Model Car Dark red Renault 4 GTL from 1978 (square box)
Dark red Renault 4 GTL from 1978 (square box)
Scale: 1/43
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The 1978 Renault 4 GTL: A French icon in model car
This 1:43 scale 1978 dark red Renault 4 GTL perfectly captures the essence of this revolutionary automobile that marked French history. Presented in its original dark red paint, this model car is an authentic testament to an era when the R4 dominated European roads.
Designed for collectors passionate about French automobiles, this faithful reproduction is a must-have for anyone wishing to celebrate France's automotive heritage. Its meticulous workmanship and precise details make it a top-tier collector's item.
Characteristics of the model car
- Model: Renault 4 GTL
- Brand: Renault
- Year: 1978
- Scale: 1/43
- Color: Dark red
- Protective case included: Yes
The Renault 4 GTL: A French automotive revolution
Launched in 1961, the Renault 4 represented a completely innovative approach to the popular automobile. The GTL version, introduced in 1978, was the culmination of this lineage, with aesthetic and technical improvements that appealed to an entire generation of motorists.
This compact sedan was distinguished by its monocoque body , front all-wheel drive and independent torsion bar suspension. With its 1.1-litre engine developing 34 horsepower, it offered an economical and practical driving experience, perfectly suited to the urban and rural needs of the time.
The R4's commercial success was immediate and lasting. Produced for over 30 years, it sold over 8 million units worldwide, making it one of the best-selling French vehicles of all time.
Renault: A pioneer of the popular automobile
In the late 1970s, Renault was experiencing a remarkable period of expansion under the leadership of Bernard Hanon. The diamond-shaped brand had successfully reinvented itself after the war by developing innovative models such as the 4CV, then the Dauphine, and finally the R4, positioning the company as the French leader in the popular automobile market.
Founded in 1899 by Louis Renault, the brand had already experienced several industrial revolutions. By 1978, the year the GTL model was produced, Renault had become a global benchmark for technical innovation and accessible design. The company, nationalized since 1945, invested heavily in research and development, preparing for the future with projects like the upcoming R5 and the first electric vehicle prototypes.
This prosperous period at the end of the 1970s marked the height of the Renault philosophy: to democratize the automobile by offering reliable, economical and practical vehicles to as many people as possible.
The anecdote of the "Four Legs"
The Renault 4 had acquired the affectionate nickname "Quatre pattes" (Four Legs) due to its legendary robustness and ability to tackle any terrain. A famous anecdote tells of 1978, the year our GTL model was produced, a Normandy landowner used his R4 to transport his sheep daily between pastures, transforming the cabin into a veritable mobile sheepfold.
This extraordinary versatility made the R4 much more than just a car: it had become a universal work tool . Farmers used it for their deliveries, craftsmen to transport their tools, and families for their holidays. Its folding rear seat and tailgate allowed up to 1.2 cubic meters of goods to be loaded.
In 1978, the R4 GTL represented the culmination of this practical philosophy. It incorporated numerous improvements such as plastic bumpers , new instrumentation and more refined finishes, while retaining the mechanical simplicity for which it was renowned. Mechanics of the time joked that you could repair an R4 "with a screwdriver and some wire".
This automobile perfectly embodied the French spirit of the Trente Glorieuses : ingenious, economical, and democratic. It accompanied families on their social advancement, providing access to mobility for millions of households who were discovering the joys of vacations and freedom of movement.
Complete your collection of French model cars
This Renault 4 GTL fits perfectly into the world of French car model cars . It naturally finds its place alongside other French icons such as the Citroën 2CV or classic Peugeot to constitute a collection representative of the national automotive heritage.
Collectors will particularly appreciate this model car as part of a thematic collection dedicated to French cars or classics from the years 1950-1979 . It blends harmoniously with other Renault models such as the 4CV or the Estafette to trace the evolution of the diamond brand.
This reproduction is aimed at both those nostalgic for the 70s and young collectors eager to understand French automotive history. Its reproduction quality and historical authenticity make it a lasting investment for all enthusiasts of popular sedans and cars from the 1970s .
Frequently Asked Questions
How to understand the scales of miniatures?
Scale indicates the reduction ratio between the real car and the miniature. For example, at 1:43 scale, each centimeter on the miniature corresponds to 43 centimeters on the real vehicle.
Concretely, a 1/18 scale Ferrari model is approximately 25-30 cm long, while in 1/43 scale it measures approximately 10 cm.
What scales are available?
Our model cars are mainly offered in 1/43, 1/24, 1/18 and 1/87 (HO) scales. The scale is always indicated in the product sheet.
The smaller the second number, the larger the model car (e.g. 1/18 is larger than 1/43).
Does the model car come with protection?
Yes, each model car is systematically delivered in its protective box. This box preserves the collectible value and protects your model car from dust and shocks.
How is my package protected during transport?
We package each order with the utmost care: bubble wrap, appropriate cushioning, and polystyrene. Your model car is perfectly secure during its journey.
What is the delivery time?
In-stock items are shipped within 24-48 hours. Please allow 2-3 business days for France via Colissimo or 4-5 days via Mondial Relay.
The model car is no longer in stock, when will you have it?
It's impossible for me to know exactly when I'll receive a new stock because I receive arrivals in dribs and drabs. Please contact me so I can keep you informed as soon as it's available.
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