We have only seen five Alliance-based Renault GTAs here on Barn Finds over the years, and one of those was mine. The weirdest part is that none of those five GTAs were convertibles as is this 1987 Renault GTA Convertible. As is almost always the case with these cars, and I don’t know why that is, but this one looks like an absolute gem. Thanks to TV for the tip!
I’ve shown my former white two-door sedan version of the 1987 GTA here a couple of times, so I apologize in advance for bringing it up again. It’s the only real-world experience I have with these cars and I loved my non-convertible version. It’s a really unique and clean design, has just two doors for the two-doors-too-many folks, and the 15″ wheels are the perfect size for the wheel wells, in my opinion. They were only made for the 1987 model year so that’s another unusual factor.
Based on the Renault Alliance, which was an “alliance” tribute moniker for AMC and Renault’s partnership in the 1980s. We know that in 1987, AMC ceased to exist, sadly, in favor of Chrysler’s fat checkbook and the fact that they basically only wanted Jeep. Luckily for a few thousand buyers, there was the 1987 GTA. I have a friend who bought one new and loved it. I never should have sold mine.
I don’t know what it is about these seats, but they are seriously as comfortable as any vehicle seat that I can think of. They rock on a unique sliding rocker mechanism and also go back and forth and with the huge side bolsters are really a solid A+. An automatic was available, but as almost always, you want the five-speed manual, which this car has. They’re a bit on the tall side and my five-speed wasn’t as crisp as some others, but it worked great and it’s almost always fun to shift for yourself – unless you’re at a red light going up on a hill in San Francisco or Seattle (PTSD) and some clown is about a foot behind your rear bumper. Because there are hardly any manual transmissions anymore, drivers used to allow for that and not creep right up on the bumper of the car ahead of them. The emergency brake technique works great in those cases, though. This interior looks fantastic front and rear. They do mention that the window regulators need some adjustments.
The engine is the only one available in this model, Renault’s 2.0-liter SOHC fuel-injected inline-four with 95 horsepower and 114 lb-ft of torque. This one runs great, there are no leaks, and it has all new brakes. They have it listed here on Facebook Marketplace in Dallas, Texas, and here is the original listing. The seller is asking a mere $3,500. How is this beautiful car still for sale?! Have any of you owned or driven a Renault GTA?
$3500 for a cool little car that you will never see yourself coming and going in? Nice.
Um, no. As if the Alliance wasn’t unappealing enough, a convertible had to be a real stretch. First of all, oddly enough with all that’s been said about the Alliance, AMC did manage to sell over 650,000 cars, primarily to AMC loyal holdouts in Wisconsin, who didn’t really have a call for a convertible. 2nd, I’m sure like its ancestors, Nash/Hudson or other failures like Packard and Studebaker of the past, people knew it was the end of the line for AMC, and the Alliance sealed the deal. The Alliance was an okay car, I heard rumors of disgruntled workers actually sabotaging the cars, but never proven. The Renault/AMC schpiel was too much for buyers leery of multi country car deals, especially 2 not so famous ones, didn’t have a prayer, and down she went. While AMC still had some success with the Eagles, most of us figured the Alliance was the nail in the AMC coffin despite the fact they were actually pretty good cars. With a few exceptions, and Scotty knows which ones, generally, if Scotty had one, they were good cars. He doesn’t drive junk. Interest for this today has got to in the 1% range, like when new.
Hardly. First, it’s a convertible. Second, you’re not going to see another one like it pretty much anywhere you go. Third, it’s a stick, so it’s going to be a blast to drive, especially in GTA guise. My ONLY hesitation is parts availability.
Except you have to have AAA or keep a tow truck on speed dial you will need it.
Yeah Troy… like American cars of the 69s, 70s, and 80s were dependable.
I have 2 parts cars in Ca.
Scotty!
WHY are YOU not buying this?? To help you decide, I will send you a Post Office money order for… how about …$120? This is to help contribute to a fund so YOU can buy this, and write about all the fun you are having with said GTA. THAT will be my repayment….
Who else is in on this?
I’m in. The check is in the mail
Thank you for this writeup! I have been looking for a sporty, compact convertible for my wife, and the market for VW cabrios from the era is preposterous. I’d love to see more lil gas sipper classics
This is a great deal for anyone who might want a French (mostly) car. Delightful convertible. I have owned many vehicles from France, Citroens, Peugoets, Renaults, and have found them to be enjoyable to drive, a bit odd compared to Detroit iron, and as well built and engineered as just about any other vehicle I have also owned, excepting the Toyota pickup trucks (the best ever). Getting an older French car fixed, especially as they are all about forty years old now, can be a challenge, but they are all way cool and not like any other vehicle on the road.
The Alliance was an extremely competitive subcompact for the era. Had AMC dealers actually supported the Renaults, either domestic (Alliance/Encore) or imported (18i, Fuego, etc) perhaps AMC could have survived long enough to bring the Premier and Allure to market, import the Alpine GTA and Espace, and compete development of the ZJ. In terms of parts availability for the Alliance and GTA, some can be challenging (air filters for the 1.7 come from Europe, shift bushings are easiest to find in Argentina, for example) but Renault made well over a million R9/R11s. Some GTA parts are spendy (unique Bendix brakes mean rebuild, not replace) but they are remarkable little cars. I have 85 and 87 convertibles, early and late production.
The Renault 9 (upon which this is based) was European Car of the Year when launched in ‘83/‘84. The 11 hatch launched a few months later.
There were only two generations here in the UK before being superseded by the first gen Clio hatch.
As Austin said above, had Renault imported the Espace MPV and the Clio, AMC might still be around – or at least, would have stayed around for longer than they did.
Its still available because anyone who grew up when they were on the road knows now to run the other way and avoid this thing it ranks up there with the Yugo for dependability . but if you’re looking for something to drop a more modern dependable engine in this might be for you, have fun with it.
Did you own one? I owned a new ’85 Alliance R-11 Encore S 2 door Hatchback with 1.7 L, A/T, A/C and factory am/fm. Although not our primary car, it provided reliable and economical transportation for 10 years. My only complaint was the factory’s use of an aluminum to copper electrical connection at the starter. The dissimilar metals created a galvanic corrosion which increased with age and exposure and caused a starting problem. A thorough cleaning of all contact surfaces and a liberal application of Kopr-Kote (MIL-PRF-907E), an electrically conductive, powdered copper/graphite compound solved the problem. Other than normal maintenance, the only major expense during ownership was new tires and brake pads.
With higher odometer readings, and local AMC dealers long gone, I began to be concerned about OEM parts availability. A mechanic friend who had serviced the car expressed interest in it for his daughter. We talked and I got a good price for a well-cared for 10 year old, zero scratch, zero dent, cream puff Encore S. Nothing to complain about here.
Having owned and driven a number of European and domestic FWD cars, I rate the reliability and overall handling of our Encore S as above average, comfortable on the twisty roads, as well, as the Interstates.
In the USA Renault has been and ALWAYS will be, IMHO, straight trash and GARBAGE!!! It was a SAD day when AMC allowed Renault in. Le Cars, Fuegos, the Alliance, etc. All pieces of poorly built and underpowered pieces of undependable JUNK!! Renault has tainted any other companies they touch. Just look at what has happened to Nissan since Renault was brought in. Build quality has gone down and using more cheap crappy parts from China, not as dependable since the latter 2000s.
Am I biased??!! Yes sir, I am!!! I had a used 85 Alliance 4 door automatic sedan with around 60000 miles, second owner, transmission went out in less than 9 months and dealership wouldn’t honor the warranty and fix it. Nothing I could do so I stopped making the payments and told Chrysler credit to come get it! Sat for over 3 months before they took it away. Little raggedy 1.4 liter had less power than my riding lawnmower and too many power accessories (power steering, AC, etc.) on this crappy engine. Took forever to get up to speed and with the AC on, forget about it 😒. Renault is just plain garbage!
Tell that to the millions of satisfied Renault owners right across Europe, Africa and South America.
If you want a European car, it should, ultimately, come from Europe.
Come drive the Euro version and see how it SHOULD be.
THe 1.4 liter was known for blowing head gaskets.
In reality not head gaskets but the seal to the lower steel cyl shaft. Easily fixed.
I bequeathed my daily driver 85 alliance (with the 1.4L, no ac, manual) to my nephew who drove it cross country and as a daily driver for years. At that time I had upgraded to a gta sedan daily driver, with air and cruise that I drove until it got caught in a hail storm (I don’t do body work — sold it to a body guy who fixed up and drives it.) I still have a gta convertible that I drive for fun. I have gotten way more value for the money over the years from these cars.
European cars are fun to drive, but a nightmare to own if you’re putting American miles on them. Doesn’t matter what make or generation. Drive down any American highway at night, and you can spot an European car by one of the rear lights out. Even new ones. This is why they have very low resale values in the States.
Hahahahahahaha. No.
I have a twin to this car in my garage. I love it but not always. Timing belt broke and entire engine needed replacing. Luckily I bought replace convert. with a good engine. Changed timing belt and runs great. For parts I also have a 1.4 Renault with a “blown head gasket” supposedly.
Nice light cars with a modern feel. Mine is also 5 speed. Gets 40 mpg.
Good luck on the sale. It is worth more.
I own a 1987 Alliance conv for over 15 years with no major issues. 160.000 miles as we speak. Window regulators were repaired and one oil sender replaced. Automatic works find. Had a GTA at one point also. No major problems. Great little cars.
Only the AMC and the Euro-Car fans report no problems with these things. Everyone else has a horror story. Interesting. Reminds me of Cleveland Browns fans.
I see an eerie similarity between the AMC/Renault situation of the 80s and the current Chrysler/RAM/Jeep/Stellantis situation. Just a matter of time and where Jeep/RAM end up.