Description
Renault 4CV Cabriolet | 1951
Highlights:
- Rare open-top “Découvrable” version
- Only 1,350 km since major restoration and engine rebuild
- Showroom-displayed for over 25 years in Renault dealerships
- Registered in Germany with valid technical inspection certificate until June 2026
- New tires, renewed carburetor, and fresh interior
The seller offers for sale this 1951 Renault 4CV Découvrable, a charming post-war French city car with a folding roof and a unique backstory. This particular example spent more than 25 years as a display vehicle in various Renault showrooms before being road-registered in Germany in 2022. It underwent a comprehensive renovation before its registration, which included a complete engine overhaul. It is now presented in running condition, ready for classic rallies or leisure outings.
New tyres have been installed recently.
Power comes from a 747cc four-cylinder engine, which is mounted in the rear and paired with a manual transmission. The car is finished in a deep Bordeaux red with a light-colored convertible soft top.
The bodywork is in very good condition, with only minor chips or paint defects noted.
The interior presents neatly with recently renewed seats and carpeting. The vehicle is described as clean and lightly worn.
The dashboard and switchgear are correct for the period and appear to be intact.
Mechanically, the car is in a good condition and ready to drive.
The Renault 4CV holds an important place in French automotive history as the first car mass-produced in France after World War II. Developed covertly during the German occupation, the 4CV was a symbol of postwar recovery and ingenuity. Designed by engineer Fernand Picard and launched in 1947, the 4CV featured a lightweight unibody structure and a rear-engine layout, inspired in part by the Volkswagen Beetle.
Initially designed to be a “car for the people,” it quickly became popular across Europe due to its affordable price, fuel efficiency, and surprising practicality. It had four doors (unusual for such a small car at the time) and could seat four passengers. With nearly 1.1 million units produced by 1961, the 4CV became France’s best-selling car during the 1950s.
The Découvrable variant is among the rarest, featuring a full-length canvas roof that folds back for open-air driving. It bridged the gap between a sedan and a true convertible, providing flexibility and charm with minimal structural changes. Surviving examples, especially in restored and road-legal condition, are increasingly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts.
With its petite size, modest power, and nostalgic design, the 4CV delivers an authentic vintage driving experience. Its light handling and mechanical simplicity make it suitable for both display and light touring. The model was also notable for launching the racing career of Jean Rédélé, who would later found Alpine, and his success with tuned 4CVs helped put the Renault name in motorsport history.
This 1951 example, presented in a rare configuration with known history and tasteful restoration, represents a collectible and usable classic.
Condition of the Bodywork and Paint
4. Very Good: Small dents or scratches; may require minimal bodywork or paint correction.
Condition of the Interior
4. Very Good: Clean with minimal wear; may need minor replacements for small missing or broken parts.
Technical Condition
4. Very Good: Mechanically solid, with possible minor maintenance required.
Overall Condition
4. Very Good Condition: Shows only minimal wear and is ready to drive at any time.
This item is sold on an as-is basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and descriptions of the listing are for information purposes only.
We encourage all potential bidders to inspect the vehicle before placing a bid. Please contact us by phone or email to schedule an appointment.
All auction cars offered have a reserve price. You have only won the item if the seller accepts your bid.
Price changes and errors reserved. The 14-day right of withdrawal does not apply to this auction.
This car is currently located in Lower Saxony, Germany.
This car drives, brakes and shifts.
The car has a German registration (H-plate). The buyer is responsible for registration in his own country and responsible for delivery and collection of any vehicle purchased at the auction.
The description of this car is, to the best of the seller’s knowledge, accurate and not misleading. Route 66 Auctions requests a range of detail about the car from the seller and performs a level of due diligence. However, potential buyers must independently satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of the description. We strongly advise potential buyers to view or arrange inspections as well as conduct any research they feel is necessary before committing to bid or buy.
Please note that it is not uncommon for classic or collectible cars to have received cosmetic repairs in the past, to rectify damage or refresh appearance, and this work may be hard to see even upon visual inspection. Unless there is an explicit statement by the seller to the contrary, please assume that any vehicle could have had bodywork or paintwork. Photographs may not reflect the exact true colour or exact full condition of the vehicle. It is a bidder’s responsibility to assure themselves of the colour and condition of a vehicle, including its interior and the existence of any remedial bodywork or paintwork, before committing to bid or buy.
