Renault 4cv Based Specials Timeline Continued: The Germans signed their document of capitulation on May 7, 1945 and General De Gaulle officially had the Renault works nationalized. Following France's liberation, the two secret projects rapidly picked up steam. Pierre Lefaucheux decided it was time for the production of a new car, but which one? Following a drive of the third 4cv prototype, the decision was made. Compared to the larger 11cv the small car could be produced with much fewer materials have better mileage and cost less to maintain. Pierre Lefaucheux was very excited about the affordable compact car and made every effort to launch the model onto the market as soon as possible. A total of three prototypes were built for initial development, which were then followed by forty pre-production examples which were produced by Picard and his team for rigorous testing in North Africa. The first Renault 4cvs were nicknamed “pat of butter” due to their shape and yellow color. This color choice is said to come from paint stocks recovered from the Germany army Afrika Corp. Renault 4 CV’s style changed over time, the original six-slat front “moustache” was later replaced by a three-slat style. The 5-year development process led to 14 years of successful Renault 4CV production, a total of 1.1 million cars being built from 1947 to 1961. Production Begins Renault affirmed its ambitions to make the Renault 4cv a compact, comfortable and economical car. Renault 4cv was able to carry four people comfortably, its flat floor was kept clear by the rear positioning of the engine. On the 4cv's launch, it was nicknamed La motte de beurre or the pat of butter, due to the combination of its shape and the fact that early models were painted with sand yellow-colored surplus paint that was believed to be intended for the German Afrika Korps vehicles. On August 12, 1947, the first R1060 4cvs left the newly rebuilt Billancourt factory assembly line with a target of 300 cars per day. More than 50,000 units had been produced by March 1949, with 37.000 sold by June of that year, making it the most popular car in France, and eclipsing the 100,000 cars produced mark by January 1950. It would continue to be produced until July 1961. when the last of 1,105,497 cars came off the Île Seguin assembly line. Additional 4CVs were assembled in England, Spain, Australia, and by Hino in Japan. Public Unveiling Public Unveiling First developed by being classified as a new engine for a pre-war model, eventually turning into a clandestine undercover operation, the Renault 4cv was officially debuted at the 33rd Paris Motor Show on October 3, 1946. This was the first Auto Salon held, after the fighting had ceased. It almost immediately became a symbol of France's rebirth and new-found liberty after the war. Third 4cv Prototype One of three original 4cvs Test Mules
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