Lot 117 - 1955 Renault 4CV ‘Bouton d’Or’
| Lot Number | 117 |
| Registration | SSY 496 |
| Chassis Number | 2362982 |
| Engine Number | 607335 |
| Odometer reading | 65,053 miles |
| Result | Sold - £6,160 |
In the late 1930’s, Renault felt the need to create a small, inexpensive family car and so, amazingly during the Nazi occupation in 1941, it was built. Testing continued in secret until the armistice whereupon a production line was started. It was a hit with queues sometimes stretching to two years. The 760cc engine was common until 1950 when 750cc units were substituted to avoid being outclassed in motor sport. Over one million examples were built when production finished in 1961, not a bad gamble by Louis Renault back in 1938.
This charming example was owned and used by a local chauffeur during its early life before importation to the UK from Argent-sur-Sauldre in central France in 1996. Indeed, its arrival in the UK was part of a Renault UK charity appeal in 2012 when five centres were challenged to buy a 4CV for less than £3,000, spend no more than £2,000 on it and then judged on the results. Public generosity prospered and many companies and staff gave of their time and parts to make this the best it could be. It was completely dismantled to bare metal and rebuilt from top to bottom with the results photographically documented within the history file. The vendor acquired ‘Buttercup’ after the competition ended and has enjoyed her ever since. Bonne journée!
Interested parties should satisfy themselves as to the description and condition of each Lot prior to the sale. Accordingly, buyers are on notice that each vehicle is offered ‘as is/as seen’ subject to the Terms and Conditions for the auction. All registration numbers, engine and chassis details are sourced from registration documents provided to Historics by the client or representative or HPI checks and buyers are to satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of these details. Buyers are advised to inspect the vehicle in person or use a professional to carry out this service. Historics will not entertain disputes over descriptions.