1955 RENAULT 4CV - EX-JOHN BOLSTER

This Renault 4CV is now a very rare classic, which has been restored at least twice in the past, and which is packed with bags of Gallic charm. It is powered by a rear-mounted 747cc inline-four, driving the rear wheels through a three-speed manual transmission. The odometer shows 52,196 miles.

While a DVLA history check shows that it has been registered overseas decades ago, it is an original Acton-built right-hand drive UK car. In its earlier life the 4CV was owned by the famed technical editor of Autosport magazine, John Bolster. As president of the Renault Owners Club for many years, Bolster kept the 4CV well maintained until he passed away in 1984, but also added some notable upgrades.

Anything that was not strictly required was removed, and Bolster had a modified intake manifold and carburettor arrangement installed, along with some other changes to the engine setup. While the original motor produced around 21hp as standard, this car is understood to have an output of around 38bhp. After he passed away, it was donated by his wife to the Club, and a substantial restoration was carried out using a donor shell.

Around eight years ago, it was handed over to the Renault UK Heritage Collection, where it has been kept well maintained and has appeared at various new car launch events to showcase the marque’s history. It has been carefully stored in a dehumidified air chamber at a specialist storage and logistics company.

The bodywork of this car presents well, with smart shut lines, and with all panels appearing straight and solid. Its blue paint finish is generally in good order, with some chips and marks around the body, as well as some cracking and lifting of the paint in small areas on the roof and front wheel arches. There are a few patches or surface rust where paint has lifted inside the engine bay and bonnet apertures. The body trims are sound, with some age-related blemishes on the chromed finishes, and the vendor also notes that the windscreen wipers have scratched the windscreen slightly.

Stepping inside, the red and grey upholstery is in good condition, having previously been reupholstered as part of an earlier restoration. While there is no significant damage to the trim, there are some minor scuff marks on the lower parts of the seats, and slight discoloration due to age. However, the dashboard and two-spoke steering wheel appear to be entirely original, with an appealing patina that highlights the car’s storied provenance. The vendor notes that the ignition switch is inoperative, as it has been bypassed with a rocker switch fitted to the dashboard. The temperature gauge is also not working, and the fuel gauge readout is inconsistent.

Reported to be in good mechanical condition, having been part of a working heritage fleet, this 4CV’s last routine maintenance was in September 2020 at 52,177 miles, when the engine oil was changed, and the kingpins were re-greased.

The most recent MOT test was on 21 September 2020 at 52,187 miles, which resulted in a clean pass with no advisories or defects whatsoever. It rides on a set of Toyo 310 tyres, which are dated to 2009 and still have around 6mm of tread.

This Renault 4CV is a wonderful French classic, which is now a very rare sight in the UK, with only a handful of Acton-built 750 models believed to be in a roadworthy condition. Having formed part of a well-maintained heritage collection in recent years, this 4CV is a strong runner, and should prove to be a reliable occasional runabout. Given its intriguing provenance and light engine tuning, it arguably stands out among other examples, and is set to delight its next owner whenever they get behind the wheel.

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