This 1/43 scale blue Renault 4 from the Sixties perfectly captures the essence of this revolutionary car that marked the 1960s. Faithfully reproducing the characteristic lines of this iconic model, this model car is distinguished by its authentic blue color, the flagship color of this flamboyant decade.
A true collector's item , this model car reproduction is aimed at French automobile enthusiasts and demanding collectors who wish to own a piece of automotive history in their display case.
Characteristics of the model car
- Model: Renault 4 from the Sixties
- Brand: Renault
- Year: 1960s
- Scale: 1/43
- Color: Blue
- Protective case included: Yes
The original model: an automotive revolution
Launched in 1961, the Renault 4 was born out of a desire to democratize the automobile in France. Designed by Pierre Dreyfus's team, this revolutionary car adopted an avant-garde architecture with its front-wheel drive, monocoque body, and rear hatch. These technical innovations, bold for the time, made the R4 the first truly popular car of the post-war period.
Mechanical simplicity and robustness are the key words of this project. With its 747cc 4-cylinder engine developing 26 horsepower, the Renault 4 prioritizes economy and reliability over performance. Its modular interior and spacious trunk quickly made it the choice of French families seeking affordable mobility.
The commercial success exceeded all expectations: more than 8 million units were produced until 1992, making the R4 one of the best-selling French cars of all time.
Renault in the 1960s: the golden age
The 1960s marked a decisive turning point for Régie Renault . Under the leadership of Pierre Dreyfus, the French state-owned company experienced remarkable expansion and established itself as a major player in the European automotive industry. This period saw the birth of the brand's most iconic models, with the Renault 4CV still in production and soon the revolutionary R16.
Renault's strategy during this decade revolved around technical innovation and the democratization of the automobile. The company invested heavily in research and development, particularly in the front-wheel drive technologies that would make its reputation. This industrial philosophy allowed Renault to distinguish itself from its French competitors like Citroën and Peugeot.
The anecdote of the "Quatrelle"
The Renault 4 owes its affectionate nickname "Quatrelle" to its extraordinary popularity in France during the Trente Glorieuses (Glorious Thirty Years). This diminutive testifies to the French people's particular attachment to this car, which accompanies them in their daily lives. But it's a funny anecdote that reveals the true genius of this model: during the May 1968 demonstrations, Parisian students discovered that the R4 could easily navigate the sidewalks of the Latin Quarter thanks to its generous ground clearance and supple suspension.
This unexpected ability to navigate the Parisian cobblestones made the "Quatrelle" the unofficial vehicle of protest . Period images show these small blue, yellow, or white cars slaloming between barricades, transporting leaflets and protesters. This impromptu use definitively established the R4 as a symbol of freedom and social emancipation.
Beyond this historical dimension, the Renault 4 had a profound impact on French popular culture. It quickly became the car of teachers, postmen and modest families who discovered the joys of camping and family holidays . Its modular trunk easily accommodated tents, luggage and holiday souvenirs, perfectly embodying the spirit of the 1960s.
This exceptional versatility explains why the R4 has survived the decades without aging. From the 1960s to the 1990s , it accompanied the evolution of French society, a privileged witness to three decades of social and cultural changes.
Complete your model car collection
This blue Renault 4 from the Sixties naturally finds its place at the heart of a collection dedicated to classic French cars . It harmoniously interacts with other iconic models from this golden era, such as the Citroën 2CV or the various versions of the Renault range from the Sixties.
Collectors with a passion for automotive history will particularly appreciate this model car, which perfectly embodies the spirit of the French Sixties . Its meticulous finish and 1/43 scale make it an ideal complement to the other 1/43 model cars in your collection. This reproduction is also an excellent starting point for beginners wishing to discover the fascinating world of vintage model cars .
Whether you are a seasoned collector or an enlightened amateur, this blue Renault 4 will find its place in your enthusiast's world, a tangible testimony to an era when French automobiles shone throughout the world.
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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