Basic Information and History

The Renault 4 was introduced in 1961 as an answer to the Citroën 2CV and went on to become one of the most significant everyday cars in post-war European history. With its front-wheel drive, longitudinally mounted engine and gearbox positioned ahead of the engine, the design achieved a floor without a driveshaft tunnel and a load area that was unusually practical relative to the car's exterior dimensions. The Renault 4 is also considered one of the first true hatchbacks, a concept that would later become an industry standard.

What makes an early-1970s Renault 4 particularly interesting for enthusiasts are its technical solutions. The suspension is based on torsion bars, which results in different wheelbases on the left and right sides, and the water-cooled naturally aspirated engine — a small four-stroke unit with overhead valves — works against a closed cooling system. The gear lever is mounted through the dashboard with its characteristic forward-pointing linkage arm, a detail immediately recognisable to anyone who has driven the car.

This example from 1970 was sold new in Sweden and has had four owners. The odometer shows 3,299 km, but the seller cannot guarantee the mileage. The car is stated to be in original condition and is today exempt from inspection in accordance with the regulations for older vehicles. The vehicle is free of loans and deductible VAT does not apply.

Equipment and Options

• Longitudinally mounted four-stroke engine with front-wheel drive
• Manual gearbox with dashboard-mounted gear lever
• Torsion bar suspension all round
• Functioning audio and media system
• Functioning trip meter
• Original specification throughout

The seller states that the car has undergone a complete restoration inside and out and that it is today completely rust-free. The restoration has been carried out while retaining the original specification, meaning the car has not been fitted with any deviating modifications.

Condition

Body and exterior: Both the paint and body are described as being in excellent condition, as are the windows. According to the seller, the car is completely rust-free following the restoration, which is a crucial point on this particular model, where sheet metal work and mounting points are otherwise a common problem area.

Interior: The interior is stated to be in good condition, while the instrument panel and headliner are described as being in excellent condition. All seatbelts function and the instrument panel is free of warning lights.

Tyres and wheels: Tyres and wheels are assessed to be in excellent condition.

Mechanics and function: Engine, gearbox and brakes are all described as being in excellent condition. The engine starts and runs, according to the seller, without fault, the clutch works as it should, and gear changes occur without issue. The electrics work and the car is drivable as it stands.

Service History

The seller states that the vehicle is fully serviced. However, no receipts or other documentation supporting the service history are included with the car. Prospective buyers are therefore recommended to form their own opinion of the work carried out during a viewing, preferably with a focus on the restoration performed and its scope.

Summary

A 1970 model year Renault 4 in original specification, sold new in Sweden and with four owners behind it. According to the seller, the car has undergone a complete restoration and is described as rust-free, with paint, body, windows, instrument panel and headliner in excellent condition and an interior that holds good condition. The mechanicals are stated to function without issue, with engine, gearbox and brakes in excellent condition, and the car is drivable as it stands and exempt from inspection.

Given how few well-preserved examples remain of a model that was primarily used as a working tool, this is an opportunity for the enthusiast seeking an iconic French everyday car in thoroughly prepared and faithfully original condition. Note that the mileage cannot be guaranteed and that written service documentation is lacking.