Tom A
RFF Sponsor
The engine was in the rear part of the car, and the transmission breaks up easily if you try sport driving. The answer to the more than approximate driving was to put a 50kg weight load in the front . The rarest 4cv (there is no surviving sample anymore) is the Police version, with boosted engine (special head cylinder and carburetor) , aluminium doors, that was capable of an impressive 90mph.
Decapotable means cabriolet, but découvrable means only the roof and the rear window can be removed, the doors and the side of the car are rigid.
Sorry for the digression...
I was part owner of a 4CV in the early 60's ($10 of the total of $20!). We stripped it and but 4 Solex carbs on it as well as a tuned exhaust. Sounded really good and would throw the tail out at slightest provocation!
The Lead brick in the front worked, but it also affected performance - anything you put in the car did!! Great fun though and it was Renaults answer to the 2CV from Citroen. Interesting with the Police special - I have only seen pictures of that.
Tom