The R4 L, a name for a family

For years, Citroën is the king of small cars with his 2CV. The Renault 4CV and Dauphine aim higher in the range. But at the beginning of the 1960s, Renault wants to tackle the seasoned and will create the R4. A car whose name will be profoundly marked by one of its versions: the R4 L.

Renault aim for quality

The car manufacturer with the diamond logo is not going to downgrade and venture into the 2 fiscal horsepower range. The idea is to stay in the 4 fiscal horsepower range with a practical car that is "less ugly" than the 2CV.

For practicality, we will choose a flat floor and a tailgate. For economic reasons, we will resume the Billancourt engine which already equips the 4CV and Dauphine.

The range was launched in 1961. For the economic aspect, Renault still wanted to move down into the 3 hp range with a special, smaller displacement engine that would be installed in the short-lived R3. The R4 carries the 747 cm³ engine with 24 hp and is not better equipped. It is the "second" entry-level model. It is so appealing compared to the R3 that the latter will be discontinued after two model years due to lack of sales. But there is mainly a third version, the one that will leave a mark in the history of popular... Renault.

The R4 L, the entry-level luxury !

From the start, it's the R4 L that tops the range. With its L standing for Luxury, it's also a Limousine. By this, understand that, unlike the sedans with 4 side windows like the R3 and R4, the R4 L offers 6 by adding the rear quarter windows.

It is also recognized by its three-spoke hubcaps, its chrome bumpers equipped with rubber guards, an aluminum side skirt molding, and a golden 4L emblem.

In March 1962, six months after the release of the first cars, the R4 Super came to take the high-end spot from the R4 L. It featured double bumpers and was equipped with a more powerful engine with the same displacement (even though other models increased to 26.5 hp). As a result, its fiscal horsepower is 5 hp.

1963: The Great Year of the R4 L

The R4 L is going to be a marketing star, even if the word is not yet used, between March and July 1963. With the operation "She Takes the Wheel,", Renault wants to attract a female and urban clientele to its popular model. 4200 cars are painted in black with straw or green and red designs. Female drivers can try it for 48 hours, and the operation is a success.

At the end of 1963, the bumpers on all R4 models were changed, replacing the tube, which was too fragile, with a blade. This still differentiates the R4 from the R4L, with the latter adopting a chrome blade.

There is also a reorganization of the range as the R4 L "absorbs" the Super. The R4 L Super thus offers the equipment of the export version, including separate front seats, a foldable bench seat, and a specific fully synchronized gearbox.

In December appears the Renault 4 L Super "Parisienne" which features the decoration of the cars from the "Elle prend le volant" operation.

The year 1965 saw another reorganization of the lineup. The R4 L Super became the R4 L Export with the 4hp engine and the R4 L Export Super with the 5hp engine.

1965: The R4 L bids farewell... in the catalog

At the end of 1965, major changes were finally introduced in the commercial names. Thus, the R4s will now be called Renault 4 (you may not have noted the nuance). The "basic" version gives way to the Renault 4 Luxe Limousine which features quarter windows. The R4 L that interests us becomes the Renault 4 Export while the Parisienne remains in the catalog.

There will no longer be an R4 L, or "4L," in the catalog. However, this model sold well and its name has entered common language. It has since been commonly used, regardless of the version of the car !

If you are considering buying an R4 L to restore, be aware thatAlepoc will be by your side with its large catalog of partsTo be found here).