Foreword part 2: The Antithesis of the Modern Car
by Peter Gumbrell
One of the great strengths of the Renault 4 in my opinion, is that it goes against everything that is considered desirable and necessary in today's modern vehicles. In that way, it is the antithesis of the bland convoy of cars we witness on our roads, and also of the whole culture of driving today, which is largely fuelled by unimaginitive yet aspirational idiots.
You very soon realise upon driving an R4, that a large percentage of all those people who pass you by, or at the roadside, are smirking, laughing, pointing, staring and generally misunderstanding both you and your car. Of course there are odd exceptions, the occasional complementary comment or friendly smile, but on the whole people are arrogant in assuming some superiority over you as if you should be in some way ashamed of driving your car. And this pleases me - I love sitting there being aware of these morons and their pathetic visions of style. I feel it sets me apart from the McDonalds-munching masses of cretins that largely form the basis of society. And I know that other R4 owners experience the same thing, and have to endure this tide of buffoonery, swimming against it every day. This draws us together, and most of us therefore share at least some similar beliefs and understandings about life.
The culture of the R4 is growing, and is even spawning entire movements based around its aesthetic values and more broad social concepts and implications. Some would say it is more of a counter-culture, an icon for people battling the mainstream, but much as I want the R4 to be successful and popular, I don't want it to become too popular and widely adopted as some kind of fashion statement. Subtlety and austerity are the keywords, although quite how I can say that about my own car in its current guise of bright yellow trim I'm not sure. Of course having sold over 8 million units throughout its 31 year lifespan, the R4 will always technically be regarded as popular, but remarkably it has become somewhat forgotten as people have concentrated on more obviously iconic vehicles such as the VW Beetle or the Mini. This strange balance of uniqueness and popularity is probably best preserved as such, as it makes the R4 very special for its owners.
One slightly more disturbing aspect of other persons' attitudes towards Renault 4's on the roads, is that the behaviour of other drivers is not just stupid, but very often dangerous. Driving an R4 almost becomes an occupational hazard, as one has to constantly manipulate and accommodate the crassness displayed by people in their cars. I noticed this particularly when doing a couple of driving jobs in 2001, in which I had to use a Transit van and a larger Luton type van. The sudden respect other drivers gave me was marked, and all too noticeable upon returning to the front seat of the R4. Basically, people see you from behind and form the opinion of 'stupid car', then they are desperate to get past you whatever it takes. It doesn't matter if I'm doing 60mph in a 30mph zone (not saying I do of course, although I am quite zippy), they just have to get around you to satisfy themselves. It's like a little power victory that they've scored over you, but it's notable for the fact that they pick on what they think is an easy target in order to achieve this victory.
I've had to suffer the hilarious pratts who sit behind you revving up, the gangs of lads shooting away in the adjacent lane whilst snorting and making faces (and occasionally stalling which is particularly worthwhile seeing), and the legions of smarmy corporate fools in their 'director's standard' company cars, eager to usurp you in the belief that they really will impress you with their mechanical ability and rather sad lifestyle.
It may be a somewhat different story outside of Britain, especially in countries where Renault 4's are more prolific or an established part of the everyday culture, and many might regard me as being pretentious or some kind of inverted snob. Well perhaps just for once I am a bit, but I feel justified in the greater cause of mankind, and spirited values and principles. Driving a Renault 4 does itself become a statement, but one well worth making in our increasingly corporate conformist society.