Very rare Renault 4CV with Gordini engine and Mille Miglia history for sale.
This 1955 Renault Mille Miglia has an interesting story. Starting life as a daily driver in France. It has stickers dating from that time (Proof of insurance and an Automobile Club de l'Ouest sticker on the front window). We know little of the early history, but the condition and the milage prove that this has been a cherished car. From being a friendly family wagon it became a full-blown road racer. The previous owner (from 1991) wanted to participate in the re-enactment of the Mille Miglia. To be able to participate there is both expensive and you need the right car.
The Mille Miglia is a very hard road race. The real 1000 Miglia which took place from 1927 to 1957 dictates the rules. If you want to sign up to the race the car must be older than 1957 model and also be the same model as previously raced there. A registro guarantees the eligibility of the car for the modern re-enactment of the race, which takes place every year in the month of May.
As this type of car participated and competed in the 1956 Mille Miglia with Jean Rédéle (who created the well-known brand Alpine in 1955) and co-driver Louis Pons. This car was in the early nineties build as a tribute to the Rédéle car. Both blue and 1955/56 models. To be able to cope with the hard race, the engine was changed to a Gordini engine, then rebuild and tuned. The Gordini engine of 850 cc has a 30/32 Weber carburettor, a sports camshaft, a special manifold/ header and sports exhaust (Build by the exhaust guru Jack “The pipe” Stenslet) and modified inlet manifold. Bringing the original power up from 21 BHP at 4,100 rpm to over 45 BHP at about 5500 rpm. This is over double the stock output. The engine is very strong at all rpm´s and sound is really good. It feels like Renaults take on Fiat Abarth.
Further preparation was an rpm counter from Lucas in the dashboard, so the engine does not get over-reved. Sports shock absorbers on all corners, a new four speed gear box, New Dauphine 4,5 x15 wheels with Barum 155x15 classic tires, disc brakes on all corners and more comfortable Corbau GT sports seats (seventies style) for driver and navigators’ comforts. The previous owner is unfortunately dead, so papers documenting the modifications has yet to be found. We do have pictures of it competing in the Mille Miglia.
The car was imported to Norway in 1992 and did the re-enactment of the Mille Miglia Storica in 1993 and 1994. Km today is 77493 (About 48433 miles).
After that it was put into storage and a 24 year-long-sleep. Our company (Benzina Vintage Car Finder) bought the car from the owner´s daughter in 2018 (Kjell Marinsen who sadly passed away). It was in very good condition but needed a light mechanical restoration.
Work done by us in 2018
Brakes and suspension are in excellent condition. There is hardly any wear on discs at all. The car rides nice and responds to the steering quickly.
Body is in very good condition. There is no visible rust under or over except a small hole at the front of the spare tire well (smaller than a penny). Paint has a nice vintage feeling and the right shine. Is is repainted but that must have been done at least 25 years ago. Of course, there are some small signs of use. Right rear wing has been painted later (is showing a little more gloss than the rest of the paint). There are a few small dents, but over all the patina is great. The chrome work is mostly good, but the bumpers and some bright ware show some pitting. Doors fit good and door cards are nice but could need some detaling/ cleaning. Under the rear wings (with original paint) some paint has fallen off. This shows shiny metal. I have not painted this to show the rust free and good condition the metal is in. The underside is in very good and rust free condition with no dents after stones or similar.
Headlining is original and very nice; the dash is in very good condition. Instruments are in good nick with great patina. Rear seats are original and in good condition.
Electrics are excellent (Everything works, inner lights, instruments, lights, horns etc.). The rear lights glass the red is a little faded. Reflectors are all good.
Rims have fresh paint and no damages. Tires are correct vintage look with good thread.
Engine and gearbox works very well. The engine starts easy on the button with good oil pressure. The four-speed gearbox works as it should with no grinds or synchromesh problems. However, as on most old cars a little oil is shown on the garage floor when storing the car.
This Renault 4CV can be used as is and is ready to start a road race tomorrow. It is a rare opportunity to compete in the re-enactment of the Mille Miglia for a reasonable cost or just enjoy on the road and vintage meetings for fun. The car is great to drive and gives you tumbs up wherever you go.
This 1955 Renault Mille Miglia has an interesting story. Starting life as a daily driver in France. It has stickers dating from that time (Proof of insurance and an Automobile Club de l'Ouest sticker on the front window). We know little of the early history, but the condition and the milage prove that this has been a cherished car. From being a friendly family wagon it became a full-blown road racer. The previous owner (from 1991) wanted to participate in the re-enactment of the Mille Miglia. To be able to participate there is both expensive and you need the right car.
The Mille Miglia is a very hard road race. The real 1000 Miglia which took place from 1927 to 1957 dictates the rules. If you want to sign up to the race the car must be older than 1957 model and also be the same model as previously raced there. A registro guarantees the eligibility of the car for the modern re-enactment of the race, which takes place every year in the month of May.
As this type of car participated and competed in the 1956 Mille Miglia with Jean Rédéle (who created the well-known brand Alpine in 1955) and co-driver Louis Pons. This car was in the early nineties build as a tribute to the Rédéle car. Both blue and 1955/56 models. To be able to cope with the hard race, the engine was changed to a Gordini engine, then rebuild and tuned. The Gordini engine of 850 cc has a 30/32 Weber carburettor, a sports camshaft, a special manifold/ header and sports exhaust (Build by the exhaust guru Jack “The pipe” Stenslet) and modified inlet manifold. Bringing the original power up from 21 BHP at 4,100 rpm to over 45 BHP at about 5500 rpm. This is over double the stock output. The engine is very strong at all rpm´s and sound is really good. It feels like Renaults take on Fiat Abarth.
Further preparation was an rpm counter from Lucas in the dashboard, so the engine does not get over-reved. Sports shock absorbers on all corners, a new four speed gear box, New Dauphine 4,5 x15 wheels with Barum 155x15 classic tires, disc brakes on all corners and more comfortable Corbau GT sports seats (seventies style) for driver and navigators’ comforts. The previous owner is unfortunately dead, so papers documenting the modifications has yet to be found. We do have pictures of it competing in the Mille Miglia.
The car was imported to Norway in 1992 and did the re-enactment of the Mille Miglia Storica in 1993 and 1994. Km today is 77493 (About 48433 miles).
After that it was put into storage and a 24 year-long-sleep. Our company (Benzina Vintage Car Finder) bought the car from the owner´s daughter in 2018 (Kjell Marinsen who sadly passed away). It was in very good condition but needed a light mechanical restoration.
Work done by us in 2018
- Fuel system cleaned (inclusive the tank) and hoses changed
- New fuel pump and new clamps
- Changed to a second-hand twin choke Weber 30/32 carburettor and adjusted it
- Adapted custom KN airfilter
- Greased suspension
- New plugs, leads, condensator, points and distributor cap/ rotor
- Adjusted the ignition
- Cleaned, rubbed, polished and detailed the car´s body
- Cleaned the interior
- Mounted yellow Carello extra lights for night stages
- Serviced brakes and check discs and pads.
Brakes and suspension are in excellent condition. There is hardly any wear on discs at all. The car rides nice and responds to the steering quickly.
Body is in very good condition. There is no visible rust under or over except a small hole at the front of the spare tire well (smaller than a penny). Paint has a nice vintage feeling and the right shine. Is is repainted but that must have been done at least 25 years ago. Of course, there are some small signs of use. Right rear wing has been painted later (is showing a little more gloss than the rest of the paint). There are a few small dents, but over all the patina is great. The chrome work is mostly good, but the bumpers and some bright ware show some pitting. Doors fit good and door cards are nice but could need some detaling/ cleaning. Under the rear wings (with original paint) some paint has fallen off. This shows shiny metal. I have not painted this to show the rust free and good condition the metal is in. The underside is in very good and rust free condition with no dents after stones or similar.
Headlining is original and very nice; the dash is in very good condition. Instruments are in good nick with great patina. Rear seats are original and in good condition.
Electrics are excellent (Everything works, inner lights, instruments, lights, horns etc.). The rear lights glass the red is a little faded. Reflectors are all good.
Rims have fresh paint and no damages. Tires are correct vintage look with good thread.
Engine and gearbox works very well. The engine starts easy on the button with good oil pressure. The four-speed gearbox works as it should with no grinds or synchromesh problems. However, as on most old cars a little oil is shown on the garage floor when storing the car.
This Renault 4CV can be used as is and is ready to start a road race tomorrow. It is a rare opportunity to compete in the re-enactment of the Mille Miglia for a reasonable cost or just enjoy on the road and vintage meetings for fun. The car is great to drive and gives you tumbs up wherever you go.