We had somehow hoped that Paris would celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Renault 4 with the modern reincarnation that was planned to be called 4ever. But that electric variant with a retro-modern design is not ready yet, so we have to make do with this Renault Suite N°4 Concept designed by the French designer Mathieu Lehanneur. Also electric, but based on the R4 that we have known since 1961.
Hotel suite
With Suite N°4, Mathieu Lehanneur refers to the luxury you experience in the suite of a five-star hotel. The body undergoes a special painting process to produce a cement-like hue, the classic radiator grille has been replaced by an arty aluminum element. But it is the transparent polycarbonate cocoon that makes this Renault Suite N°4 so special. The seats have a design that mixes velvet with chenille, the floor is made of natural wood.
The floor panel at the back of the Renault Suite N°’4 can be extended, so that you get a bench to enjoy a picnic. The open tailgate, at the time one of the great design finds of the Renault 4L, meanwhile ensures that you are covered. So you can sip champagne like you do on the balcony of your hotel room. It is a unique show model with a 100% electric, but unspecified powertrain,
Looking back to 1961
In July 1961 Renault introduced the Renault 4, later renamed R4 and 4L. The 4 stood for its 4 French fiscal horsepower. The French manufacturer, led by Pierre Dreyfus, wanted an answer to the Citroën 2PK and the VW Beetle. It was a time of migration from the countryside to the suburbs
According to tradition, the 2PK could transport a basket of eggs over country roads without any problems. So the R4 had to be able to carry a bale of straw. Hence the idea of the hatchback, so with a cubical trunk that was accessible through a fifth door.
blue jeans
Renault boss Pierre Dreyfus didn’t just want to make life miserable for Citroën with the 4L. The car had to be like a “Blue jeans”: practical, gender neutral and with enough space to store things. The Renault 4L was not only designed to transport straw bales, this everyone’s friend would also appeal to families, craftsmen and women.
Despite its maximum power of 34 hp, its onboard volume, compactness and versatility would have appealed to 8 million motorists in 100 countries for more than 30 years – the last all-new 4L was sold in 1994. And had pollution standards not put an end to it, then there would have been more. There was enough demand.
Well-filled career
The Renault 4L has also had a brilliant professional career. The van version was chosen by many companies. In Belgium there was Touring’s fleet of yellow R4s, but the 4L was also used by the post office, public services and the police.
In France, it even had a unique advantage: it was the only car French police officers could drive with their kepi on. The 4L would also be available in different versions, as a beach car, convertible, 4×4 and with numerous special series. And meanwhile, Renault is working on a modern, perhaps electrically powered version.
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