A rare 1950 Renault 4CV Roadster by Belgian coachbuilder Legros has joined the collection at the DFW Car & Toy Museum in Fort Worth, Texas, offering visitors a glimpse into a unique chapter of automotive history. The Renault 4CV, introduced in 1947 as France's first post-war economy car, became the first French automobile to surpass one million units sold. However, this particular example stands out due to its bespoke coachwork, crafted by Legros, which transforms the humble platform into a distinctive roadster.
The car features hand-formed steel body panels, dual side mirrors, a shortened windscreen, a louvered deck lid, and elegant driving lamps. Painted in a rich blue finish, its compact proportions and design details exude European flair, contrasting sharply with the mass-produced saloons typically associated with the 4CV name. Inside, a minimalist two-spoke ivory steering wheel fronts a Jaeger instrument cluster with a 120-km/h speedometer, gauges for coolant and oil temperature, fuel level, and battery charge. A five-digit odometer reads just 38,000 kilometers (approximately 24,000 miles), underscoring its rarity and preservation.
Under the rear deck lid, a replacement 845cc Ventoux inline-four engine paired with a four-speed manual transaxle powers the car, true to its roots as an accessible, agile runabout. 'This Legros-bodied 4CV roadster is a brilliant reminder that even the most humble platforms can become rolling art when placed in the hands of a talented coachbuilder,' said Ron Sturgeon, founder of the DFW Car & Toy Museum. 'It's one of those cars that makes you stop, smile, and ask—'Wait, what is that?''
The Renault 4CV Roadster by Legros is now on display as part of the Ron Sturgeon Collection at the DFW Car & Toy Museum, which is home to over 200 cars and 3,000 toys and collectibles. The museum, located at 2550 McMillan Parkway in North Fort Worth, offers free admission and parking. Visitors can learn more about the museum and its collection at dfwcarandtoymuseum.com. The museum also provides secure climate-controlled car storage and facilities for events, including car clubs and board meetings.
