Renault 4 Van
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In its more than 30-year history, the Renault 4 has been built everywhere and nowhere. This is why you can find it in all corners of the world.
This particular van variant is specific to Chile. Of course we know the model with or without rear side windows, but here the windows in the rear doors are also completely closed. The sheet metal is completely flat and does not even have the shape of a window. The same goes for the non-existent third window. The grey radiator grille, the black air intake and the GTL bumpers on the flanks indicate that this is a late version of the R4. ‹›
A diesel Renault 4CV?
Debate rages on
Dauphine above all
A diesel Renault 4CV?
Was a diesel engine ever offered for the Renault 4CV? This photo seems to suggest it. It was taken in Spain of four examples of the Renault 4/4, as the model was called in that country. Notice that the front car has six moustaches on the front, while the others have only three. On the doors are the words Barreiros Diesel.
Barreiros was a Spanish diesel engine manufacturer. It was founded in 1954. Shortly afterwards, licensing agreements were signed to produce trucks (Berliet), buses (AEC), tractors (Hanomag) and vans (Tempo). All these products were fitted with a Barreiros diesel engine in Spain. And this is what these Renault 4CVs advertise.
An agreement with Chrysler followed in 1963 to build the Dodge Dart and later several Simca cars. Barreiros was taken over by Chrysler (1969), who dropped the brand name in 1979. The company later passed into the hands of Renault Véhicules Industriels. ‹›
Debate rages on
Discussions about some of Renault's models continue on social media. It is not only the Renault 3 that seems to be the subject of special interest.
The Eagle Premier and the Dodge Monaco are discussed almost every week. This car was developed in the mid-1980s by Renault in collaboration with American Motors Corporation (AMC) on the basis of the floor pan of the Renault 21. However, as the 21 was also available on the American market as the Medallion, one could be forgiven for thinking that the later Premier (presented to the American press in 1987 as the Renault Premier) was based on the 25. Many people cling to this myth, especially as Wikipedia gives incorrect information.
From left to right the mounting of the front struts of the Rernault 21, Premier and 25.
Magazines
People believe what they heard at the end of the 1980s, or even quote US magazines that were also wrong.
The Premier was based on an extended and widened Renault 21 chassis. The most convincing proof are the photos of the suspension. Here from left to right: Premier, R21, R25. ‹›
Dauphine above all
From 1960, Industrias Kaiser Argentina (IKA) built the Renault Dauphine for domestic sales.
The French model was added to the range of American models such as various Jeeps and the Rambler, one of which offered an estate version. This photo was taken in 1964 at La Rural, the 132nd edition of the National Exhibition of Livestock, Agriculture and Industry. Traditionally, car manufacturers exhibited their latest models. Eight Dauphines were on display. On the bottom left is the brand new Renault 4. ‹›