Lot Ended
Description
Total nut-and-bolt restoration by Renault Reborn in 2017/18 and
carefully maintained since; went to Le Mans and back in 2018; won 'Best Modern
Classic' award at a local show in 2022; only 53k miles indicated; one of
only around 50 still on the road in UK; a super example of this iconic Gallic
charmer
Renault’s answer
to the Citroen 2CV, the flimsy and frugal 4 was in production for 30 years (1961
– 1992) and proved wildly successful, becoming the best-selling French car of
all time with over 8 million sold worldwide.
The
first mass-produced hatchback, with a large rear tailgate and a flat floor, it
could carry everything from families and groceries to livestock and furniture.
Its simple water-cooled engine was famously robust (evolving from 603cc to
845cc) and the torsion bar independent suspension could be easily raised or
lowered with a special tool which, allied to the sturdy sump guard, gave it
remarkable off-road ability, ideal for rural France and for customers
in the former French colonies in Africa and Asia.
Considering how many were made, it’s amazing how rarely you see one
on the road today, although Renault have just launched a super-cool electric
version so the 4’s profile is riding high once more. It seems that there are
only around 600 left in the UK, only half of which are
taxed.
Affectionately known as ‘Bluebell’, this
Renault 4TL must be one of the best ones out there and is one of only around 50
4TL models still UK registered for road use, with another 40 or so on SORN.
First registered in October 1979, she has the
845cc engine and was acquired by our vendor (the 6th owner) back in
2016. In 2017 she was sent to Renault Reborn of Louth where she was treated to a
total nut-and-bolt restoration over a period of several months, preserving
as much originality as possible, the whole process being recorded on a CD of
images on file (a tiny fraction of which are reproduced here). The parts used in
the restoration are also listed in notes from the vendor,
as shown in the photos.
Since the
restoration was completed, Bluebell has been in light regular use, twice being
used as bridal transport at family weddings and going to the Le Mans Classic and
back in 2018. She also won the ‘Best Modern Classic’ cup at the 2022 Mendip
Classic Car Rally.
Invoices show that from 2018
to 2025 she has been well-looked after by Wrington Motors of Bristol, with a
thorough check-over each year to get her through the MOT, any failure points or
significant advisories being attended to as required.
Although
she no longer needs one, she has an MOT until December 2026 with just a few
minor advisories relating to the headlamps, the fuel filler cap and stiff front
door hinges. There are also 8 old MOTs back to December 2018 plus a workshop
manual and an instruction book for the Pure CD/radio fitted.
As you can
see in the photos, Bluebell looks to be in great shape for a lady her age and is
showing only 52,967 miles on the clock which is believed to be correct and is
borne out by the condition of the seats which are totally original. She has
been starting promptly and running well as we have moved
her around on site, with that marvellous marshmallow ride so characteristic of
this Gallic machine,
She now seeks a caring new owner who can
continue to look after her properly and will enjoy reaping the rewards of all
the good work so recently carried out.
Consigned by James Dennison – 07970 309907 – james.dennison@brightwells.com