Renault 4CV 750cc inline 4-cylinder 1950
General description :
1950 Renault 4CV Legros Barchetta
VIN – 1464508
Engine No. – 1498114
Coachwork – Legros
Exterior Color – French Blue
Interior Color – Grey
Engine – 750cc inline 4-cylinder
Transmission – 4-Speed manual
Current Kilometers – 38,403 kms (TMU)
General Overview
Produced by French car company Renault from 1947-1961. As a four-door sedan, these rear engine, rear drive cars were economical and easy to maintain, though dismal sales plagued the company at launch, sales would eventually reach over a million units throughout Europe. The monocoque construction, durable engine, tight steering radius, and economical costs of ownership endeared these cars to a wide range of markets including cabriolet models with a slide back canvas roof, a commercial-type service van, and Beach Wagon (Renault Jolly).
Among the most intriguing and captivating of the models derived from the 4CV series, Belgian Renault agent Legros commissioned a few specialized two-seat roadsters. Ideal as beach cars or shore town runabouts, the steel body used dipped down door openings eliminating heavy hinged doors and side glass. A shortened windscreen, and no side glass or convertible top provisions resulted in reduced weight for the 750cc engine. Given the rarity and complexity of construction for these limited market cars, surely very few were built with fewer remaining in complete and running condition as shown in this example.
History and Build Details of This Car
Although early history of this example is not known at this time, this car was purchased by the estate of the current owner in 2015. At that time, the car was offered with Italian registration documents having come out of an exclusive Italian collection which likely represents ongoing European ownership prior to being imported to North America after purchase in late 2015. Under current ownership, this car has been part of an extensive private family collection dedicated to unique and special bodied cars, performance cars, and European sports cars. Services performed on the car have been managed by inhouse mechanics.
Condition Overview
Today this Renault Barchetta presents as a driver quality example ready for enjoyable use. The paint is glossy with excellent coverage over the hand formed steel body. Overall exterior finishes and trim are in very good condition including the headlights, taillights, and sporty fog lamps. With no doors or side glass, the interior is easily viewed, and the car can be easily entered since the overall height of the entry sill is quite low. The bumpers have been removed giving the car a sporty Barchetta appearance enhanced by the lowered windscreen, chrome plated bullet side view mirrors, and satin silver wheels. The front storage compartment is finished in satin black housing a 6-volt battery and offers space for weekend travel bags. The forward storage compartment is accessed by a centered chrome lever strip that latches and locks the hood in place. A similar smaller lever arm allows the rear engine lid to be unlocked and latched. A set of steel wheels are finished in satin silver wearing Firestone F560 tires.
The interior features grey vinyl seating for two and interior door panels with a driver’s side map pocket, rubber floor mat, and grey carpeting for the surprisingly spacious rear storage area behind the forward folding seats. The grey dashboard features a central mounted instrument cluster displaying just over 38,000 kms. Bucket seating for two is delightfully comfortable with a floor mounted 3-speed gear lever comfortably in reach.
The rear deck tapers back to a louvered rear-hinged engine lid housing a potent 750cc engine. Just forward of the engine lid, the radiator filler sits above the body surface topped with decorative trim. The engine is clean and well-maintained along with a tidy engine compartment. The engine and associated trim parts remain in very good condition overall, however the cooling system will need to be addressed as coolant is seeping from the water pump. The underside of the car is in generally good condition displaying essentially similar mechanical features consistent with stock 4CV platforms and rear engine driveline.
Driving this Renault 4CV, it’s clear that the 750 has surely been enhanced as it delivers a very nice exhaust note and moves the car along at a surprisingly healthy clip. Brakes and suspension are nicely matched, and the sportiness of the open configuration creates a memorable experience consistent with 750cc class sports cars from this era. This Renault 4CV offers a unique and charming entry to the world of French cars distinctly celebrating hand-built coachwork with enjoyable cosmetics and dynamic styling.
Items Included with the Car
This Renault 4CV is accompanied by a matching grey tonneau cover and misc. hardware.
1950 Renault 4CV 750cc inline 4-cylinder is listed for sale on ClassicDigest in California by Fantasy Junction for Not priced.
Car Facts
Car type : Car Make : Renault Model : 4CV Model Version : 750cc inline 4-cylinder Engine size : 0.8 Model Year : 1950 Location : Emeryville Vehicle Registration : Normal
Not priced
Seller Information
Fantasy Junction
Fantasy Junction
+1 510 653 7555
Fantasy Junction
+1 510 653 7555
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About Renault
Ah, Renault, a name that's as French as a croissant and as ingrained in automotive history as a baguette in a Parisian café. Let's take a leisurely drive through the annals of this storied manufacturer, shall we?Our story begins in the late 19th century when the Renault brothers, Louis, Marcel, and Fernand, decided to put their inventive minds to work. In 1898, they introduced their very first car, the Renault Voiturette. It was a petite, rear-engined contraption that looked like something Jules Verne might have designed. This pint-sized pioneer laid the foundation for Renault's automotive legacy.
Now, if we're talking about influential Renault models, we mustn't overlook the Renault 4. Launched in 1961, it was the French answer to the Volkswagen Beetle. The Renault 4 was practical, versatile, and designed to handle the rough and tumble of rural France. It was as much at home in the city as it was on a farm, a true embodiment of French pragmatism.
But let's not forget the Renault 5, or "Le Supercinq" as it was known in France. Introduced in the mid-'70s, this little hatchback was a design sensation. Its quirky, angular lines and cheeky personality made it an instant hit. It was economical, fun to drive, and became an icon of French urban life.
Then came the Renault Espace in 1984. It was one of the pioneers of the MPV (multi-purpose vehicle) segment. The Espace was designed for families who wanted the practicality of a van without sacrificing the comfort of a car. It was the beginning of a new era in family transport.
And let's not forget the Renault Twingo, introduced in 1992. It was a small city car that broke the mold with its innovative design and rear-engine layout. The Twingo was proof that small cars could be stylish and practical, and it was a hit with urban dwellers across Europe.
Now, if you want to talk about a true game-changer, it's the Renault Clio. First introduced in 1990, the Clio became a European favorite. It combined style, performance, and affordability in a way that few cars could match. It's the kind of car that's as comfortable on the Champs-Élysées as it is navigating the narrow streets of a French village.
But, of course, we can't forget the Renault Megane. It's been a stalwart of the compact car segment since its debut in 1995. With its distinctive rear-end design and a range of engines to suit every taste, the Megane has remained a strong contender in a competitive market.
So there you have it, a leisurely tour through the history of Renault, a company that has always managed to infuse a touch of French flair into the automotive world. Renault has given us cars that are as diverse as the French countryside itself, from practical workhorses to stylish city slickers. It's a brand that's as much a part of France's cultural tapestry as a bottle of Bordeaux or a game of pétanque. Vive la Renault!