Model Identification

This page is intended as a general guide to vehicle age for owners or potential buyers of these vehicles. From experience, often sellers are mistaken (if only 1947/1948 model year 4CVs were really as common as would-be sellers would have us believe)!

It also is important to remember that many parts are interchangeable and consequently vehicles may have been modified over the years. That is most likely for small items, such as side and tail lights, which consequently have not been included. The detail also is confined to readily visible items and is indicative rather than definitive – full details would need a book, not a website! If you have questions, the Renault 4CV Register of Australia will be pleased to assist.

The tables are confined to the models known to have been sold in Australia – the Dauphine, for example, was not sold here after 1962, but continued to be produced overseas until December 1967. Sadly, the soft-top 4CV “decapotable” was never sold in Australia.

Renault 4CV (often referred to by sellers as “Renault 750”)

ID Plates

  • 1948 (first known imports)-1950 – If correct, identification (oval and diamond) plates in boot are for model R1060. The engine should be Type 662-1 (look near the distributor) and is of 760cc.
  • 1951 to end production in 1961 – If correct, identification plates in boot are for model R1062. The engine should be Type 662-2 and is of 747cc.
  • Model designation continues

Wheels

  • Wheels to end 1957 – “Spider” wheels, with five chromed nuts holding the rim and “knock-on” hubcaps
  • “Spider” wheels continue
  • Wheels 1958 to end – Solid disc wheels held by three bolts and with a centre-bolted hubcap

Dashboard

  • Dash to end 1950 – Flat metal, painted brown earlier, later beige. Central instrument cluster in an inverted “horseshoe” shape.
  • Dash 1951 – 1955 – Dash still flat, instruments still central with round speedometer flanked by smaller instrument clusters, often described as “ears”.
  • Dash 1956 on – Instruments mounted in front of driver, dash rounded with demister vents and mounting space in centre for radio.
For most years, the 4CV was sold in two trim options:

  • The Deluxe / Grand Luxe was the “top” model, to the extent this is possible with an essentially basic car. It had chrome around headlights, chrome door handles, and (until 1958) chrome below the doors.
  • The “Thriftmaster” (known as the “Affaires” overseas) had less chrome/polished aluminium. Many have been “upgraded” over the years, but even if trim has been added this variant can still be recognised by having light switches on the dash instead of on a column stalk, and by the lack of a steering lock
  • Many Australian 4CVs have an external fuel filler, in addition to the external radiator filler.

WE NOW HAVE A LISTING OF SERVICE AND PARTS MANUALS FOR THE 4CV. CLICK HERE TO VIEW.

Renault Dauphine (sold Australia 1957-1962)/ Renault Dauphine Gordini (sold Australia 1959-1962)/ Dauphine Alfa Romeo (1959 -1961 ?)

ID Plates

  • Dauphine (Renault and Alfa Romeo, the latter quite rare). – If correct, identification (oval and diamond) plates in boot are for model R1090. The engine should be Type 690-1 (look near the distributor) and is of 850cc.
  • Dauphine Gordini – If correct, identification (oval and diamond) plates in boot are for model R1091. The engine should be Type 690-5 (look near the distributor) and is of 850cc.

Wheels

  • Wheels to mid 1957 – “Spider” wheels, with five chromed nuts holding the rim and “knock-on” hubcaps (as for 4CV).
  • Dauphine wheels mid-1957 to end – Solid disc wheels held by three bolts and with a centre-bolted hubcap.
  • Dauphine Gordini wheels 1961 on – Three bolt solid disc wheels, with 8 “rounded rectangular” slots near rim.

Gearbox / Suspension

  • Dauphine gearbox – Three speed, no synchromesh on first (as for 4CV).
  • Dauphine Gordini gearbox – Four speed, no synchromesh on first.
  • Suspension all models late 1960 on – “Aerostable” rubber cushions rear axle.
From 1957, both the 4CV and Dauphine were fitted as an option with the “Ferlec” semi-automatic transmission. This dispensed with the clutch pedal, the clutch being actuated electromagnetically when the gear lever was depressed to change gear. Few survive.

Alfa Romeo Dauphine as Renault Dauphine, the main difference is the badging.

Renault Floride (sold Australia 1960 -1962)

ID Plates

  • Floride – If correct, identification (oval and diamond) plates in boot are for model R1092. The engine should be Type 690-5 (look near the distributor) and is of 850cc.

Wheels

  • Wheels – Disc wheels, similar to Dauphine Gordini. May have chrome dress trim full diameter.

Gearbox / Suspension

  • Gearbox and Suspension – Four speed, as for Dauphine Gordini. “Aerostable” suspension from late 1960.
From 1962, the Floride grew into the Caravelle, which though visually similar had quite different body panels and mechanicals. This new car introduced the mechanicals and floorpan which later were used for the R8, the R10 and (with modifications) in the earlier Alpines.