Renault 4CV and Dauphine

Renault sold twice as many Dauphines as 4CVs. The 4CV experienced a commercial introduction after a welcome reception by the buyers in August 1947. The production took place - and that was absolutely unique for the French automobile industry at the time - on the assembly line. 375 specimens rolled from it every day. The buyer public was very enthusiastic in the post-war years. Four doors, four seats and a low price were the basis for this. It was the best-selling car in France between 1947 and 1956.

The last one ran off the line in 1961. In those fourteen years, 1.105.547 units saw the light of day, making it the first French car to pass the one million barrier. The increasingly spoiled (French) buyer wanted something new and that is why Renault, mindful of the concept of the successful 4CV, elaborated on it. In 1956, the successor called Dauphine saw the light of day. An - before then (and actually still today) - elegant design with still four doors and four seats, the proven, economical engine in the back, meant another blockbuster for Renault. It was the best-selling French car between 1957 and 1961. The Dauphine was assembled in various countries, even marketed there under its own name. There is – and not many readers know this – even one Alfa Romeo Dauphine! Eleven years after its introduction, the curtain fell. The counter stopped at 2.150.738 units and with that, the Dauphine also became the first French car of which more than two million units were built!

Photo: The Renault Dauphine is also included Alfa Romeo built and then called Alfa Romeo Dauphin…