1961 Renault 4CV Resort Special

The Renault 4CV were affordable, economical, and practical. They were a 'people's car' that were purpose-built and envisioned to return France to mobility during the postwar reconstruction. It was conceived in secret while France's Renault was under German control during World War II. During its 15-year production cycle, more than a million units were built. Power initially came from a rear-mounted 760 cc four-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine. After 1950, the 4CV was given a more powerful 747cc power unit.

Early examples of the 4CV were name 'Le motte de buerre,' French for 'the lump of butter,' in reference to their shape and yellow paint finish.

Italian coachbuilder Carrozzeria Ghia transformed a small number of 4CV models into an endearing plaything for the wealthy, in similar fashion to the Fiat 500 and 600-based 'Jolly' beach and yacht cars by Ghia.

50 Renault 4CVs were sent to Italy for conversion by the Ghia coachworks into a Renault-based version of the open-air Jolly. They were called the Resort Special. Of the 50 examples, it is believed that approximately 20 percent remain in existence.

This particular 4CV Resort Special emerged from long-term storage to receive a total rotisserie restoration to concours-level standards. The work was completed during early 2015 and only an approximate 10 test miles have been traveled since that time.

By Daniel Vaughan | Sep 2015