Highlights
- £15,000 chassis, bodywork, mechanicals and interior restoration 3,000 miles ago
- Full respray in December 2023
- Extensive maintenance including complete service history
- One registered keeper since February 1983
- MOT to February 2025 with no advisories
- Now eligible for MOT and tax exempt Historic Vehicle status
The Appeal
The 4 was Renault’s clever answer to the 2CV. Just as softly sprung, it was equally adept at the Citroen’s ‘eggs across a field’ party trick.
The interloper was so good that Citroen was forced to respond with the Dyane. But the Renault’s mix of spacious, comfortable cabin, rugged go-anywhere capabilities and non-nonsense reliability kept it in production into the 1990s.
Its sheer usability means most were run into the ground when new so good survivors are rare. This must be one of the best.
With one owner since virtually new in February 1983, it has been lavished with investment. All of the work since 2015 has been undertaken by the seller. In 2016 it received a £15,000 restoration that covered bodywork, interior retrim, suspension, brakes and running gear. Annual invoices indicate a subsequent ‘no expense spared’ approach that includes a £3,000 respray in December 2023.
It comes to market with the reassurance of a long MOT to February 2025. That is the last test this car officially requires because from April 2024 it is eligible for Historic Vehicle status.
The Renault 4 is such a part of the firm’s history that a new model is due in 2025. That makes it a perfect time to rediscover this remarkable French car. This one must be a contender for the best of the few that remain.
The History and Paperwork
- First registered 1st February 1983
- DVLA records two keepers with current keeper since February 1983
- Huge history file including complete service history
- Known by seller since at least 2015 when a run of annual maintenance is recorded
- Restored in early 2016 at a cost of £15,000 which is documented in photographs
- This work covered the chassis, bodywork, interior and running gear
- Subsequent regular maintenance covering scheduled and preventative work
- Car has only covered 3,000 miles since the restoration was completed#
- Full respray in red in December 2023 by seller at cost of £3,000
- MOT to 4th February 2025 with no advisories and 106,857 miles showing on test
- Eligible for Historic Vehicle status from April 2024 based on age
- This should enable ULEZ compliance and MOT and tax exemption
The Condition
- Very good factory correct condition inside and out
- High end restoration work 3,000 miles ago with further investment
- This includes a respray 4 months ago
- We are told the chassis has been replaced
- Retrimmed interior in smart checked cloth which appears like new
- Unmodified car including steel wheels and updated factory dashboard
- Underside in very good order following extensive restoration
- Fitted with a modern Kenwood stereo but otherwise interior is unmodified
The Mechanics
- Later 1,108cc engine fitted from 1978 improves usability in modern traffic
- 4spd manual gearbox with dashboard shift distinctive to model
- Extensive maintenance records covering responsive and preventative work
- This work includes attention to ignition and running
- All mechanical work appears free from notable defects with a new MOT
- Just 3,000 miles covered since extensive mechanical overhaul in 2016
BEFORE YOU BUY
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:
✓ The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions..
✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.
✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's deposit. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.
✓ We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence.
✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed on Car & Classic and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance. However, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it is always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer on a vehicle.
✓Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection
or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it’s worth checking beforehand.. If requested, we may refer you to a third-party shipping company who can help. For more details and to speak to the team, email [email protected]
