40th anniversary of the R4
This special section celebrates the 40th birthday of the Renault 4 during 2001.
If you can provide any further information on Renault 4 events that took place during 2001 around the world, including any not listed here, please send an email to 4play@renault4.plus.com and put 40 in the subject line. New pictures are always welcome, please send them in jpeg or gif format.
On
the 3rd of August 1961 production of the Renault 4 started on the Ile Seguin
in Billancourt, Paris. The car was seen as an answer to Citroen's 2CV and
a replacement for the ageing Renault 4CV. This first picture shows the prototype
vehicle from which it developed. The tiny 350cc twin-cylinder engine on this
model was dropped in favour of the established 747cc four-cylinder version
from the 4CV. Larger 845cc and 1108cc engines followed in later years, and
in 1967 a four-speed transmission replaced the original 3-speed unit. Following
the less successful Renault 3, which was a similar but stripped down version
of the car, the R4 appeared in various new guises, including the stylish 'parisienne'
model, the luxurious 'super' version, the sporty open top doorless 'plein
air' model, and of course the van.
Over
the next 31 years the R4 became one of the biggest selling cars of all time,
with production numbers exceeding 8 million vehicles. The picture on the right
shows the 5 millionth model coming off the production line. The combination
of economy, reliability, practicality, charm and even performance characteristics
ensured the R4 became a favourite around the globe. The more powerful GTL
model, launched in 1980, provided a new lease of life for the car for over
a decade more, and whilst other car manufacturers were making more up-market,
snazzy and decidedly bland box-like vehicles, the R4 continued to be in demand
by people who wanted a car they could count on. In 1992, French production
came to an end, and a 'Bye Bye' special edition celebrated the event. I'm
sure I can't be the only one who believes the Renault 4 could still sell in
large numbers today, with or without enhancements or modifications, and perhaps
the more R4 enthusiasts stick together the more chance that the car might
one day rise again from the ashes. Forty years on from the birth of this great
car, events took place to celebrate its birthday in 2001.
 |