Well, they did ask...

addo · Unread post by **addo** » 09 Jun 2011, 09:46

An arbitrageur phoned today, politely enquiring if my R16 was for sale:

"Well, only for a silly price."

How much would that be?

"Fifty thousand."

Oh, OK then. I understand.

It's one of those things you never part with; the car I grew up in and around. Even if the reply had been positive, I would have been forced to think very hard...

Unread post by **citroenxm** » 09 Jun 2011, 19:53

I like it Adam.... thats funny!

Rather then a Sorry no its not for sale, give them a price they'd never expect to hear... Tis good!

Mind you, over here, the Golf gets recognition for being the First Hatch back, but though, doesn't the 16 predate the Golf's hatch versiltility...by 10 years or so??
Also one of the first "Family Hatch" available with Power Windows and Central locking??

Paul

Unread post by **CitroJim** » 09 Jun 2011, 20:07

citroenxm wrote: Mind you, over here, the Golf gets recognition for being the First Hatch back,

Nah, Volkswagen were still playing around with horrible beetles when the R16 took the world by storm. It predated the other famous contender for the title of the first hatch by the Austin Maxi..

The R16 was universally adored by everybody who ever drove one. I drove a 16TS for a while as a loan car. I was smitten like a smitten thing...

Sadly, the tin worms adored them even more

I'd dispute greatly the Golf GTi being the first Hot Hatch too. The 16TS was a pretty hot vehicle in it's day...

Unread post by **citroenxm** » 09 Jun 2011, 20:12

Thats exactly what I meant Jim, the Golf always gets the "First Hatch" recognition... I know the beetle was still being made, the 16 seems to get forgotton..

Wasnt the 16TX a 1600 fast jobbie, giving around 95 to 101 bhp???

Paul

bxzx16v · Unread post by **bxzx16v** » 09 Jun 2011, 20:14

My dad had a 16TL when I was a kid , lovely comfy and super roomy , better than a cortina for sure

Mark

Unread post by **CitroJim** » 09 Jun 2011, 20:16

citroenxm wrote: Wasnt the 16TX a 1600 fast jobbie, giving around 95 to 101 bhp???

Think it was now Paul. The TS was the luxury one, the drawing room on wheels. Like driving an armchair

Bloody impressive car all round. Shame they dissolved so badly when the relative humidity rose above 1.5%

pug_owner2002 · Unread post by **pug_owner2002** » 09 Jun 2011, 21:19

Addo,

You'll have to get some pictures up of your "16".
Would be good to see.

Simon.

HDI Dave · Unread post by **HDI Dave** » 09 Jun 2011, 23:24

Doesn't the VW Golf's iconic status derive from it being the first 'hot hatch',albeit in gti form?

Fantastic motor, I've driven a few, still heaps more fun than todays 'drivers' cars!

Oh, and what's an R16? (seriously,I'm new at all this French shiz)

Unread post by **myglaren** » 10 Jun 2011, 07:01

ragger · Unread post by **ragger** » 17 Jun 2011, 11:48

My Dad's 16TL (1967 I think) was the first car I drove solo after passing my test in 1971. After that I owned two myself and although I am an absolute fan of big cits, I still have a very soft spot for a 16. I really liked the column gear change and the big squidgy seats.

Rob

DickieG · Unread post by **DickieG** » 17 Jun 2011, 12:33

A mate of mine had an R16 and IIRC they had incredibly heavy steering, were any available with power steering or is it a case of going to the gym?

addo · Unread post by **addo** » 17 Jun 2011, 12:48

No PAS, they were designed for pretty much an early Dee type tyre - IIRC the Radial "X" which was similar to a modern 145 width.

Choose a wider tyre, underinflate it, flog out the front end and yes the steering is weighty at slow speeds or when parking.