A Truly Exclusive Renault – Jason Crawley’s 20TX

At last year’s Silverstone Festival, many visitors were seen mouthing the phrase “What is it?” at a handsome, burgundy-coloured hatchback. Some seemed to think it was a Lancia while others were under the belief it was an Audi. Few seemed to recognise Jason Crawley’s 20TX – the car Renault claimed was “certainly no slouch”.

Yet the 20 was once the first large Renault to enjoy success in this country. The 1951-1960 Frégate—we recently featured a rare right-hand drive survivor—was never a common sight on British roads. The 2.7-litre V6 30TS of 1975 was a considerable favourite with the UK’s motoring press but never seemed to lure enough Rover 3500 and Ford Granada Ghia owners to their friendly local Renault dealer.

The 20TL followed the 30 in October 1975, sharing the five-door body but with a more spartan interior and power from a 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine. By July 1977, the more luxurious 2-litre 20TS appealed to motorists who might have otherwise considered a Vauxhall VX2300 GLS or a Princess 2200 HLS.

Three years later, Renault unveiled the 20TX, powered by a 2,165cc fuel-injected OHC engine and with a specification including PAS, five-speed transmission, electric front windows, tinted glass, central locking and alloy wheels. There was even ‘Normalur’ speed limiter and cruise control – Renault claimed the driver could “select a target speed and by-pass the accelerator”. The maximum speed was 106 mph, and the 20TX was always more of a boulevard cruiser than an out-and-out sports saloon.

UK imports began in 1981, and Autocar believed “there is no doubt that the Renault lives up to its potential”. They also noted that sales of the 30TX were low and declining while “The smaller capacity 20TX is intended to be the flagship that sells.” Meanwhile, Motor Sport raved, “What a comfortable, refined car it is!”

At £7,677, the latest 20 variant was ideally placed to appeal to 20TS owners who craved social advancement and to make conquest sales from the Rover 2300S SD1 at £7,779. It might even lure drivers of the Audi 100 Avant GL5s or the Saab 900 GLS, at £7,300 and at £7,631, respectively, to the diamond badge.

Jason’s TX is a late model, as the 25 succeeded the 20/30 family in October 1983. He became the Renault’s custodian in 2005 aged just 18; his father acquired the TX secondhand in 1987. Today, there are believed to be only six 20s on the road in the UK, and Jason’s is the sole TX Automatic in use - https://www.howmanyleft.co.uk/vehicle/renault_20_tx_auto

Naturally, Jason enjoys his 20’s comfort, performance, and sheer panache; he also revels in passers-by’s startled glances. And nor is it his sole classic Renault, as he is currently restoring a 30TX—but that is another story.

With thanks to: Jason Crawley