Highlights
- A particularly unusual conversion to a cabriolet, homologated in Portugal, where the car spent the majority of its life
- Professional chassis reinforcement after the conversion, treated with Blaxon-type anti-corrosion protection
- French “Carte Grise de Collection” noting matching numbers
- Mechanical restoration carried out since 2021
- Vehicle stored in a garage
The appeal
The Renault 4 is one of the most loved and longest-lasting French cars ever produced. It’s known for its mechanical simplicity, versatility and undeniable charm. One of the most effective ways to make a car even more enjoyable is to remove the roof: converting it to a cabriolet lets you extend that experience. This example benefits from an homologated modification carried out in Portugal, the country where the car spent most of its life.
What sets this cabriolet apart from other modified Renault 4s is the care taken during the conversion and the work carried out afterwards. The chassis was strengthened to preserve the structure’s rigidity, then treated with Blaxon-type anti-corrosion protection to reduce the risk of corrosion. The seller says this step is often overlooked on similar conversions.
The soft top is described as correctly integrated into the bodywork, the panel gaps are judged satisfactory, and the overall finish respects the original lines of the Renault 4 GTL. Having spent most of its life in Portugal’s drier climate and always being parked indoors, the car presents a general condition that matches its age. For collectors and enthusiasts of unusual French models, it’s a Renault 4 full of character—carefully maintained and sure to stand out.
Key information
- Odometer: 139,000 km, with no documentation provided to confirm the mileage
- Country of registration: France (imported from Portugal in 2023)
- Roadworthiness test (CT): valid until June 2031
- Technical specs: 1.1-litre, 4-cylinder petrol engine, 4-speed manual gearbox
- File: French “Carte Grise de Collection”
Details
- Conversion to a cabriolet carried out and homologated in Portugal
- Chassis strengthened after conversion and treated with Blaxon-type anti-corrosion protection
- Four new tyres and a new spare wheel fitted since 2021
- New front disc brakes
- New steering track rod end / suspension ball joint at the front
- New battery fitted
- Ignition switch replaced
- New ignition coil fitted
- Oil change carried out
- Sound horn repaired following a remark made during the roadworthiness test
Minor issues noted during the roadworthiness test:
- Unusual identification marking of the chassis number
- Left door mirror on the front wing slightly damaged or poorly secured
- Slight deformation of a crossmember or chassis rail at the front left
- Left front door hinges or mechanism slightly deteriorated
- The seller states the bodywork is in very good condition, with no structural corrosion or perforating rust
- The seats are described as clean and well preserved, with no rips or abnormal sagging
- The interior trim and panels show normal age-related wear, while still remaining in good visual condition
- The dashboard is described as functional, with all essential controls working
- The floor mats are described as clean
- The steering wheel and gear lever show slight, even patina consistent with the car’s age
This sale is subject to Car & Classic’s general terms and conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:
✓ The seller is registered as a private seller, meaning that consumer rights arising from European consumer protection legislation do not apply. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s general terms and conditions.
✓ We require payment of non-refundable fees if you are the successful bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted. Please refer to our FAQs and general terms and conditions for the specific rates.
✓ This vehicle is “sold as seen”, on a “tel quel, where is” basis and with no warranty. The photos and descriptions are for guidance only, and it is standard practice to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle before 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 offer or submission price, as specified in the listing.
✓ We want the transaction to go smoothly, just as you do—and that’s why UK-registered cars and motorcycles listed on Car & Classic are subject to an HPI check to confirm that they have no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and that they are not subject to a financial charge, allowing you to bid with confidence.
✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off following a total loss incident at the time the listing is placed on Car & Classic and we provide the write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) to help you. However, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status, and it’s always useful to carry out a full vehicle history check before making an offer.
✓ Buyers are responsible for the removal or delivery of the vehicle. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes. If you’d like, we can recommend a third-party transport company that can help. For more details and to speak to the team, email auctions@carandclassic.com.
