Emotion caused a recent post of employee of the Municipality of Athens for the personal car of the late mayor Antonis Tritsis. It is a futuristic, Renault Espace, that bears the “signature” of a Greek, Antonis Volanis. The vehicle changed the logic of automotive and witness the personality and aesthetics of architect Tritsi.
The Renault Espace has remained forgotten and observed for decades parked in the underground garage of the municipality, with its signs still in place. From the death of Tritsis, 33 years ago, The vehicle does not seem to have moved again.
Antonis Tritsis served as mayor of Athens from January 1, 1991 until his death on April 7, 1992, leaving his stamp with the planning reconstruction and development of Greece as Minister of Planning and Environment.
The car is still observed in the basement, without any provision.
Renault first generation espace
The first generation Renault espace was produced from 1984 to 1991 and is a revolutionary model in the history of the automotive industry, as it was one of the first polymorphic vehicles (MPV – Multi -Purpose Vehicle) released in Europe.
Basic features and innovations:
- Design and construction: The espace was originally designed by the British Matra (in collaboration with Greek designer Antonis Volanis) and, after Peugeot rejected the idea, Renault took over production and sales. Its construction was unique to the season, with a fiberglass body mounted on galvanized steel frame. This material made it light and resistant to rust.
- Polymorphism: The biggest innovation of Espace was the flexibility of the interior. The seats could be removed, folded or even rotated by 180 degrees, turning the cabin into a “mobile meeting space” or “room” when the vehicle was stopped. This was unprecedented for the facts of the time and established the concept of MPV.
- Initial reception: At first, sales were slow, with just 9 cars sold in the first month. The public needed time to get used to its radical appearance and idea. However, its utility and practicality soon won the buyers, with total sales of the first generation reaching 191,674.
Technical Specifications (indicative):
Engines:
- Gasoline: 1,995 cc (110 hp)
- Diesel: 2.068 CC Turbo Diesel (88 hp)
Dimensions:
- Length: 4,250 mm
- Wheelbase: 2.580 mm
Performance (depending on engine):
- 0-100 km/h speed: about 11.9 seconds (for version 2.0 l gasoline).
- Top speed: about 170 km/h.
Suspension:
- Front: MacPherson knees.
- Back: Axle turns.
“Lifting” in 1988:
In 1988, the espace received a renewal where some changes were made, mainly in the exterior, adopting more “friendly” lines. Matra’s original headlights were replaced with those of Renault, and the appearance became less “angular”. The four -wheel drive version “Quadra” was also added to this renewal.
The first generation of Renault Espace laid the foundations for the MPV category, inspiring other automakers to follow its example, and was established as a vehicle that emphasized the space, practicality and comfort for the family.
In detail the post for forgotten espace on Facebook
“As long as there are people with values ​​and respect we can be optimistic. I recently received the video you see along with the message below from colleague Mpampis Perdikis.
I washed the car in memory of a Democrat and partner as the mayor Tritsi, I did not know the story of the car. If I knew it I would have done it from the beginning. Dimitrios Tassioulis also helped me.
Antonis Tritsis served as mayor of Athens during the period January 1, 1991 – 7 April 1992. In the underground garage of Liosia 22 in particular in a corner that is first basement, I imagine his private car with the plates as you can. Despite my 40 years of service in the Municipality of Athens, I can’t tell you why he still remained there. All I can tell you is that the last time someone thought and made sure to wash it is my favorite boss of Bourda in 2016, when we worked with Decentralization and Administration. I then tried to find an edge for its exploitation but I didn’t do it … any information from someone who can help to solve the mystery accepted. “
Source: Skai
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