Renault 4cv Road Test & Review. Better that a VW Beetle?

the Renault 4cv is a bafflingly under rated car that doesn't get any were near enough attention this 1950s family car helped shape France into the country it is today and may well have links to Ferdinand Porsche. thanks to Olivier and Barbara
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[@maxeluy]

I think that in the classic world Renault and Peugeot are a bit forgotten, and is a shame, they made interesting and nice cars as well. For me Citroen was definitely the star of France, but Renault and Peugeot had excellent cars to offer as well.

[@NeverTakeNoShortcuts]

I had one of these in the US. Rebuilt the engine with my Dad. It was how I learned to work on cars. I loved that car

[@nlpnt]

Was it an original US-spec car? The biggest differences were up front, 6" sealed beam headlights with front turn signals directly underneath. There also were no lights on the C-pillars and no hole or plug where they would've gone.

[@williamharding5163]

Very enjoyable video Oliver, it brings back memories of when I bought a new Dauphine in 1958. I had loads of fun with that car.

[@OliverPickard]

Thanks I'm glad you enjoyed it

[@gabriellindstrom5963]

Awesome review of this beautiful car! My top five car are Citroen 2cv, Renault 4cv, Fiat 500, Austin mini and Vw beetle all was built for the people and all have character.

[@rogerhudson9732]

All 'people's cars', as cars should be. There is a good James May series on people's car, well worth a look. Though Oliver's style great.

[@crashbox7130]

Don't forget the Morris Minor. The Mini got its name from the Morris Mini-Minor, as the first versions of the Austin marque were Sevens.

[@dad675]

This was my bro's first car given to him on his 17th birthday in 1961 (legal age for driving in the UK. then). It was prob 6years old. He lovingly rubbed all the paintwork down and our lovely neighbour who worked for a garage resprayed it in Grampion Grey. Niddy took his friends and myself all over UK. He eventually got a Morris 1000. We were all very sorry when he sold it. Also Mum, who hadn't driven since the war years, relearned to drive in Niddy and then bought her own car. I think an A40. Bit hazy on memory now. Your video brought back many happy memories. Thank you.

[@gsbeak]

In 1954, my parents did their honeymoon road trip in a 4CV. That car was a loaner from my father's brother as a wedding gift. Cars were still a luxury item in France fifties...

[@TexRenner]

My 5th grade teacher drove a Renault 4CV in 1964, Houston. They reminded me of the Morris Minor, though I only saw Morrises in photographs.

[@markdibben7890]

Well, I've watched a number of your videos now Oliver, and it's like being with you. Wonderful. Thank you for making them both informative and entertaining. The Renault is super, it's just that I can't help but be a Citroenian :-) Quite inspiring to see a 29/30 year old take on 'la vie en France'. En fait, c'est pas si facile pour les rosbeef, non? Et donc voila, courage mon ami et bon chance! Tres, tres bien fait. A plus, Mark

[@OliverPickard]

Thank you Mark that's everything I aim for in making videos your comment has made my evening

[@darwinskeeper421]

I really enjoyed watching this. I have vaguely heard about the Renault 4CV but had not so much as seen a magazine article on the car so I was more than a little curious. I was very impressed that you were able to fit into this car well enough to drive it. I'm not sure how comfortable the ride was, but the fact that you would like to own one suggests that it was comfortable enough at least for short drives. Thanks again, I really appreciated this.

[@OliverPickard]

It was incredibly well damped but the rock hard seat gave me a really bad lower back. With reviews like this it's difficult to know what's a problem with 4cvs in general or what's just this car

[@danr1920]

Very nice and up to date styling for the time period. I like car reviews of cars that I've never heard of or just seen in the old movies. Nice camera work.

[@OliverPickard]

More cool stuff on the way

[@richarddickson3211]

Good job Oliver 😁

[@markcharlton5660]

That was quite absorbing, Oliver, thanks. My mother owned a 4cv when the family lived in Africa in the mid 60s, it had the 6 horizontal chrome strips across the front, presumably marking it out as one of the earlier models.

[@GreatistheWorld]

“Butter Pat” has gotta be the cutest nickname a car has ever been received with! Ok, I liked the 4CV before but that door entry & gorgeous interior have me sold

[@OliverPickard]

I'm glad you enjoyed it

[@minutepapillon5060]

C'est cool l'essai d'une 4cv je l'adore ! merci Oliver :)

[@dozergyp]

Hi Oliver Yes" another fantastic little car and great review 👍"

[@albertseabra8993]

Fantastic car! There were common in Europe, the first used automobile for lots of young persons. They could be bought for a song -- reliable, fun to drive. The engine makes a racy, unbelievable sound A Convertible was also available. Unfortunately, they are very hard to find. Thank you for a great video.

[@ronitsingh85]

This is the first time I am seeing this car and I love it! It has a morris minor front and a VW back design. Love the big tires on it and that front suicide doors. PS, love your commentary

[@dennislane100]

My friend, Dave, had one of these. We called it the Renault 750.(750 cc engine). Those suicide doors nearly got me ,one time. Dave grabbed me just before I got hauled out of the door,when the wind caught it!😳

[@ronitsingh85]

@@dennislane100 good memories now, 🙂

[@rocketsock4297]

Gorgeous car and very enjoyable video.

[@andrewwhitmarsh3639]

Hi oliver, just found this video, excellenty done, I'm going to get myself a 4cv looks fun and I'm a lofty 5.9 so should fit in 😁

[@aarondesrochers3890]

Such a serious look on your face as you're driving another man's baby. Just as it should be, lol I really enjoy your channel. Glad I found it.

[@OliverPickard]

Thank you very much Aaron. It is a little nerve racking trying to get used to a 60 year old car very quickly with the owner watching

[@paulscountrygarage9180]

Oliver, just watched this video again and still got a nice laugh at you getting into the 4CV. Thank god we didn’t get to see next weeks washing.

[@OliverPickard]

I honestly don't think I'd fit as well as I did

[@johnandmarylouwilde7882]

I bought a used 4CV in 1960. Drove it for over a year before I sold it to a cousin and bought a Dauphine. Great little car except for one thing: it had a Ferlec electric clutch that caused me all sorts of grief.

[@OliverPickard]

Come to think of it that's why I've never seen a semi-auto for sale

[@michaelbenardo5695]

Used to see these around in the late 50s and early 60s.

[@Larry-tw7yq]

I believe I own the only right hand drive 4CV. in existence. Made for the U.K. market. Sweetest gear change of any car I have owned . Important to pay attention to the correct tyre pressures. Most owners have converted to 12 volt alternators.

[@andrewgurney6019]

Wow such a beautiful car, thanks for sharing!

[@rogerhudson9732]

Great video, I liked the split view driving shots. Good to mention RainX, all cars, especially classics with small wipers, need it (some firms make silicone blades to go with it). Nice to see you took off the coat before driving, I see many 'professional' car testers driving wrapped up in coats when a light wool cardigan is enough, better for control.

[@OliverPickard]

I'm glad you enjoyed the split view. I can't drive in a jacket it's horrible

[@DavidLee-yu7yz]

Your comment said it for me Roger and I cannot stand wearing a jacket while driving either. D

[@silkdestroyer]

Back in the late 80s/early 90s I had a '61 model. Did the 1989 Circuit of Irland Retrospective Rally in it, (and came last!) The gear lever, (a "knitting needle topped with a marble") had as much side to side movement in any gear as when in neutral. Loved the car, which I believe is now in Florida. I am currently having a 1949 British version, (a "760"), totally restored. One amusing feature is that the RH "drivers" door does not have a key hole to lock/open it. You can lock it by flipping up the tiny latch before you shut the door, but to open it you have to go to the "passenger" door, where you find the door lock. LG.

[@OliverPickard]

Awesome it will be interesting how the 2 cars compare to each other

[@silkdestroyer]

@@OliverPickard Well, my 760 has 4 less horses to pull it along for starters! (17hp v 21hp). I've yet to drive the 760. It stood a lot of years before I managed to "rescue" it, and it stood for FAR too many years before I got around to having it restored. Still, it is 3/4s there now. There aren't so many 760s left and mine will be one of the oldest survivors. It's just cost me £200 to aquire a pair of 6v semi-phore indicators, the originals at some ,point having been replaced with front and rear flashing indicators, (now removed.) It has TINY rear lights! Pity I don't know how to link to any pics. LG.

[@silkdestroyer]

Update from me. My 760 is now finished and back on the road. I drove it the 160 miles back from where it was restored to my home. It is definitely a little slower than my 4CV, but the ride is amazingly good and it is very comfortable. It took me most of the day to complete that journey and I never once felt uncomfortable. I love parking it amongst modern cars, where it looks so tiny. The wipers are only slightly better than the ones on your test car! It has the luxury of an after market "Smiths" heater, which does work. And, of course, the semaphore indicators! This coming summer I hope to take it back to Devon to see if I can track down any descendants of it's first owner, and then on to Paignton to see if the guy I bought it off is still around. And after that, I'll be offering it for sale, to help fund my retirement pressy, a Citroen SM. LG.

[@Koirart]

nice video!

[@pwatom22]

A dip into the unknown for me. Interesting little car. Thanks for the review

[@OliverPickard]

I don't think they were sold in the UK and they are definitely the lesser known post war Renault but I'm glad you enjoyed it

[@wals-1]

So cool 😎!

[@nopochoclos]

Another with confusing name, 2cv 3cv now 4cv, beautiful car, surprises that the weight is almost identical to 2cv but more power in the same era. Great review congratulations

[@OliverPickard]

CV Is how they worked out tax the traction Avant was also called the 15cv

[@nopochoclos]

@@OliverPickard Today I still do not understand that measure, impossible to convert to another known scale has no equivalence is just a mere name. As my Citroen 3cv are the only original Citroen with a changed name, I understand that Citroen allowed this when it opened its factory in Argentina in 1959, previously the 2cv came from France and Belgium and were the models with Belgian hood that you showed previously imported by the firm Staudt and Cia, then when Citroen Argentina was founded the hood and quality changed, in 1971 Citroen Argentina invented the name Citroen 3cv (2cv6 in France or 602 cm3 engine), they had excellent manufacturing quality but a shame about the bonnet. Great video!!!

[@OliverPickard]

Thank you!

[@happyhermit2022]

Really good and very interesting thank you :)

[@OliverPickard]

I'm glad you enjoyed it

[@camilledumange4609]

Magnífico canal!!!!!

[@crashbox7130]

Hey Oli, I would have enjoyed some more shots from Jolene on the move. From behind and from the front. Always liked the 4CV.

[@OliverPickard]

For next time 👍

[@crashbox7130]

@@OliverPickard Excellent. 🤘

[@Scripticus]

I want one!

[@minutepapillon5060]

Yeees !

[@ArizonaPoet]

Can imagine the Coach door having a latch where you could drive it with the door latched to the back door?

[@vollkrassmann858]

The car (I saw a lot of them in my first years of this life) is a very nice relict from ancient automobile times. But the guy is indisputably too tall for it 😆 Nevertheless: Thanks for showing!

[@lawrence5117]

That car is a beauty!

[@Perkelenaattori]

If that was your car you'd have a hole in the headliner. But honestly what a brilliant little car but very rare here in Finland. I think I've only seen one and that was in a museum. Dauphines on the contrary are quite common here and I wouldn't mind if you roadtested a Dauphine too one day.

[@OliverPickard]

Haha if it was my car I would fit retro bucket seats. I want to drive a Dauphine too

[@Perkelenaattori]

@@OliverPickard Excellent news. I honestly love these driving tests of yours as you've managed to pick up just the sort of cars I would as an old francophile want to pick up as a hobby car. Your tall stature just adds comedy value. :)

[@OliverPickard]

I've already got some other cars booked in for filming and one of them most people have never heard of

[@delukxy]

@@OliverPickard I noted what I think was a Renault 1100 in the car park, perhaps that's one of them?

[@Perkelenaattori]

@@delukxy Oh my if that's true. My neighbours had a Renault 10 that I absolutely adored as a child.

[@BStrapper]

Those cars were famous for tossing over in fast tight turn!!! A good buddy of mine did after one week of owning one.

[@OliverPickard]

Swing axle oversteer is rather unpredictable 😬

[@beagle7622]

They made good beach buggy’s. If they go bogged in sand 3 or 4 guys could man handle it out.

[@vijayakrishnannair]

Nice 👍

[@Zarkovision]

I had several normal Renault 4 in my live (and still have one), and I always thought about buying a 4CV. But at club meetings the 4CV always arrive with the 4 CV on a trailer, they put their 4CV on the meadow and do not move it during the meeting, which always scared me off to buy a 4CV, as I don't want to have a big matchbox car just for showing off, I want to drive it. So the 4CV is really usable for driving? Are they reliable? Are they as easy to repair as a Renault 4? BTW: I would like to see two comparisons: 2CV vs Renault 4 and of course Renault 4CV vs. Renault 4.

[@citic101]

great video thanks ... question , do you think it would be a good idea to swap the engine out and put a honda v tech engine in ? is it even possible ? there is one for sale for 5000 euros

[@OliverPickard]

Personally I think the Dauphine Gordini engine, gearbox and front disc brakes would be a perfect fit and compliment the car beautifully because it is limited by the suspension design and limited space for tires. if you are interested in a Honda powered project I am building one here on the channel check out the project Mosquito playlist

[@citic101]

@@OliverPickard HI OLIVER , i was impressed with your knowledge and enthusiasm in your video and thank you very much for your detailed response , Gordini engine ohh that sounds expensive erhhh;;;; yes i would be interested in your honda engine build and i ll check out the rest of your videos , good weekend to you

[@OliverPickard]

Not as expensive as you might think as it's virtually identical to the base model engine of the Renault 5 and in theory it should bolt right in with no need for things like custom drive shafts

[@citic101]

@@OliverPickard Watching your channel i am sure i will learn alot ,, thanks

[@zsoltszenku8775]

Király

[@TringmotionCoUk]

Not seen you online in a long time (self imposed twitter ban) and then twice in a week. I take it Fernand Picard was not a relative??🤣🤣

[@OliverPickard]

Twitter feels increasingly odd and I've been on a bit of a KZbin beak but I'm working on my triumphant return 😁

[@PaulSimon2003]

Hey man, what was the name of the engine again? I don’t know how to spell😅

[@OliverPickard]

Ventoux like to mountain

[@srfrg9707]

Nice church also.

[@OliverPickard]

It's one of the oldest in France

[@bluemoondiadochi]

21:20 Shots FIREEED Tho i suppose there IS some merit to them instead of 2CVs being used as taxi cars in Vietnam.

[@OliverPickard]

I daily a 1963 2cv and it is an utterly wonderful car. it also has the turning circle of a medium sized van

[@bluemoondiadochi]

@@OliverPickard Uff I can imagine its a dream to drive, you're lucky to do that! I hope to get me a BX (and perhaps CX later) when life gets good. Or an Ami 8, we had an Ami 8 and Dyane 6 back then (both lost under sad circumstances) so i hope to get a real Citroen back in the family again soon. Still, the little 4CV is adorable, even if only 3 speeds kind of feels weird. Anyways keep up the excellent work!

[@linusbeeck5371]

What watch are you wearing? , can't stop guessing what it is

[@OliverPickard]

It's an Orient basically a Seiko. I can't remember the model off the top of my head

[@linusbeeck5371]

Bambino?

[@ursus9104]

How very strange, my friend had a Renault 4 in the 60´s but it had the engine in the front and a large booth in the back. More like the 2CV

[@OliverPickard]

Yes that's the Renault 4L which came after the 4cv

[@Maleekus]

jeez...

[@luislm1000]

Nice! Where r u located????

[@OliverPickard]

Creuse France

[@luislm1000]

The Oliver Pickard Maybe I have to come with my 1963 2 cv to visit u!!!!! I have some problems with it :(

[@luislm1000]

Im in Mallorca, Spain :) but I’m afraid to reach there... so far!

[@OliverPickard]

What's the problem?

[@luislm1000]

The Oliver Pickard never did so many kmts with an old car I’m afraid

[@patrickmartinez7732]

La voiture de mon père Sa première voiture a Roanne

[@MonikaMonika-eg5hx]

Kaine Renaulut alles Moris Brytisz

[@kaptuna1]

Swagger much?

[@OliverPickard]

Aww thanks