The Renault 4 was the french automaker's idea of an everyday car that can be used by anyone, anywhere. Production ran from 1961 to the early 1990s, with over 8 million units sold in over 100 countries. Quite the achievement, we hear you say, well it was also the world's first mass-produced hatchback and the Renaults first front wheel drive family car so in terms of automotive importance this little french carries a lot of significance.
What makes this 1984 variant so special is its genuine low mileage and unrestored condition. Only 26,633 miles (42,862km) have been covered by its three owners, who also kept it regularly maintained and garaged for the majority of its life. This car manifests charm, encouraging thoughts of a quiet life in the French countryside, pottering down narrow farm lanes, while the morning sun starts to rise above the hills. It’s a simplistic, perfect little motor.
Registered in France on the 23rd of October 1984, the car has had three owners, with the latest purchasing the vehicle June 2017 in France where to use as and when they were in the country. Due to covid, this was infrequent and subsequently the car travelled to the UK with the owner after their French property was sold. The majority of its life was spent with the second owner, who was a French Railway employee. We are told that due to his employment this individual preferred to travel by train as it was provided free by their employer and such the car was used minimally and garaged for the best part of 30 years.
The paperwork present ranges from original handbook and service book plus tickets also present under the bonnet, MOT certificate valid until February 2023 plus original french registration and plates.
Simplistic but practical is the best way to describe the interior of the Renault 4. A black plastic dash, instrument cluster and steering wheel are present, alongside a dash mounted gear knob. The seats are finished in cloth, with a red and blue tartan design which elevates the interior nicely.
There is a tear/cut in the driver's seat about 12cm long, the radio doesn't work plus a couple stains in the roof lining which have been pictured otherwise the overall condition of the vehicle is really good. Even though the car looks small, inside there’s plenty of room. A stereotypical family of four would fit comfortably, with plenty of space for luggage in the back for the luggage.
This quirky styled, tiny car certainly pulls on the heart strings, no wonder millions were sold worldwide. It has some beautiful features, take the windows for example, three separate windows per side, a fixed rear, sliding second row, then an almost art deco style sliding front. Its overall condition is good, but there are a few blemishes throughout, a scratch here and there plus a couple tiny dents in the door.
The paint is still in fair condition, it is believed to still be the original factory ‘Bleu’ with no restoration believed to have ever taken place. For a 38 year old car, she’s holding up pretty well, its sheltered and infrequent use has certainly helped with the longevity of the body, even the underneath is tidy and appears free from anything undesirable.
Owner has the points ignition system substituted by electronic if desired
During our visit, the car was started with ease and manoeuvred to a more suitable location for the photographer. It drove down the road effortlessly with no squeaky brakes or worrying noises. A new battery and electronic ignition system was fitted in 2021, plus four new tyres in 2019. All of its servicing requirements were carried out in France, with work carried out at 2,00km /11,400km /27,997km and we think the latest at 35,800km in 2012. The 8 valve 1050cc engine sounds sweet, quiet and happy. The car was designed to be cheap to run as well as reliable and as such there’s been no mention of any issues. In 2021 the brake shoes on the rear wheels were replaced as well as discs on the front.
This famous French family car was favoured by millions worldwide yet fairly rare to see in the UK. It’s incredible low mileage and unrestored condition makes this a unique opportunity to own a fabulous piece of automotive history that comes with an inescapable nostalgic charm that will fill your heart for a lifetime.
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1984 Renault 4GTL
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