1966 Renault 4

The Renault 4 was launched in 1961 as a “Blue Jeans” concept car. The replacement of the hugely successful Renault 4CV, the new R4 was a versatile and inexpensive “tackle anything” car with a worldwide calling.

In short, the concept worked selling over 1 Million cars in just 4 years, a European record at the time.

Like its chief rival, Citröen's 2CV, much of the R4's appeal lay in its classless nature. From cabbage farmers to chic Parisians, young ones exploring the planet and even rally drivers in celebrated motorsport events like Paris-Dakar fell for the Renault's charms.

It’s brilliantly versatile front-wheel-drive design included one of the first hatchbacks to see mass production and along with rear seats that could either be folded flat or easily removed altogether, the interior had ample room for five adults plus luggage, a heater and demister, booster fan for hot and cold air, twin sun-visors, glove compartment and an easy to read instrument panel.

An honest and exceptionally well-preserved example, the right-hand-drive Renault 4 affectionately nicknamed ‘Napoleon’ offered here is a rare 3 speed manual and desirable pre-face-lift model in its correct Light Blue Moyen over Black vinyl livery.

The protagonist of four magazine articles accompanying the car, including a buyer’s guide this remarkably well kept Renault 4 still features all of its correct and important components from the chrome bumpers with rubber overriders, adjustable headlights, tortoise shell steering wheel and matching umbrella style shift knob to the Jaeger instruments, original optional mud-flaps, identification tags and metal strip badges. An incredibly original car.

Not just fun to ogle at, the drive is also unexpectedly sensational. Spritely and never, ever boring. The 4 cylinder 747cc engine gets up and goes with a quick poke, the fully synchromesh transmission is easy to use and the handling is well balanced and agile. It’s also super comfortable for long distance trips too with heaps of space.

Accompanied by an incredible history file of owner’s manuals, original brochures, magazine and newspaper clippings that feature the car itself and an ownership log this amazing find is an oddity that’s very rarely available to own.

With unburstable reliability, unusual styling, global practicality and in such remarkably well-preserved condition, this time-warp Renault 4 is the 1960’s classic you never knew you needed. After all, over 1 million people the world over can’t be wrong.