Renault 4 CV Luxe
The Renault 4CV was an automobile produced from 1946 to 1961 by the renowned French car manufacturer Renault. Aimed as an economical "people's car" and taking inspiration from the Volkswagen Beetle, the 4CV is remembered for being the first French car to sell over a million.
Designed and engineered covertly under the German occupation of France during World War II, the four prototypes of the car were completed in three years by a team led by engineers Charles-Edmond Serre, Jean-Auguste Riolfo and Fernand Picard. Upon launch, the 4CV was dubbed "La motte de beurre" (the lump of butter) due to its shape and its sand-yellow colored paint, which was an army surplus of the Afrika Korps.
The 748 cc engine of the 4CV produced 17 hp and was paired to a three-speed manual transmission. Initially met with uncertainty and lukewarm sales stemming from the impoverished state of the French economy at the time, the car defied expectations to become a hit, and had sold about 37,000 units by mid-1949. This cemented the 4CV's reputation as the most popular car in France, and prompted Renault to extend its production until 1961, only a year before the more expensive Dauphine it was intended to replace.
Eventually, the 4CV was phased out and replaced by the Renault 4, which featured the same engine and a similar price tag as its popular predecessor. In total, 1,105,547 4CVs were produced.
The 4CV was also successful as a racing car, winning iconic events such as the Le Mans 24 Hours and the Mille Miglia. This led to the first collaboration between Alpine and Renault, the Alpine A-106, which was based on the 4CV. This fruitful partnership would subsequently go on to include the world-renowned Alpine A-110 in its rally-winning roster.
Turn your walls into a tribute to automotive history with gorgeous Renaults 4 CV Luxe 1950 posters! Make sure to get your matching mouse pad, t-shirt and calendar too to complete the look. You won't find these vintage beauties anywhere else, so get yours now - your home décor will thank you.
