・Imported from Portugal during 2020

・Unmolested and appearing original throughout

・A real head-turner of a city car

Produced in their millions between 1961 and 1994, the Renault 4 was the first front-wheel-drive family car produced by Renault.

Introduced as car ownership level was climbing during the early 1960s following decades of economic difficulties and stagnation following the second world war, the Renault 4 was offered in numerous guises from base-level cars to panel vans, open-air models and even LPG and EV variants. 

Specifically, the ‘GTL’ model - as seen here - was introduced in 1978 and was made instantly identifiable thanks to its grey front grille, bumpers and plastic strips along the bottom edge of the doors. The engine was also upgraded to the 1.1-litre (1108cc) unit from the Renault 6 TL, though it was de-tuned to give better fuel economy. For the 1983-model year vehicles, the front drum brakes were upgraded to disks, with the handbrake mechanism now located on the rear wheels. 

This particular Renault 4 GTL was first registered in 1991, and has been subsequently imported from the dry, hot climate of Portugal, landing on UK shores during October 2020. 

Due to various factors - not least the numerous lockdowns and travel restrictions endured during 2020 and early 2021 - the vendor has not been able to use this iconic French supermini nearly as much as they’d like, having totalled up only around 50 miles during their ownership. 

Having been imported during late 2020, the vehicle received a major service during February 2021, along with a replacement windshield as decreed in previous MOT exams. Due to its lack of use and needing to make space for another vehicle, this vehicle is now up for sale by the first UK registered keeper.

Included with the vehicle are a number of documents from its time in Portugal, including several inspection certificates. 

There is also the import paperwork detailing work carried out throughout the process, the original Renault handbook and service manual, numerous invoices and MOT certificates from its time in the UK, and the V5 ownership document which shows 0 prior UK owners.

The interior of this Renault 4 GTL is nothing short of astounding, given the age and mileage of the vehicle.

The seats, headlining and door cards are all in fabulous condition, with no sagging, rips or tears to be seen. Speaking to the vendor, there is a possibility the seats were re-covered at some point in their life judging by the slight colour difference between the seats and the door cards, though there is no record of this being carried out.

While there isn’t much in the way of creature comforts inside, the layout of the dash and the unusual dashboard-mounted gear shifter is ergonomic and surprisingly easy to get used to, while the left-hand-drive setup shouldn’t be seen as a deterrent to any potential buyer, as the diminutive size of this Renault 4 makes sitting on the ‘wrong’ side no more difficult in daily life. 

In terms of negatives, there weren’t really any of note in the interior. The rubber cover on the clutch pedal came off a couple of times during the photo shoot, while the window runners were a little stiff and could perhaps use a thorough refurbishment or new rubbers, though that’s about it.

Much like the cabin, the exterior of this French supermini is in remarkable condition for its age and mileage, with the bright blue/turquoise paintwork looking resplendent in the sun during our photo shoot. 

There are a few age-related marks to the front and rear bumpers, but there are no signs of any impact damage. The entire body, for that matter, appears to be free of dents or any other accident signs, which is very good news indeed. 

There is some minor surface corrosion around the front offside bumper mounting point and in the rain channels, though this is commensurate with the age and mileage of the vehicle, and should not put off any potential buyers. 

From what we can tell, the glass is all original with the correct logos inscribed with the exception of the windscreen which has been repaired following an advisory on the latest MOT certificate. 

All four wheels are in good shape, but being steel wheels, they are showing their age now and would benefit from a refurbishment to bring them in line with the rest of the bodywork.

Underneath the front-hinged bonnet, the diminutive 1.1-litre Renault engine looks to be in good order, with the block, ancillaries and inner engine bay all presenting very well for their age. 

The latest MOT certificate noted a minor oil leak, though during our inspection there were no visible leaks from above, and only a minor misting on the lower half of the engine which can be seen from below.

Despite its lack of use, the little ‘4’ fired into life immediately upon turning the key, and would happily idle for extended periods of time. The dashboard-mounted gear shifter was unusual but easy enough to use, with the car happily going into gear and reversing with no issues at all, though we did note the clutch was incredibly light. 

Underneath, the usual smattering of surface corrosion and ‘bloom’ is present, though there were no patches or areas that would cause concern in our mind, nor were there any corrosion-related advisories on the latest MOT inspection. Overall, this is a very solid example of the venerable Renault 4 GTL.

Having been imported from the dry roads of Portugal, UK-registered, serviced and MOT’d, this diminutive and undeniably chic Renault 4 GTL is ready for the next owner to take it and enjoy exactly as they see fit, which hopefully involves a few more miles being added to the odometer!

Presenting in impressive condition throughout and appearing to be wonderfully original, this Renault 4 GTL would make an excellent addition to any French car enthusiast’s collection, or as a unique and unusual daily runabout for someone living in the city. Whatever the next owner chooses to use the car for, there’s no doubt that it’ll turn a few heads wherever it goes. 

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