It’s clear from its overall shape and minimalist style that the Renault 4 was inspired by its great rival, the Citroen 2CV. Even so, the Renault Quatrelle, as it was known in France, developed its own loyal following and offered something different to Citroen’s Tin Snail.

Although its gear lever sprouted from the dash in the same way as the 2CV, the R4’s engine was a more conventional four-cylinder unit. It was mounted ahead of the gearbox, though, to maximise interior space, offering notably more cabin room than the 2CV.

The R4 was also fitted with a proper hatchback tailgate, which the 2CV never had, and that made it very popular with families and small business users.

There was also a van version to give the R4 even more commercial appeal and, all in all, there were more than eight million models built between its launch in 1961 and the final one rolling off the line in 1992.

At the start, the Renault 4 had some fantastic 1960s detailing such as its dainty grille. But by the 1970s it had settled into the shape most of us are familiar with. That shape has its quirks, such as the wheelbase being longer on one side of the car than the other due to the design of the rear suspension.

This car’s suspension design was very simple, yet it delivered a fantastically absorbent ride that meant the R4 was just as capable as the 2CV of crossing rough terrain with compliant ease. This endeared it to many long distance travellers when it was new and many Renault 4s crossed Africa and further afield.

With power outputs ranging from a mere 23bhp up to 34bhp, the later R4s from the 1970s and 1980s are the most usable today. There are not many left on Maltese roads, but they are plentiful in France, so importing one that is rust-free could make sense. Look carefully online and you may even find one of the rare open-top Plein Air models.

Fact file

Dates manufactured
1961-1992

Popular colours
Red, orange, blue

Cost at time
Approximately €4,500 (1980)

Value today
If you search online, around €6,000 should get you a good one

Rival models
Citroen 2CV and Austin 1100