We need normal cars
04/22/2018
It was in the 1930s when Louis Renault realized that he had to build different cars to combat the crisis. Between 1929 and 1934, the proud and luxurious saloons were selling less and less, and Renault had to appeal to new customer segments. His slogan was: "We need normal cars". And as a definition of "normal" he coined the formula: 4 seats, 4 seats, 4 doors and 1000 kg.
The first success was the Primaquatre, but this car was still too expensive for the purchasing power in France. Renault then took a really big step forward with the Juvaquatre, as this car had a self-supporting body and was well below the weight target.
Although it was only available as a two-door model from 1937, the four-door version followed in 1939, with both doors hinged in the middle. This meant that the front door opened to the rear and the rear door to the front.
The Juvaquatre was a success; it was built as a saloon until 1948, when it was replaced by the 4CV. As a station wagon, however, the French continued to produce the car until 1960.
The car's success is immediately apparent when you sit behind the wheel. Even with more than 70 years under its belt, the car is a pleasure to drive, and with its 20 hp it can even climb inclines while the right hand diligently shifts back and forth between second and third gear in the three-speed gearbox.
Perhaps Louis Renault's slogan would be appropriate again today, because "normal" cars would certainly make sense again in highly regulated and tight traffic. 1000 kg, four doors, four seats and perhaps 100 hp? That should fit ...
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