Renault 4CV

History

History of the Renault 4CV

The Renault 4CV is a popular small sedan produced from 1947 to 1961. Designed in secret by Renault engineers during the Occupation, it was unveiled at the 1946 Paris Motor Show and launched the following year. With its rear engine and round silhouette nicknamed the "pat of butter," it aimed to provide affordable motoring for postwar France. It became the first French car sold in more than one million units, totaling nearly 1.1 million. The 4CV is today a true collector's icon. For the few examples still on the road, the tires are small in diameter and narrow in profile, typical of period automobiles; any refitting calls for specialized classic tires in the original size. In Quebec, winter use is not advisable for this kind of vintage car, generally reserved for the warm season and gatherings.

Technology

Technologies, engines and platforms

A small water-cooled four-cylinder engine mounted at the rear, of about 760 cc and later 747 cc, paired with a three-speed manual gearbox. Rear-wheel-drive layout, four-wheel independent suspension, and the light, economical design typical of the postwar era.

Tires and wheels

Tire and wheel compatibility

Les Renault sont majoritairement des citadines et compactes européennes (Clio, Mégane, Kangoo, Zoe), généralement chaussées de jantes de 15 à 17 pouces, parfois 18 à 19 pouces sur les versions électriques ou sportives. Les entraxes courants chez Renault sont de type 4 trous sur les plus petits modèles et 5 trous sur les compactes et électriques récentes. Comme ces véhicules ne sont pas distribués officiellement au Québec, vérifiez toujours la dimension exacte inscrite sur le flanc du pneu et sur la jante d'origine. Au Québec, les pneus d'hiver sont obligatoires et essentiels: privilégiez des pneus hiver homologués dans la bonne dimension, idéalement montés sur un second jeu de jantes adaptées à l'entraxe et au déport du véhicule.

Other models

Other Renault models