1978 RENAULT 4 TL

This Renault 4 TL is an excellent example of a popular French classic, finished in a wonderful colour scheme and presented in very good order. Under the bonnet is the 845cc OHV inline-four, coupled to a four-speed manual transmission driving the front wheels. The odometer indicates 59,110 km.

Inspired by the success of Citroen’s 2CV, Renault saw the opportunity to create a more refined version of the utilitarian runabout, with an up-to-date engine, low-maintenance running gear, and a more comfortable interior. Like the 2CV, it is equipped with long-travel independent suspension that makes it a boon on rough roads and rural tracks.

This particular car is a Spanish-built ‘R1125’ Renault 4, manufactured in the FASA-Renault factory in Valladolid. It is understood to have been first registered in July 1978, and more recently has spent time in a large collection in Spain; however, the car is now in Germany.

Having evidently been restored in the past, its bodywork and paint are in very good condition. The green finish looks smooth and glossy across all the panels, and there are very few blemishes to report. Its brightwork is also in great shape, with a mirror shine, and with no parking damage to either of the bumpers. The 13-inch wheels present well, finished with polished hubcaps.

The interior is believed to be original, and it is in remarkably good condition for its age. Brown vinyl is used for the seat backings and the door cards, while the seat facings are trimmed in chequered grey and brown with red pinstripes. The dashboard has a hairline crack above the Jaeger instrument panel, but otherwise it is in very good order. With a focus on simplicity, there are of course very few controls and switches, and there are no known faults.

Its service history is unknown, but evidently the previous restoration also involved refurbishment of the mechanicals given the appearance of the engine bay. All four tyres are believed to be around six years old, and with plenty of tread remaining.

This Renault 4 TL is an appealing classic car, which offers no-frills motoring in a practical and robust package. The 4 is a favourite of designers like Gordon Murray, on account of its beautifully simple but well-judged chassis setup, not to mention its no-nonsense approach to motoring. This would make a fine addition to any collection of classics, and should ultimately prove to be a reliable car for weekend use or perhaps even more regular commuting.

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