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The 4CV is, without any sense of hyperbole, one of Renault’s most famous cars.

It was their first to sell more than a million units, and it was developed in circumstances that are hard to envisage.

The engineers clandestinely built the original prototypes when the Billancourt factory was under wartime Nazi control and when the 4CV was unveiled at the 1946 Paris Motor Show, it caused a sensation.

The French motor industry’s first new post-war car featured a rear-mounted 760cc engine, all-independent suspension and rack & pinion steering.

Above all, it represented the prospect of one day owning your own car, and before long there was a 30,000-strong waiting list.

Within three years the 4CV was the country’s best-selling car.

The top speed of 62 mph was perfectly reasonable by the standards of the day, as was 0-60 in 29.5 secs.

Many drivers were more concerned with the fuel economy of 46 mpg.

Early models were popularly known as La motte de beurre’ (‘the butter pat’) as they were finished in surplus Afrika Korps yellow paint. 

By 1950 Renault replaced the 760cc unit by a 747cc unit to allow the 4CV to compete in the 750cc motor racing class.

Two years later Jean Rédelé had achieved a class victory in the Mille Miglia.

In 1953 Renault introduced the 4CV Service, an utterly stripped-spec version available in grey, grey or, as an exciting alternative colour – grey.

It was also devoid of chrome, opening rear windows and direction indicators (!) while pull cords replaced the interior door handles.

Sales were comparatively limited, probably because of its stunning lack of luxury but also because the 2CV dominated that sector of the car market.

Besides, most Renault devotees craved the “Sport” or the Cabriolet versions.

The 500,000^th 4CV left the factory in 1954, and by then, they were as much part of daily life as watching a Fernandel comedy at the local cinema – as family transport, a taxi or, from 1955, the ‘Pie’ (magpie) patrol car, as commissioned by the Police Prefecture of Paris.

The engine gained a modified carburettor and exhaust system while the front doors sported cutaways – either for ease of flagging down motorists or for firing at bandit:

The 4CV was also a “world car”, built in Australia, Spain, Belgium, Japan (by Hino), South Africa, Ireland and at Renault’s Acton plant.

The British market “750” rivalled the Austin A30, Ford Prefect 100E, Morris Minor and the Standard Eight.

£599 13s 4d, including a heater, represented very good value for money, even if the interior accommodation was somewhat cramped for the taller driver.

Renault introduced the Dauphine in 1956, but they continued to manufacture the 4CV as an economy model, and four years later sales passed the million mark.

Production ended with car number 1,105,547 in 1961 and its engine would be used in the otherwise very different R4.

And so, in celebration of the Renault that is as important as the Deux Chevaux to French motoring, here is a charming PR film celebration ‘the little miracle’

Why choose Lancaster Insurance?

Here at Lancaster, we love classic cars as much as you do and we understand what it takes to protect them for future generations.

We have links with some of the top classic car clubs around the country and some of our policies even offer discounts of up to 25% for club members.

Other benefits of classic car insurance through Lancaster can include:

• Historic rally cover
• Static show cover
• Limit mileage discounts
• Choice of repairer
• 24-hour claims helpline

Give your classic the protection it deserves and get a quote for your Renault today.