While Renault never produced models for Alfa Romeo, a number of Renaults were produced in Italy. The Dauphine was even sold under the Alfa Romeo brand name. For Alfa, this four-door was a nice addition to their own programme, because investing in a smaller model at that time was not profitable. The SAVIEM SG and SB delivery vans also left the assembly line in southern European country. The Italian production of the Renault 4 started shortly after its launch in France.

About a year after the introduction of the Renault 4 in France and the neighbouring countries, Alfa Romeo started up production of the first generation R4 in its own factory in Pomigliano d'Arco, close to Naples. The delivery programme was in line with the French original. There was a standard R4 and a luxury 4L, which was of course initially fitted with tubular bumpers. In contrast to the Alfa Romeo Dauphine, the R4 was provided with a Renault logo and the Renault brand name, but was sold through Alfa dealers in Italy.

The differences between the French and Italian Renault 4 were kept to a minimum. Under the skin a number of specific parts were used and outwardly there were only two differences. At a glance, the Italian R4 could be recognised by the rear lights that came from the Fiat 500 Giardiniera. The position of the side indicators was also specific: they were placed further forward on the front mudguards. Apart from that there was little difference to be found. For example, the 4L had expandable rear side windows and the car had the same upholstery as in France. The model also followed the changes made by Renault. The Italian 4Ls too would soon get the larger, pressed bumpers.

In Italy the 845 cc four-cylinder was chosen and not the 747 cc version as was the case in France. Italian production ran from 1962 to 1964, during which time 41,809 units of this special Renault 4 were made. The cooperation between Renault and Alfa Romeo continued far into the eighties. The Renault 8 was also sold through the Alfa dealer network, and Alfa Romeo only started production of the SAVIEM light commercial vehicles at the end of the 1960s, while Renault in turn used Italian diesel engines.

Apart from the fact that Alfa Romeo only produced the Renault 4 for a year or two, this period was long enough for it to remain successful in Italy until the end of the life cycle of this famous Renault in 1992.