Renault 4CV (1955). A unique tray found and put up for sale

This tray in poor condition is unique and based on a Renault 4CV.

A sports tray based on a Renault 4CV will be offered at auction after decades of abandonment in a barn. This unique achievement is the work of a French enthusiast. It requires a total restoration.

The auction, organized by the house Artcurial as part of the 24 Hours of Le Mans Classic on July 2, 2022, will include in its prize pool a few automotive nuggets, particularly French, including a unique sports tray based on Renault 4CV. Abandoned in a barn for decades, the car is however more of a wreck than a racing beast today and therefore requires a complete restoration.

Renault 4CV tray Lechelle bonnet — The bodywork was designed by Jean-Pierre Lechelle.

Italian inspired

The speedster in question is the work of a private individual. In 1961, a mathematics student named Jean-Pierre Lechelle acquired a second-hand Renault 4CV. He then undertook to modify this 1955 copy by replacing the original bodywork with a sportier one, which he designed himself. To do this, he was particularly inspired by the 1958 Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa.

Renault 4CV tray Lechelle headlights — Many parts are missing from the car. Some are in crates.

Renault 4CV tray Lechelle barn — The Auger Frères workshop would have carried out the transformation, according to the Lechelle family who kept the car.

The two cars, however, have a very different architecture since, if the Italian is powered by a V12 3.0 front, the French is equipped with a four-cylinder 747 cm³ cantilever rear. The mechanics of the 4CV are preserved, like its running gear. According to the Lechelle family, who have kept the car until today, the manufacture and assembly were carried out by Auger Frères bodywork, in Cognac.

Renault 4CV barquette Lechelle period — The Lechelle tray in the 1960s.

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An evolving project

The transformation of this 4CV was completed in 1963 (according to period photos at the latest). A sticker still present on the car indicates that it took part in an Ocean Rally. Other modifications aimed at making the car more efficient were undertaken later, including the installation of a Renault Dauphine Gordini engine, four disc brakes, new rims and different running gear.

Renault 4CV tray Lechelle counter — A tachometer has survived but seems to be on its own.

But this work was interrupted along the way and the car was stored in a barn, until now. The car comes with numerous spare parts as well as a standard 4CV gray card, and it will be possible for the buyer to collect an “organ donor” 4CV in addition. The Lechelle tray is estimated at between €6,000 and €10,000.