Renault 4 (F4) (1985): The perfect mix of vintage charm and driving pleasure

If you didn't know better, you'd think this little Renault van was recently delivered by the dealer. At the time, this van was suitable for many traders or companies, economical in maintenance, robust and therefore popular. The popularity has remained, now as a piece of nostalgia on wheels.

A timeless mix

Wessel: “Just like many classics and oldtimers, my French icon is in the garage five days a week, but I have lost my heart to this Renault 4. It can be used as an eye-catcher for our construction company and of course for its ultimate purpose: as a hobby car. It has become a legendary model with a load capacity of no less than 300 kilos. A striking feature is the removable rear panel, so you can take large objects with you.”

Classic car lovers

Owners of classic and vintage cars know the joys of their possession, but also want to hear the story behind the car. For Wessel and his brother Sietse, the search was focused on a Renault 4 van, preferably in blue, to do justice to the history of the family business started by their father. The local Renault dealer was the regular supplier of commercial vehicles at the time, including the Renault 4 van in the characteristic “Renault blue”.

The sweet discovery of the South of France

The Renault they found in the South of France (Toulouse) was in perfect condition in terms of bodywork, but was white in colour. In order to maintain the link with the company's history, the lettering was partly done in Renault blue. After a thorough technical maintenance service, this iconic creation of the car industry from times gone by is happily driving around again. For Wessel, it not only means being proud of the ownership, but also paying tribute to his father, commanding respect, and passing on history.

The Renault 4 (F4)

The Renault 4, also known as the “Quatrelle” in France, was first introduced in 1961 and remained in production until 1992. The F4 version, launched in 1961, was a van version of the Renault 4 and was designed to Citroën 2CV van to compete. The car was innovative because of its practical design: a fifth door at the rear (the first hatchback of its kind), a flat floor, and a simple interior that could easily be adapted for both passenger and freight transport.

In the 80s, when Wessels F4 was built, the Renault 4 was known for its simplicity, reliability, and economy. The F4 version had a raised roofline compared to the base model and a removable rear panel, which significantly increased the loading capacity and versatility. The Renault 4 was adopted by countless small entrepreneurs, farmers, and craftsmen in France and abroad, and became a familiar sight on European roads.

With around 8 million units produced during its production run, the Renault 4 remains one of the best-selling French cars ever, and a beloved classic model among collectors and enthusiasts of simple but effective automotive engineering.