On August 28, 1961 , automotive history was to change. French journalists were the first to be part of that milestone, when they got to know the new Renault 4 first-hand. They had spent five years of development, trials and driving tests in all kinds of climates before strolling in front of the Eiffel Tower. At last it was ready to see the light at the Frankfurt Motor Show months later, from then on everything was success. 60 years have passed since the famous 4L was presented , a vehicle that democratized the mobility of families and workers around the world. Six decades later, around 800,000 units have been registered in Spain, but more than 8 million were manufactured for the whole world.
The Renault 4 worked because it came at the right time, with the exact technological and modularity innovations for the time. They were years of expansion but the population had just enough income to be able to live well, buying a car for the family was still something for the rich. The 4L marked a before and after thanks to its Break body, with simple aesthetics and few frills in terms of its platform chassis. This simplicity allowed it to offer a really spacious cabin for its small size, with a 480-liter boot and very interesting access to use as a company car.
Today it may seem like a hackneyed car, very seen and not very special. However, this Renault 4 was the first compact model to offer front-wheel drive with independent suspension . This mechanical daring, at that time, drastically improved the maneuverability and precision of the 4L, which made it more wearable for all types of drivers. In addition, having a closed cooling circuit did not need to continually replenish the antifreeze fluid.
Its manufacture in Spain was commissioned by the Valladolid Assembly Factory, which started this production in 1963. This relationship would last until 1989 for the passenger car bodies and until 1991 for the van models. One more input for Spain to receive it with open arms.
