This Renault 4 CV Rallye dark green number 17 by Solido captures the essence of one of the most iconic French cars of the 20th century in its competitive version. Produced by the French manufacturer Solido under reference 1919, this 1/43 scale miniature reflects the golden age of French rallying in the 1950s-1960s.
Delivered with its plexiglass protective case, this collector's piece is aimed at enthusiasts of French automobiles and collectors of competition miniatures. Its dark green livery and number 17 immediately evoke the atmosphere of the era’s rallies where the small Renault excelled.
Miniature Features
- Model: Renault 4 CV Rallye
- Brand: Renault
- Year: 1950s-1960s
- Scale: 1/43
- Color: Dark green
- Race Number: 17
- Manufacturer: Solido
- Reference: 1919
- Protective case included: Yes (plexi)
Real Model Description
The Renault 4 CV, launched in 1946, represented the democratization of the automobile in France after World War II. Designed under Occupation by a team led by Fernand Picard, this small sedan revolutionized the French automotive landscape. With its 760 cm³ 4-cylinder engine producing 21 horsepower, it provided accessible mobility to the masses.
In rally version, the 4 CV donned specific equipment: long-range headlights, protection plates, race numbers, and sometimes light mechanical modifications. These preparations allowed the small Renault to shine on the winding roads of French and European rallies, where its lightness and maneuverability far compensated for its modest power.
The success of the 4 CV in competition significantly contributed to establishing Renault's sporting reputation. Between 1946 and 1961, over a million units were produced, laying the foundation for the brand's commercial success in the post-war era.
History of the Renault Brand
At the creation of the 4 CV, Renault was undergoing a period of major transformation. Nationalized in 1945 under Pierre Lefaucheux’s leadership, the company had to rebuild after the dark years of Occupation. The 4 CV represented a bold bet: to create a popular car capable of motorizing France.
Founded in 1899 by brothers Louis, Marcel, and Fernand Renault in Boulogne-Billancourt, the brand had already made a mark in automotive innovation. From the first race victories to the Marne taxis in 1914, Renault successfully combined technical prowess and patriotic commitment. The post-war era marked a new chapter with the ambition to democratize the automobile, a mission perfectly embodied by the small 4 CV that would conquer French and European roads.
A Legend Born on Rally Roads
The story of the Renault 4 CV in rally is full of savory anecdotes that bear witness to the pioneering spirit of the time. During the 1950 Monte Carlo Rally, a team of amateur French drivers decided to take on the challenge with their modest 4 CV against the powerful Jaguars and Alfa Romeos. Against all odds, they finished in the top twenty, surprising everyone.
This performance inspired many private drivers to transform their 4 CVs into true rally machines. In the suburban Paris garages, these small sedans were prepared with makeshift means: artisanal welding to stiffen the body, salvaged headlights, and numbering painted in white. The atmosphere was that of popular motorsport, where resourcefulness triumphed over large budgets.
A particularly memorable anecdote concerns the 1954 Northern Roads Rally, where a green 4 CV carrying number 17 - like our miniature - won its category after covering over 1000 kilometers without a single mechanical failure. This victory created a sensation in the specialized press and helped forge the legend of the small Renault in competition.
These sporting exploits gradually transformed the image of the 4 CV, from “people’s car” to “rally giant”. Renault dealers no longer hesitated to showcase “rally” versions in their windows, fueling the escape dreams of a generation of French discovering the joys of the automobile and motorsport.
Complete Your Miniature Collection
This Renault 4 CV Rallye Solido holds a special place in the world of French miniatures. It fits perfectly into a collection dedicated to Renault miniature cars or 4CV models. Its rally livery also makes it an ideal addition to collections of rally vehicles and race cars.
Collectors will enjoy pairing it with other Solido creations, a French brand known for the quality of its reproductions. This miniature fits well with models from the 1950s and 1960s, the glorious period of French automobiles.
Whether you are passionate about automotive history, a collector of French cars, or a motorsport enthusiast, this 4 CV Rallye is an authentic testament to a time when audacity and passion were enough to turn a modest sedan into a rally legend. Its number 17 and green livery tell a story, that of a France dreaming of escape behind the wheel of its small Renault.
