michele ray r4

Four beautiful girls, two R4s, and an expedition the length of the Western Hemisphere leave a trail of broken hearts…

By Roberto Motta

Photos Courtesy of Renault Communications

Renault R4 has allowed generations of drivers the opportunity to take up the challenge of motorsports and to see the world at the same time. This tough little car competed in the 1962 East African Safari Rally (finishing fifth in class), the Monte Carlo Rally, the Expedition Michèle Ray, and the tough 1980 Paris-Dakar, all with success, proving that despite its ungainly looks, it was both reliable and versatile.

As we noted in “Celebrating Fifty Years of the Renault R4”, this small car was a huge social phenomenon. It was also a great commercial success. But the “Regie” wanted more, so to support and increase sales the company decided to demonstrate the reliability and versatility of the R4 with a series of memorable feats. We’ll begin with the 1963 Monte Carlo Rally.

The R4 number 44 makes its way through the snow during the 1963 Monte Carlo Rally.

Monte Carlo Rally