Despite a production number of more than 8 million, the number of special editions of the Renault 4 is very modest. Only in the last ten to fifteen years of production has a "limited edition" appeared with some regularity. Losange Magazine was offered the keys of a restored Renault 4 GTL Sixties in France and we did not turn it down.
The shiny blue 1985 Renault 4 Sixties may have a considerable mileage of more than 140,000 on the odometer, but the car does not give the impression that it has suffered much. Hugues Portron of Renault Classic explains: "This example has been fully restored. It has been completely dismantled, nothing has escaped the attention of our restorers."
The Sixties was a special version produced only for the French market. The car formed a bridge back to the 1960s, after all, the decade in which the Renault 4 was launched. Indeed, the Sixties celebrated the 25th anniversary of the model. Now this version is not exactly a retro car, but rather a variant that looks back to the flower power period. Renault did not shy away from using colour. Three body colours were available, red, yellow and the blue of this example. The basis was the familiar 4 GTL with a number of specific features added.
Perhaps most noteworthy is that the Renault 4 Sixties had two tilting glass roofs as standard, for both front and rear passengers. In the brochure, this feature is visually accentuated by placing an immense pair of sunglasses on the roof of the car. The added glass and the accompanying light are intended to further emphasize the sunny, airy character of the R4.
Whereas the 4 GTL up to that point always has grey components on the outside, on the Sixties the grille, bumpers, nudge bars, as well as the body mouldings and the door handles are finished in matt black. The stylized Sixties name appears on the front wings and the tailgate, while just below the window line there is a decorative trim in a contrasting colour. In the case of this blue example, therefore, yellow with red was specified and the same applies to the Sixties logo.
It is a pleasure to inspect the car down to the smallest details. The restoration is of such a high quality that this example surpasses a new 1985 car. The paint is beautifully glossy and the shine will last for many years to come. The doors slam shut with the familiar 'clang' sound and when open reveal a decidedly colourful interior.
Blue, yellow and red also play an important role on the inside. Primarily blue for this car as the bodywork is blue, including some of the upholstery fabric.
Photo : Les deux toits ouvrants vitrés sont l'élément spécifique de la Sixties.
The seat coverings are edged in vinyl with cloth centre sections, red at the front of the seat and yellow at the top of the backrest, the remainder being blue cloth.Yellow piping adds to the playful effect that Renault created. The interior door panels are also finished in a matching manner with a wide, blue strip of fabric in the middle with a yellow trim above and below it. It's a shame that this kind of cheerful image is not appreciated these days.
Photo: Daring use of colour in the interior, try that now!
In total, exactly 2,200 examples of the Sixties were made, of which, unfortunately, too few have survived. And when a Sixties is found, often the paint is very faded and various unique features have not stood the test of time. It's a good thing that Renault Classic preserved one of these cars ten years ago as part of the 50th anniversary of the Renault 4.
A look under the bonnet shows just how far Renault has gone in its restoration. Here too, everything is new. The familiar 1108 cc four cylinder engine sounds healthy and, with its modest 34 hp, turns out to be quite up to par in 2021 as well. The secret lies in the weight of only 720 kg. The four speed gearbox shifts are a bit notchy. Uphill the speed slowly drops, but the Sixties has nothing to be ashamed of. With new shock absorbers and fresh suspension rubbers, the car handles like a new one. It's very special to be able to experience this 35 years later. The drive cannot last long enough, but when we return the key has to be handed over.