1953 Renault 750 4CV Sedan

Description

Originally developed in occupied France during the Second World War, the 4CV was launched at the 1946 Paris Salon and entered production the following year. Powered by a 760cc four-cylinder engine mounted in the rear with a three-speed manual transmission driving the rear wheels, the 4CV was Louis Renault's answer to the Volkswagen Beetle, combining modern monocoque construction with quirky details like the rear-hinged suicide front doors. The Renault's suspension comprised coil springs on all four wheels, with Beetle-like swing axles at the rear, while the steering required only 2.2 turns from lock to lock on early models. In 1950 Renault replaced the original engine with a slightly smaller capacity unit, the 747cc Ventoux motor, which upped horsepower to 17 and many drivers exploited the handling potential offered by the rear-engined package, with the 4CV even forming the basis of the first Alpine A106, a partnership that ultimately resulted in the World Rally Championship winning A110. The 4CV was also produced under licence in a number of countries, including Spain, Japan and even Australia, where it was sold as the 760 and later as the 750. Both fully assembled and CKD versions were sold in Australia, with earliest known imports dating back to 1948, and it proved relatively successful here, selling alongside the later Dauphine. Two versions were marketed, the Deluxe (or Grand Luxe) with additional chrome around the headlamps and door handles, and more basic Thriftmaster (also known as the "Affaire"), while Australian-assembled cars featured external fuel and radiator caps. The original ?Spider? wheel was replaced by solid disc rims in 1958 and the dash design updated several times but the 4CV remained otherwise largely unchanged during its 15 year production life. Although survivors are few and far between, the Renault 4CV owner is well catered for in Australia, with a strong club scene and numerous All French Car Days around the country.