Exhibition “Time Flies, 50 Years of Renault 4”
The exhibition has been such a success that Renault Classic and the Cité de l'Automobile are extending it until 20 February 2012.
The Renault 4 celebrates its 50th anniversary! On the occasion of this anniversary, Renault has organised and participated in several big events throughout the year. The last stop is at the Cité de l’Automobile with an exhibition that pays homage to this iconic car.
The Renault 4 is one of the most popular cars of the post-war period. It seemed to appeal to all age groups and all socio-professional categories. Launched in 1961, it is a car that no-one seems to tire of and which remains very much in the public consciousness.
On a very special date and at an exceptional location, the Renault 4 is presented among some automobile jewels in one of the best collections: the Schlumpf Collection. With their long-standing partnership, it seemed only natural that Renault should hold this exhibition at the Cité de l’Automobile.
The exhibitions is showing fifteen vehicles, including the “Parisienne”, “Bye-bye”, “Gendarmerie” and “Cross” models of the Renault 4.
Six key themes allow us to trace the history of this legendary vehicle: evolution of the model (e.g. the Renault 3), special edition series (e.g. the "Sixties"), commercial use (e.g. the Fourgonnette "Darty"), racing (e.g. the "Monte-Carlo"), world discovery (e.g. the "Routes du monde) and finally administrative use (e.g. the Fourgonnette "La Poste").
Two exceptional models are being shown in the exhibition:
- the unique Renault Bertin, shortened 3-door version of the Renault 4. Owned by the Cité de l’Automobile, it has been renovated for the occasion with the support of Renault Classic.
- The "Saline4Fun", the fastest Renault 4 in the world, which now develops 280 hp.
To illustrate the polymorphous side of the Renault 4 and the great number of drivers that it won over, Renault has created a unique model for the occasion of this anniversary: while the rear of the vehicle shows all the characteristics of an ultra-chic “Parisienne” sold in the 1960s, the front bears large flowers and a “Peace & Love” symbol, more reminiscent of the 1970s and the youth liberation movement.
At the heart of the exhibition, there is a dedicated space where visitors can watch films about the Renault 4 (in two languages).
A bit of history
The Renault 4 was a legendary car born from a concept. In 1956, Pierre Dreyfus, president of the Régie nationale des Usines Renault company, launched “the blue-jean car” project. Following the example of this item of clothing that had become universal, he wanted to create a car that was versatile, economic, global and adapted to the social evolution that was taking shape at the dawn of the 1960s. After five years of development, the Renault 4 was revealed first to the press, then at the Paris Motor Show in 1961.
It drew attention straight away with its unequalled passenger compartment, its low running costs and its ability to adapt to all the needs of its users. Just six years after its launch, the Renault 4 passed the million mark of vehicles produced and then just kept beating more records. The Renault 4 also met with great success abroad. It was manufactured or assembled in countries as distant as Australia, South Africa, Chile and the Philippines.
RENAULT 4 FACTS AND FIGURES
- 3rd most sold vehicle in the entire history of the automobile with 8,135,424 vehicles sold
- Marketed for 31 years
- Manufactured in 28 countries
- Marketed in more than 100 countries
- Renault’s 1st global vehicle with 50% of vehicles produced sold outside France
