Éric Ripert's Renault 5

Michelin-starred chef, James Beard Award winner, best-selling author, Emmy-winning television producer, culinary mastermind behind AAA Five Diamond restaurant Le Bernardin. Éric Ripert has a long list of impressive titles he can boast about. One designation you likely won’t hear him speak about in such glowing terms is former Renault owner.

The world-famous chef was born in France, but his family moved to the small country of Andorra when he was still young. It was here where Ripert first became a car owner. However, like many new drivers, he wasn’t overly thrilled with his first set of wheels.

What was your first car?

The first car I owned was a Renault 5.

How did you acquire it?

It was pre-owned, and I bought it from a garage in Andorra where I spent part of my childhood.

What did you love most about the car?

Since it was a small car, it was easy to park. Otherwise, I didn’t love anything about it, but it was very convenient just to have a car.

Was there anything you didn’t like about it?

It had a beige exterior color that I didn’t like.

What is your favorite memory of the car?

Driving in a snowstorm. I learned then how to drive safely in these types of conditions.

What happened to it?

I sold it when I was 21 years old.