Green Renault 4L from 1964 in 1/43 scale by Solido, reference 4544
Here is a green Renault 4L from 1964 by Solido, presented in 1/43 scale. This miniature reproduces one of the most popular silhouettes of postwar French automobiles, with its hatchback body, simple lines and a look that remains recognisable more than sixty years after its launch.
For enthusiasts of miniature cars and popular models of the 1960s, this model naturally finds its place in a collection. It recalls an era when the 4L could be seen everywhere, from city streets to country roads, and it will appeal to lovers of classic cars as well as collectors attached to the history of the diamond-badged brand.
Miniature features
- Model: Renault 4L
- Brand: Solido
- Reference: 4544
- Year: 1964
- Scale: 1/43
- Colour: Green
- Protective box included: Yes
The real vehicle: the Renault 4L
The Renault 4 was presented in 1961, at a time when Renault sought to expand its range beyond the already widespread 4CV, and to offer a roomier and more versatile car. The project met a clear demand: to provide an automobile capable of carrying a family, luggage and sometimes goods, without sacrificing mechanical simplicity or driving comfort. The name "4L", widely used by the public, would become the model's most famous nickname.
Technically, the 4L stood out for several bold choices for its time. It featured front-wheel drive, a torsion bar suspension that provided good grip on dirt tracks, and a rear hatch that made it remarkably practical. Its small-capacity, water-cooled engine remained economical and reliable. In 1964, the model benefited from range developments, with varied trim levels and a carefully considered presentation that made it a pleasant car to live with every day.
The commercial success of the 4L was considerable. Produced for more than three decades, it exceeded eight million units, making it one of the most built French automobiles of all time. Its robustness, versatility and affordable price allowed it to establish itself in many countries, well beyond Europe.
The Renault brand: an industrial history serving mobility
Renault was founded in 1899 in Boulogne-Billancourt, under the impetus of the brothers Louis, Marcel and Fernand Renault. From its beginnings, the company became known for its innovations, notably the shaft drive and the first production vehicles to make a name for themselves on the roads and in competition. This culture of experimentation and innovation would accompany the brand throughout the century.
After the Second World War, the company was nationalised and became the Régie Nationale des Usines Renault. It then played a major role in the reconstruction and motorisation of the country. The 4CV, launched in 1947, embodied the ambition to make the car accessible to a greater number of households. The 4L continued this logic, with a more modern and more spacious approach, suited to the new needs of society in the 1960s.
Over the decades, Renault created many iconic models, from the Dauphine to the Renault 5, including large saloons and sports cars. Even today, the diamond-badged brand maintains a strong bond with its heritage, and its older models hold a special place in the hearts of enthusiasts, whether they are collectors or simply admirers of French automotive design.
Anecdote: the 4L, much more than a family car
In the 1960s, the Renault 4 attracted particular interest for its ability to handle varied terrain. A derived version, the famous 4L Sahara, equipped with two engines, one at the front and one at the rear, could climb steep slopes and cross sand. This original configuration reflects the spirit of ingenuity that drove Renault's engineering teams at the time, and their desire to offer useful vehicles well beyond paved roads.
Later, the 4L became a symbol of resourcefulness and automotive solidarity. Its simple mechanics and reliability made it a popular choice for desert raids and humanitarian missions, such as the student rally that has borne its name since the late 1990s. Thousands of young drivers have taken the wheel of old 4Ls to reach Morocco, proof that this model has kept an important place in the collective imagination.
This popular image also reflects the evolution of French society. The 4L accompanied families, craftsmen, postmen and rural workers, before becoming a cult car, appreciated for its endearing character. Its success shows that an automobile can remain in people's memories well beyond its commercial career, creating an emotional bond across several generations.
Complete your miniature collection
This Solido Renault 4L takes on its full meaning when displayed alongside other vehicles from the same era. In a showcase dedicated to the 1960s, it naturally sits beside the family saloons and utility vehicles that filled the roads of the time. To explore the world of French miniature cars further, you can browse our selection of Renault models, our range of Renault 4L or the classics from 1950 to 1979.
Enthusiasts of 1/43 scale reproductions will appreciate the fineness of the details and the coherence of a harmonious set. To build a consistent collection, you may also follow models from the 1960s era, or take an interest in the productions of the manufacturer Solido, known for its carefully crafted reproductions.
This model is intended above all for collectors of popular vehicles, enthusiasts of French automobiles and those who wish to keep in memory the cars that marked the daily life of their parents or grandparents. It is also perfectly suited to lovers of French models and enthusiasts of characterful saloons, who will find in this green 4L a fine piece of automotive heritage.
