40th anniversary photos - (part 9) in the middle of the museum
Around the centre of the museum were a second batch of Renault
4's, including many vans. I think the vans had been designated this area and
then the overflow of cars joined them. This first model is a very special Renault
4 Alpine Turbo, which has had lots of attention and a respray in black. The
photo doesn't really do it justice as there were some quite extraordinary modifications,
especially under the bonnet, which contains an enormous and bewilderingly configured
engine. It's so big that a little piece sticks out the front of the car underneath
the grille. There is a website devoted to the history of this car and many others,
including plenty of pictures before and after restoration, at http://fullspeed.to/folkert.
The owner has signed the guestbook and adds: 'The engine and gearbox are from
a Renault 5 Alpine Turbo. All petrol stuff is removed / deleted and an LPG injection
system is controlling the (high) fuel needs of the car. Also a big intercooler
is mounted and it has a little high turbo pressure. So, it is going fast!'
This GTL had some unusual styling, with additional yellow bars
on all sides, and R4 lettering on the side panels.
This one arrived by flower power. And it reminds me, a few years
ago I saw a pristine R4 parked at the top of Brunswick Square, Brighton, England.
It was a mid-light blue and had small daisies painted all over. I have never
seen it again, but if you know who owns or owned it please drop me an email.
Some of the many vans parked in front of one of the windmills
in the centre of the museum site.
There was a huddle of vans parked outside this building. More
pictures from here will follow on the next page.
