Rare Coachbuilt Renault 4CV Roadster by Legros Showcased at DFW Car & Toy Museum

The DFW Car & Toy Museum in Fort Worth, Texas, has added a distinctive European classic to its collection: a 1950 Renault 4CV Roadster with bespoke coachwork by Belgian coachbuilder Legros. This vehicle represents a rare transformation of France's first post-war economy car into a custom roadster, blending historical significance with unique automotive craftsmanship.

Originally introduced in 1947, the Renault 4CV was the first French automobile to surpass one million units sold, establishing itself as an accessible, mass-produced saloon. However, this particular example diverges from standard production models through its custom features. The Legros coachwork includes hand-formed steel body panels, dual side mirrors, a shortened windscreen, louvered deck lid, and elegant driving lamps, all finished in a rich blue paint. These elements give the compact car a distinctive European flair that contrasts with its utilitarian origins.

Inside, the roadster maintains a minimalist aesthetic with a two-spoke ivory steering wheel and a Jaeger instrument cluster featuring a 120-km/h speedometer, coolant and oil temperature gauges, a fuel level indicator, and a battery charge gauge. The five-digit odometer shows only 38,000 kilometers (approximately 24,000 miles), indicating the vehicle's rarity and careful preservation. Powering the car is a replacement 845cc Ventoux inline-four engine paired with a four-speed manual transaxle, staying true to the 4CV's reputation as an agile and accessible runabout.

Ron Sturgeon, founder of the DFW Car & Toy Museum, emphasized the car's artistic value, stating it demonstrates how even humble platforms can become rolling art in the hands of a talented coachbuilder. The vehicle is part of the Ron Sturgeon Collection at the museum, which houses over 200 cars and 3,000 toys and collectibles. The museum's new facility at 2550 McMillan Parkway in North Fort Worth offers 150,000 square feet of space with free parking and admission, operating Tuesday through Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Visitors can learn more at https://dfwcarandtoymuseum.com.

This display matters as it highlights a niche segment of automotive history where coachbuilders transformed mass-produced vehicles into unique works of art, preserving craftsmanship that has largely faded in modern manufacturing. For enthusiasts and historians, it offers insight into post-war European automotive culture and the creativity that emerged from economic constraints. The museum's role in showcasing such rarities supports cultural preservation and education, making automotive heritage accessible to the public while fostering appreciation for design innovation beyond mainstream production.