Renault manufactured over 2 million units of the R4 delivery vans. This model faithfully served companies of all sizes for over three decades. Customers breathed a sigh of relief when they saw Darty's yellow/blue 4F4 arriving to fix their appliances.
The name Darty, emblazoned on large storefronts, is familiar not only to the French but also to frequent visitors from abroad. Darty specializes in household appliances, computers, audio equipment, and televisions. The inaugural store opened its doors in Montreuil in 1957, followed by the first department store in Bondy in 1968, founded by Nathan, Marcel, and Bernard Darty. In 1988, they made the commendable decision to grant their staff 56% ownership of the company. Simultaneously, they acquired a 49% stake in Belgium's Vanden Borre. From 1994 onwards, Darty became part of the British Kingfisher group, forming a conglomerate with companies like BUT, Comet (GB), Vanden Borre (B), BCC (NL), and Datart (Czech Republic). However, it was Fnac that ultimately assumed control of Groupe Darty on April 26, 2016.
Photo: The latest type of dashboard for the Renault 4.
Collectors of Renault miniature models are well-acquainted with Darty for the Trafic from the Renault Kiosk series and the 4F6 from the first R4 series. Renault Classic boasts a 1986 4F4 model in its collection, proudly adorned with the lettering of the renowned French electronics department store. This 1986 model incorporates all the latest changes made to the Renault 4. Indeed, it was nearing the end of its production run when it was delivered to Darty.
Darty's distinctive colours comprise vibrant blue for the front, the lower part of the flanks, and the rear door, while the upper section is elegantly finished in soft yellow paint. Over this background, the requisite logos and lettering are tastefully applied. The fact that it is a vehicle dedicated to after-sales service is prominently communicated through markings on the roof and rear door. Prominently displayed on the doors, Darty proudly proclaims its status as the leading 'Service Après Vente' provider in France. An entire fleet of these R4s was deployed to resolve customer issues at their homes from the 1970s to the early 1990s.
The fact that this Renault 4F4 rolled off the assembly line in 1986 means it was delivered during a period when the new Renault Express was already available. However, the Express is significantly larger, and especially in bustling city centers, compact size proves to be a considerable advantage. Furthermore, modern electrical equipment components demand a more modest cargo capacity.
As this is a late model Renault 4F4, it boasts a 1.1-litre Cléon engine under the bonnet, a stark contrast to the common 845 cc B-type (B of Billancourt) engines that prevailed for an extended period.
From the very start, it becomes evident that the 1100 powerplant offers superior torque. Enthusiasts are already accustomed to this from the 4 GTL and the longer R4F6. In the lighter 4F4, the four-cylinder five bearing crank engine delivers impressive flexibility. Shifting smoothly through the four gears using the dashboard lever, one can easily envision how Darty employees effortlessly moved from one customer to another, with the screwdriver ready at hand, so to speak. This 4F4 remains a car that performs admirably in today's traffic. The engine emits a contented hum from the front and requires no unnecessary revving.
Externally, this 4F4 boasts all the distinguishing features of the final model type. It amalgamates all the modifications implemented over the years. Consider the grey grille and matching front bumper, reminiscent of the 4 GTL. Also noteworthy are the wheels without a central hole and the absence of visible upper hinges on the front doors. The tubular rear bumper remained in use on the 4F4 until production ceased. This particular model features the familiar girafon, a roof flap above the rear door designed to accommodate extra-long cargo.
Two black wing mirrors and an upper grille for air intake, rather than a flap, distinctly indicate its late-production status. A feature that has endured over the years is the grey plastic door handles.
Within the cosy cabin, the latest Renault 4 dashboard design commands attention. It features a black unit with control buttons on the right side, housed within a full-width beige 'bin,' which conveniently doubles as storage space. The gear lever of the four-speed manual transmission extends into the space below. The instrument cluster is minimalist, consisting solely of the speedometer and an array of indicator lights. Among the four buttons, only the top one is designated for hazard lights. An extendable ashtray is positioned just above the gear lever. The steering wheel is sourced from the Renault 5 phase II. On either side of the windshield heater, two levers facilitate additional airflow into the cabin. The two separate front seats sport red/brown faux leather on the edges, while the fabric center strip alternates between black, red, brown, and orange.
On either side of the centre bulkhead, black storage trays remain virtually unchanged, if at all, since 1961. The floor is protected by a rubber mat. The handbrake lever is now positioned between the seats in the latest models, rather than beneath the dashboard.