Renault 4CV 1063 Racing
The Renault 4CV is one of the most important French automobiles ever produced, a car that motorized post-war France in the same way that the Volkswagen Beetle transformed Germany and the Fiat 500 mobilized Italy. Designed in secret during the German occupation by Fernand Picard and Charles-Edmond Serre, the 4CV entered production in 1947 and went on to sell over 1.1 million units, becoming France's first truly mass-produced car.
The 4CV's layout was unconventional, with a rear-mounted 747cc inline-four cylinder engine producing 21 horsepower in standard form. The engine was an overhead-valve design that was remarkably smooth and refined for its size. Despite the modest power output, the car's light weight of just 560 kilograms meant performance was adequate for the speeds and roads of post-war France. All four wheels were independently sprung, a sophisticated feature for such an affordable car.
The 'quatre chevaux' (four horsepower in French fiscal terms) earned the affectionate nickname 'la motte de beurre' (the lump of butter) thanks to its rounded shape and the fact that early examples were painted in surplus desert sand yellow paint left over from military production. The design was compact but clever, with seating for four adults despite its tiny dimensions.
The racing variant, known as the 1063, demonstrated that the 4CV had far more potential than its humble specifications suggested. The 1063 featured a tuned engine with a modified cylinder head, higher compression ratio, and twin carburetors, producing approximately 42-55 horsepower depending on the specification. This may not sound impressive, but the car's light weight and excellent handling made it a formidable competitor in its class.
The 4CV 1063 achieved remarkable racing success, particularly at the Le Mans 24 Hours where it won the 750cc class multiple times between 1951 and 1953. Jean Redele, who would go on to found Alpine, began his racing career in a tuned 4CV and the car's success in competition directly inspired the creation of the Alpine A106, the first car bearing the Alpine name.
The 4CV was produced from 1947 to 1961, with total production exceeding 1.1 million units. It was manufactured under license in several countries, including Japan (by Hino Motors, which later became part of Toyota) and Australia. The car's success provided the foundation for Renault's growth into one of Europe's largest automobile manufacturers.
Today, the 4CV is an affordable and charming classic that embodies the spirit of post-war French optimism. The 1063 racing versions are considerably rarer and more valuable, representing an important chapter in French motorsport history.
Standard 4CVs are relatively affordable and practical classics. Check for rust in floor pans, sills, and around the rear engine bay. The 747cc engine is robust but parts are becoming scarcer. Three-speed gearbox is simple and reliable. The 1063 racing variants are rare and valuable — verify provenance carefully. Many 4CVs have been hot-rodded with larger engines. Original paint colors are hard to match.
Designed during WWII under German occupation. Production at Billancourt from 1947 to 1961. Total production 1,105,543 units. Licensed production in Japan (Hino), Australia, and other countries. The 1063 racing variant was developed by Renault's competition department.