Renault Rodéo. A functional and recreational answer to the Mehari

Minimalist beach cars are a French specialty. When production of the Renault 4 Plein Air ended in 1970, fresh air enthusiasts had no reason to despair, as the Renault 4 Rodéo appeared as its intended successor. The R4 Plein Air was never available with fixed doors and a roof that could close off the entire "open compartment." The Rodéo 4, on the other hand, is available in various trims and is intended to provide a significant counterbalance to (among others) the Citroën Mehari will form.

Multiple deployment

Initially intended as a recreational vehicle, the Renault 4 Rodéo soon found its true purpose, primarily on construction sites and farms, with development agencies, and even with the French army. This was thanks to the proven, robust underpinnings of the Renault 4 Fourgonnette, the extra-long suspension travel for bumpy surfaces, and the robust fiberglass-reinforced plastic body. Practical considerations outweighed the aesthetics of the design.

Five delivery options

The Rodéo was produced at the Ateliers de Construction du Livradois (ACL) in Arlanc. Therefore, early versions also bore the ACL logo. The Renault 4 Rodéo was available in five versions: as an open pick-up truck without a hood and doors ("Evasion"), with a fabric cab roof and pick-up bed ("Chantier"), with a continuous fabric roof over the seats and cargo area ("Coursière"), with additional fabric side panels, front and rear side windows, and plastic doors ("Quatre Saisons"), and with a fully enclosed, opaque fabric hood ("Artisanale").

Practical and available with 4 x 4

There were no significant comforts, with the exception of a heater in the "Quatre Saisons" cabin. On the other hand, dirt and mud could easily be hosed off with a garden hose after the work was done. At the request of the Sinpar company, the Renault 4 Rodéo was converted to four-wheel drive, further expanding the range of this minimalist. Under the hood of the 640-kilogram (1,300 lb) Renault 4 Rodéo was the 845 cc Cléon-Fonte engine, which produced 25 kW (34 hp).

Bigger brother, the Rodéo 6

From the autumn of 1972, the Rodéo 6 was also offered, differing from the Rodéo 4 in its modified bodywork and larger engine. It featured the 1108 cc engine and the R6's floorpan, which was slightly sturdier and allowed for a wider track. Notably, the front end was shorter than that of the Rodéo 4. The bodywork was again made of fiberglass-reinforced plastic. A roll bar was also fitted, and, as with the "4" variant, it was possible to equip the car with the Sinpar 4x4 drivetrain upon request. From the 1980 model year onwards, the Rodéo 6 received the 1289 cc engine from the Renault 5 GTL (45 hp). The opportunity was also taken for a facelift, particularly noticeable at the front. The headlight units from the R14 were now used there. Furthermore, the front and rear bumpers were larger. Contrary to what is sometimes claimed, the 4 and 6 versions of the Rodéo continued together until 1981. That was the year that production of both types ended.

Newly developed, the Rodéo 5

In September 1981, the newly developed Rodéo 5 replaced the aforementioned versions. The platform was taken from the Renault 4 Fourgonnette, while the drivetrain came from the Renault 4 GTL. However, the bodywork was completely redesigned and given a contemporary look. Teilhol developed a tubular steel frame for the Rodéo 5, to which reinforced polyester body panels were attached. The Rodéo 5 was available as a "Quatre Saisons" version, with doors and side windows, and as a "Plein Air" version, without doors and side windows.

'Color per year'

The bodywork had a two-tone finish. The front panel with grille and lights, as well as the A-, B-, and C-pillars and the roll bar, were finished in a dark shade (usually black or brown). The hood, fenders, and doors were given a contrasting, lighter color. Teilhol offered only one color variant per model year: orange in 1982, green in 1983, ochre yellow in 1985, and ivory in 1986. In 1984, Renault also introduced the Hoggar and Sologne special editions. Furthermore, it was again possible to have the car equipped with the Sinpar 4x4 drivetrain upon request. At the end of 1986, the model was discontinued without a successor, marking the end of the Rodéo era, during which a total of 60.000 units had been produced.