A 1.6-liter engine was offered at first, later upgraded to a 2.2.
The Fuego generally got good reviews but never sold well in the States. The seller has owned the burgundy one for many years, and it was his ongoing project. After being stored for a time, it was extracted and started up. The car has a rebuilt transmission, new brakes, and an aftermarket cooling fan for the engine. It has a pull-back sunroof that needs a new seal, so we assume it leaks. And there’s a grounding issue the seller has yet to sort out. But the mileage is said to be a scant 37,000.
Coming with the sale is a complete parts car from 1982 (silver in color). It has a full leather interior, and two extra transmissions have been kept that go with the combined sale. The seller needs funds to support a college education (attaboy), so that’s why the cars have to go. When was the last time you saw one Fuego, much less two?
“First price is a Fuego – and second prize is Two Fuegos”.
Fuego = Fire…
Neat looking cars, sad powertrains…
Le Pew… If I’m not mistaken one of the first cars with a timing belt, no chain. Very helpful if you are left handed, double jointed, and have the hand size of a 5 year old. Turns out it wasn’t the timing belt, the catalytic converter had collapsed on it’s self… Go buy a spare metric tire… They wanted 200 for 1 tire back in the early 90s. For about the same price I got 4 rims from the junkyard that were standard size and new tires… No, I forgot what car the rims came off of… Getting old…
The early 1.6L engine is unrelated to the later 2.2L, so doubtful the parts car would help much if at all in getting the other one running.
The 2.2L was more powerful than the turbo version of the 1.6L, explaining why they dropped the turbo option when the 2.2L became standard in the US.