Unveiled in 1937, the Juvaquatre was both a pre-and post-war vehicle, since its career was interrupted by World War II. Aimed at family buyers in the 1st instance, it subsequently became a commercial vehicle.
An affordable leisure vehicle
To support the 8 hp Celtaquatre, the least expensive Renault, the brand presented for the first time in 1937 at the Paris Motor Show the Juvaquatre.
France's "Front Populaire" government had just introduced the 1st paid holidays, and workers and families were keen to get away from it all…
Targeting low-income buyers, the 6 hp Juvaquatre had a top speed of 95 kph and was the 1st Renault to be equipped with independent wheels and also the 1st to feature a unitized body. These innovations made the car stiffer, lighter and more comfortable. Contemporary adverts also highlighted the reasonable fuel consumption figures.
Launched in 1938, the 2-door model was soon joined by a 4-door sedan. But competition was fierce and war was soon to break out.
The Juvaquatre lost a battle but not the war…
Despite the boundless affection expressed by Louis Renault for this vehicle, the Juvaquatre was beset by difficulties in its early life.
The finish owes much to the Opel Olympia, admired by Louis Renault at the 1935 Berlin Motor Show. So did he miscalculate or was it just excessive enthusiasm? When the vehicle was launched Opel sued the Société Anonyme des Usines Renault for copying 2 of its models the Olympia and the Kadett. This was the 1st stumbling block for the Juvaquatre.
Further, although the 2-door concept was popular in some countries, French buyers found it disconcerting. They were reluctant to buy the Juvaquatre, opting instead for Peugeot's latest model, the 202. World War II dealt the final blow to the career of the Juvaquatre family model. Only 5 units were produced in 1940… But the "Juva" had not said its last word...
Renaissance
After the war came the period of rebuilding. Trade took on a new lease of life, as did the Juvaquatre, which came back in the form of a van!
Popular with gendarmes and the Post Office, this commercial version was also a great success with small businesses and tradespeople.
Today, many "juvatistes" keep the legend going, renovating the old "Juvas" of their youth in their garages.
Source: Renault
