Description
Very characterful and now rare RHD 1954 Renault 4CV, or Renault 750 as the UK-assembled cars were sold as. This example underwent a huge back-to-bare-bones restoration several years ago and continues to look great as the photos, which form part of the listing, show. Loads of paperwork, reference literature etc etc and on its original registration.
I bought this from a dealer in 2022 (for more than my asking price here), we've had it out for local shows and drives out on a regular basis. Being a UK built car it has the luxury of wind up front door windows and opening quarterlights - LHD cars seem to usually have a fixed main door glass and just opening quarterlights.
The four-door 4CV was developed on the quiet in the Renault factory under the noses of the occupying forces during WW2, and went into production proper in the late 1940s. Over one million were built. This right hand drive 1954 Renault 750 features a rear-mounted, water cooled, four cylinder engine of 748cc, and being an early-ish example still has the very distinctive deep-dish wheels that were fitted as standard. For its size it's quite sprightly and holds 40-50 mph happily and would do more. These were quite advanced cars for the era, with independent suspension all round, rear water cooled engine, plus light rack and pinion steering – probably why they were popular in motorsport at the time, 4CVs raced at Le Mans (!) and did well on the Monte Carlo rally. They also formed the basis of what went on to become the Alpine A110.
The bodywork is very good overall, as is the paint with just a few minor imperfections if you get in really close in a few small areas (being picky here). Previously white, now blue, logbook still shows as white but easy enough to change. There is a small split in the paint on top of one front wing, and a light dink in one rear mudguard, but overall it looks fantastic inside and out and wouldn't take much to make it 100%. Talking of the inside, it was all re-trimmed as necessary and the seats, headlining, door cards etc are all superb. I've not seen another example with the stylised “4” mascot on the bonnet. No rot through anywhere that I can find, the underside is very clean too, no scabby rust or the usual issues. Sills, door pillars, floors, inner wings etc all very very good, doors shut well with no dropping etc. I've included plenty of photos to show the body up top and underneath as best as I can, it really is incredibly solid for its age.
Stainless steel bumpers fitted, most of the chrome is good too with just some pickling on a couple of hubcaps and the front bumper overriders. Wherever we go in it this little Renault always causes a huge amount of interest down to its appearance and condition, French built 4CVs (all LHD) are rare enough here in the UK, there can only be very few original RHD examples still on the road. Much more unusual than contemporary Beetles and FIAT 500s, these have a big following in France and there are several specialists out there who can supply parts as necessary. The Classic Renault Club here in the UK is also a handy resource.
The engine starts readily and was stripped and inspected as necessary by the previous owner. Original 6v electrics. Gears and clutch work as they should, same for brakes etc etc. Rad looks like it has been re-cored during the restoration, no signs of overheating. I recently gave it an oil change and greased the suspension, I've also replaced much of the ignition system (coil, condenser, points, cap etc). Good radial tyres all round.
This is a very reluctant private sale but I've seen something else so this needs to make way sadly.
Rare chance to buy such an unusual car, it wouldn't take much to raise it from being a fantastic car to a show winner. A box file of paperwork accompanies it, including various manuals (factory and aftermarket) and 4CV books, two factory handbooks, various receipts for work done, articles, road tests, old MOTs and tax discs, photos of the car before being restored and more. The old buff logbook details the car's early ownership, the current V5C is also here in my name.
