Renault 4 was successful and produced or assembled in 27 countries besides France, including Australia, South Africa, Chile and the Philippines.
The third best selling model in auto history and the unquestioned bestselling French car globally, the Renault 4 celebrates its 50th anniversary next year.
Global sales of more than eight million units in 100 countries, bestow upon the Renault 4 iconic status. A car has been entered for January’s Rallye Monte-Carlo, and the 4 model is due to star at February’s Rétromobile classic car show in Paris. La Renault 4 started as a concept. In 1956, Pierre Dreyfus, then president of the Régie Nationale des Usines Renault, launched the notion of a “blue jeans” car. Following a five-year incubation period, the 4, Renault’s first front-wheel-drive passenger car, was unveiled to the press just before going on display at the 1961 Paris Motor Show.
A van and three sedan versions were launched simultaneously – the R3, which was dropped from the line the following year, the R4 and the R4L or luxury model.
Just six years after its launch, Renault 4 production exceeded the million mark. The R4 car reached a total production figure of 8,135,424 in the course of its 31-year run.
