Renault 4 Sinpar Plein Air 1968-1970

While it is possible that there are one or two more Canadian Plein Airs still to be discovered, but it is not likely they will be back on the road without significant restoration. The fact that no less than thirteen or possibly fourteen cars have been identified, out of what seems to nearly be a consensus, that somewhere around twenty units were used for the Exposition. Speaking with someone who had ties to Renault of Canada, they believed that the cars had been leased to the City of Montreal for a two year period. Being that the known Plein Air serial numbers range from the 100s to the 500s and all of the identified Canadian examples are in the 400s to 500s it is most likely initial deliveries began in 1969 and could have possibly carried into early 1970. The appearance of only six or possibly seven Plein Airs, in the May 19, 1971, Championship Parade, supports the notion of a two year lease period, where the cars that had been delivered prior to May of 1969 had already been returned to Renault of Canada. Though all of this is strictly speculation, as no documentation has been found that confirms it. With a production of most likely not more than 500 cars, the Plein Air is generally not considered to be a commercial success. While, the now famous publicity photo of a Plein-Air on the beach, with an attractive young lady in it, speaks volumes to its intended audience. So, in 1968 the Plein Air was offered for sale as a beach or resort car, or a toy for the rich, rather than an everyday multi-purpose vehicle like some of its much more successful, direct competitors. Sinpar Plein Air One of the Plein Airs on Parade Conclusion Final remaining Terre des Hommes car

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