1961 Renault 4CV "Jolly"

1961 Renault 4CV "Jolly"
Chassis no. 3607778
747cc OHV Inline 4-Cylinder engine
Single Carburetor
28bhp
3-Speed Manual Transmission
Independent Front with Swing Axle Rear Suspension
4-Wheel Drum Brakes

*Perfect for the beach
*Charming French creation
*Fully developed final model year example

THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

In late 1946, Renault of France announced an all-new automobile with a rear-mounted 760cc four-cylinder engine driving the rear wheels through a three-speed manual transmission. It was small, inexpensive and very frugal. It also put tens of thousands of the French on wheels. Although initial prototypes had just two doors, when production commenced, four-doors were the norm.

Though very economical to buy and run, that economy-up to 50mpg--had a price in terms of performance. Power output of the overhead-valve four was a meager 19 horsepower and torque was a paltry 32.6 pound-feet.

By 1961, the final year of 4CV production, displacement had long been 747cc and power had recently been boosted to 28hp thanks to higher compression. The tiny car would also reach a top speed of 66 mph, which was no small feat for such a tiny power unit.

This particular 4CV can easily be mistaken for a Fiat 500 or 600 thanks to its Jolly-style run-about body. In fact, the body is so similar to that used on the Italian cars, that it is believed to have been modified by Ghia. The doors of this fascinating yellow Renault are cut away, the seats are wicker and the sun is kept at bay by a white surrey top.

Perfect for use at a beach or island home, this rare Jolly spent a good bit of its time in Hawaii, where it was rumored to have been used on the governor's estate. Subsequently, it was owned by a Los Angeles Company which rented vehicles to movie sets. Repainted many years ago, this Renault shows no signs of rust ever and runs and drives well.