Renault 4L Chicorée Leroux - An iconic advertising miniature
This pale blue Renault 4L in the colors of Chicorée Leroux represents much more than a simple model car. It embodies the very essence of the French advertising vehicle of the 1960s and 1970s, a period when the "Quatrelle" traveled the roads of France to promote everyday products.
This faithful 1:43 scale reproduction is an authentic testament to the era when mobile advertising was an integral part of the French landscape. A collector's item that will appeal to both model car enthusiasts and those nostalgic for the France of yesteryear.
Characteristics of the miniature
- Model: Renault 4L
- Brand: Renault
- Year: 1961-1992
- Scale: 1/43rd
- Color: Pale blue with Chicorée Leroux advertising
- Protective case included: Yes
The Renault 4L, a revolution in popular cars
Launched in October 1961 , the Renault 4L revolutionized the concept of the French family car. Pierre Dreyfus, then president of Renault, wanted to create a democratic vehicle capable of motorizing the middle classes. The challenge was considerable: to design a practical, economical and versatile car.
With its hatchback body, four doors , and innovative rear hatch, the 4L pioneered the concept of the modern family vehicle. Its revolutionary technical design—front engine, front-wheel drive, and torsion bar suspension—made it particularly well-suited to the French roads of the time. Its exceptional cargo capacity and legendary robustness quickly allowed it to conquer the French and international markets.
During its 31 years of production , more than 8 million units rolled off the assembly line, making the 4L one of the best-selling French cars in history. Its commercial success extended far beyond France, with massive exports to Africa, South America and Europe.
Renault, pioneer of the French automotive industry
By the early 1960s, Renault had established itself as the undisputed leader in the French popular automobile industry. Led by Pierre Dreyfus since 1955, the Régie Nationale was undergoing a period of unprecedented modernization and expansion . The company, nationalized since 1945, benefited from massive investments from the French government to develop innovative models.
This period marked Renault's golden age, with the successive launches of iconic models: the Dauphine, the R8, and of course the 4L, which would revolutionize the family car segment. Renault's strategy then consisted of democratizing the automobile by offering reliable, economical vehicles adapted to the needs of French families in the midst of economic expansion.
Technical innovation is the spearhead of the diamond brand. Renault invested heavily in research and development , particularly in front transmissions and independent suspensions, technologies that would establish the brand's reputation for reliability during this golden decade.
The 4L, ambassador of French chicory
This Chicorée Leroux version evokes a time when mobile advertising was a key vector of commercial communication. In the 1960s and 1970s, French roads were teeming with these colorful advertising vehicles that crisscrossed cities and countryside to promote national brands.
Chicorée Leroux, a century-old company based in northern France, frequently used Renault 4Ls for its sales tours. These vehicles, easily recognizable by their distinctive blue livery, participated in local fairs, markets, and events, distributing samples and advertising materials. The 4L proved perfectly suited to this mission thanks to its generous cargo space and ability to navigate easily through tight city centers.
These advertising cars became true symbols of the French art of living during the Trente Glorieuses. They embodied the economic optimism of the time and the closeness between brands and their consumers. Now gone from the French landscape, these Renault 4L advertising cars continue to fascinate collectors and those nostalgic for a France where advertising helped bring the regions to life.
Chicorée Leroux itself represents an important part of French gastronomic heritage . This traditional drink from the North, consumed in particular at breakfast, was then distributed throughout France thanks to these motorized advertising caravans of which our miniature is a faithful testimony.
Complete your collection of French model cars
This Renault 4L Chicorée Leroux naturally finds its place within a collection dedicated to French advertising vehicles . It harmonizes perfectly with other emblematic models of this golden era of mobile advertising, notably the advertising vehicles which marked the decades 1960-70.
Renault miniature enthusiasts will also enjoy complementing it with other models from the diamond-shaped brand, from classic Renault model cars to the Renault 4L in its various versions. This diversity allows you to reconstruct the complete evolution of this legendary model.
Beyond confirmed collectors, this miniature will appeal to all lovers of French automotive heritage . It is an excellent entry point to discover the world of French model cars and more broadly that of vintage automobile model cars . Its 1/43rd scale, the reference standard for collectors, guarantees perfect compatibility with most existing collections, whether model cars from the 1960s or 1/43rd models .
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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