1983 Renault 4 GTL review from UK and Ireland

Was asked as a favor to move a car by the mother of my wife's friend. She had this old car in the garage that had been there for years and wanted it shifted and dumped to make some room.

Arrived there and found beneath a layer of blankets a 1983 almost mint condition Renault 4.

It appears that she had bought it in 1988 with 35000 on the clock in order to learn to drive. Her father who was giving her lessons died shortly thereafter and the car was simply left in the garage and forgotten for 13 years.

Tires were half flat so I pumped them up and pushed it out of the garage, when I saw the condition was immaculate and not some rotting old wreck I bought a new battery... drained out the old fuel... checked the oil and plugs, turned over the engine and drove it away.

I didn't even bother changing the tires (have since), but put it straight in for an MOT. Passed straight away with just some minor work to a slightly binding rear drum.

Must admit to having fallen in love with this car and have taken it out a few times at the weekend to find the combination of quirky gearstick, rolling ride and quaint looks great fun to drive.

Have read the various comments concerning rust so a good coating of waxoyl to be applied shortly.

With no radio let alone a cigarette lighter, and acres of metal and plastic mat instead of carpet and velor, this car really is a reminder of 60's driving.

There seems to be a sad lack of English language websites giving decent technical/maintenance/repair details, but then you can't have everything.

Ps... with no electronic systems, spares that cost pennies and a design that seems to require just 2 spanners and a hammer to keep maintained it really is great fun as a hobby car.