Gregory and His Enduring Love Affair with the Renault 4CV: A Nostalgic Journey on Four Wheels

Gregory, a chef from Nogent-sur-Marne, cherishes his afternoons after leaving the school cafeteria. For him, these moments represent freedom, an opportunity to indulge in his passion for his Renault 4CV. This iconic French automobile, manufactured between 1947 and 1961, has become the centerpiece of his social life.

"I use it every day unless it’s raining, because it leaks," he admits with a smile. The 4CV is undeniably a car from another era. Inside, it’s cold when it’s cold outside and hot when it’s hot. There’s no air conditioning, no heating system – it’s a true product of the 1950s. And that, according to Gregory, is precisely what makes it so charming.

His love for the 4CV began thirty years ago, sparked by a film starring Jane Birkin and Pierre Richard, "La moutarde me monte au nez" (Mustard Gas Makes Me Sneeze). "There’s a scene where you see this car," he recalls. His family also influenced his appreciation for classic vehicles. "My father was a rally driver in an R5," Gregory explains, "He even competed in the Paris-Dakar rally with Stephanie Fugain." Ironically, this passionate father "always forbade" him from touching his cars, creating a frustration that only fueled Gregory’s future passion for automotive jewels.

In 1991, at the age of 19, and freshly licensed, Gregory didn’t hesitate. He immediately purchased a 4CV. Unfortunately, just a few months later, it was stolen from his garage. Undeterred, he bought another model, a more affordable R5, and put his 4CV dreams on hold for the next 27 years.

Fast forward to 2018. Through word of mouth, Gregory, now a seasoned chef, found a 4CV for sale by a private owner. "It was beautiful but had mechanical and electrical problems. I drove it 5 km and it broke down. I discovered there were major oil and fuel leaks. When I contacted the seller, he refused to acknowledge anything," he recounts. Lacking extensive mechanical knowledge, Gregory attempted to replace the carburetor, but to no avail. He eventually sold the car, losing 2000 euros in the process. It was a frustrating setback.

"Six months later, I bought the one I have now, found on Leboncoin (a French classifieds website) just 3 km from my house, for 9000 euros. It was in very good condition and everything worked," the chef recalls. However, his journey wasn’t over. A few weeks later, he met a mechanic who specialized in this type of vehicle. "I opened the hood, and the guy said, ‘It would be great to transform it.’" The mechanic suggested modifying the car with a more powerful Dauphine Gordini engine. The result: Gregory’s 4CV now boasts a 4-speed gearbox (instead of the original 3) and can reach speeds of up to 120 km/h.

Beyond the mechanical enhancements, Gregory has also significantly restored the car’s body. He replaced the original 6-volt battery with a 12-volt one, added motorcycle turn signals to the front and rear, and adapted the seats with thicker, adjustable backrests. "I also added a fuel gauge, a wooden steering wheel, and repainted the engine blue. I even installed a Vespa scooter luggage rack on the back," he enthusiastically lists. These modifications give his model a unique character and allow him to stand out at car enthusiast gatherings.

Gregory attends these gatherings roughly fifty times a year. "I’m completely immersed in it," he exclaims. From Sucy-en-Brie to Ozoir-la-Ferrière, and the annual grand rendezvous in Chelles on May 1st (featuring 1600 cars from the 1950s), his schedule is packed. He belongs to several car clubs and even created his own on Facebook. "I’m a member of Sucy Classique Club and Ozoir en Ancienne, and I’m the president of a friends’ club, which we named Olds cars Saint-Maur 94." These clubs provide him with opportunities to connect with like-minded individuals, discuss mechanics, and simply enjoy the camaraderie.

Behind the wheel of his 4CV, Gregory is never unnoticed. "People stop me, especially those in their 70s and 80s," he shares. While the car evokes nostalgia in older generations, it also attracts the curiosity of younger people. It’s all about passing on the passion, keeping the memory of this iconic car alive. His 4CV is more than just a car, it’s a time machine, a rolling piece of history that connects generations. Gregory’s dedication to his 4CV and his active participation in the classic car community demonstrate a commitment to preserving automotive heritage. He embodies the spirit of a true enthusiast, someone who not only cherishes the past but also shares his passion with others, ensuring that the love for these timeless machines continues to thrive. The Renault 4CV, in Gregory’s hands, is not just a car; it’s a symbol of a bygone era, a testament to enduring design, and a source of joy for both its owner and the many admirers who cross its path.