story of a model that marked Argentines



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The Renault 4, one of the many models that were part of one of the most glorious stages of the domestic auto industry, turns 60. And Renault is preparing a special celebration that will feature different events throughout the year.

The model was presented by the French brand at 1961 Paris Motor Show. Its mission was to compete directly with another innovative French model: the Citroën 2 CV. It was also an alternative to the Volkswagen Beetle.

The R.4, popularly known in our country as “La Renoleta”It wasn’t just another model. Was the first car of the French brand with front-wheel drive, and one of those in charge of changing the aesthetic paradigm of the industry, since it was one of the first vehicles with a four-door body and a hatchback.

The R4 was launched in France in 1961. It was manufactured until 1993 and in total more than 8 million units were sold worldwide.

The R4 was launched in France in 1961. It was manufactured until 1993 and in total more than 8 million units were sold worldwide.

It was an economical and efficient vehicle with the space needed for an average family to go on a trip with luggage and everything.

These characteristics have enabled it to be a hit the world over. During their 32 years of production they have been sold more than 8 million units, and was present in more than 100 countries; among them the Argentina, where it was manufactured between 1963 and 1987.

The Renault 4 was the second diamond model manufactured in the Cordoba factory Saint Elisabeth, behind the Dauphine-Gordini. In addition to the passenger version, its range could have van versions and even a pick-up.

Renault 4 at the Santa Isabel plant in Cordoba

Renault 4 at the Santa Isabel plant in Cordoba

The first version of the series was the 4 L, and its price barely exceeded that of a Fiat 600, a smaller and not so practical car.

The 4L had a four-cylinder Ventoux engine and a displacement of 845 cc which delivered a power of 33.5 horsepower and was mated to a three-speed gearbox (later the 4-speed gearbox would be incorporated) whose selector was located in the middle. of the center console.

In 1964, the working version was presented, which had the capacity to carry up to 460 kilograms of cargo in the rear sector, a surprising capacity given that its total weight was 694 kilograms. In total, nearly 9,000 vans were manufactured in three generations (1964, 1970 and 1985).

In 1967 the variant was released “R4”, to dry, as an entry-level option. While in 1970 the “4S”, the new top-of-the-range variant which featured a larger 1,020cc engine developing 48 horsepower and coupled to a 4-speed gearbox.

The Renault 4 had a van variant, known as the 4F.  In our market it began to be marketed from 1964.

The Renault 4 had a van variant, known as the 4F. In our market it began to be marketed from 1964.

In 1979, the 4S changed its name to “Jeans”, also known as the “second series”. It carried plastic side rolls, a plastic grill, and rectangular sidelights up front.

The last version was “4 GTL”, launched in 1985. It was the first Renault 4 equipped with front disc brakes and three different engines: 1,100, 1,300 and 1,400 cm3.

Throughout its life, the Renault 4 has retained the design that has given it such good results. To stay up to date, it has only been updated with a few superficial cosmetic tweaks.

A curious fact. The French brand promoted the global launch of the Renault 4 with a short film entitled “The Roundup”, shot in the Camargue, a region in southern France located on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea.

Advertising of the time.  Variation promotion "Jeans", 1979.

Advertising of the time. Promotion of the “Jean” variant, from 1979.

The Creole presentation tried to be in phase with the French variant. The place, located next to the Ricchieri, has been specially prepared so that the press and special guests can test the new car. After a turn of the highway, the vehicles entered a real quagmire which was not an obstacle to the continuation of their march.

60th anniversary celebrations

The parent company has organized celebrations that will take place throughout the year. In principle, on the 4th and 14th of each month, exclusive content will be published on the brand’s social networks which will include interviews with collectors and celebrities.

This month, Greg, the famous sports illustrator, will unveil the first 4Ls with exclusive designs representing different eras of the R4. These illustrations will be distributed throughout the year.

On March 4, the Renault Classic division, responsible for preserving the historic heritage of the brand, will present 30 Renault 4 models, among which there will be a dozen that will be exhibited on a set created for the occasion.

Throughout 2021, Renault's social networks will feature different illustrations of the most important versions of the R4, such as the "Parisian", 1963.

Throughout 2021, Renault’s social networks will present different illustrations of the most important versions of the R4, such as the “Parisienne” of 1963.

In April, influencers will tell their own version of the car through short films made in Stop-Motion. They will use the Renault miniature collection.

A complete collection of 4L objects, selected and designed specifically for the 60th anniversary, will go on sale in May. They will be available in the brand’s online store.

In addition, having taken part in numerous films during its history, the Renault 4 will be part of the 74th edition of the Cannes International Film Festival.

In September, some electric versions of the model will be presented. In November, for its part, the brand promises more actions with its van variant.

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