THE CCW VIEW

There’s long been a perception that the Renault 4 lacks the out-and-out charisma of the the 2CV, Beetle or Mini. But age and increasing rarity are slowly addressing that perception, especially among buyers looking for something a little less obvious – something that prioritises substance over style.

The R4 is a true triumph of form over function produced by uncompromising French designers – often the only ones brave enough to attempt, let alone pull off such a feat. In short, you could argue that the 4 speaks to you in a way that its rivals simply don’t.

To this day, it is an outrageously practical car offering ride quality, load space and fuel economy that still impresses. But even more than that, it’s simply a laugh to drive – and what more can you want from a classic than that?