Sporting a 'moustache' in design-speak, the Fiftie was presented in 1996 to mark the 50th anniversary of the maker's 4CV. Echoes of the original included a mid-engine, rear-drive setup and plenty of retro curves. Contemporary touches included an aluminum chassis, and the interior even featured rattan. The Fiftie was a proper runner, but only its engine survived: the 1.2-liter unit transplanted to the Twingo.
The 1996 Fiftie is a charming two-seater coupé intended to celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of the much loved Renault 4CV. It reminds of the 4CV but has the next millennium's technology at its heart: an advanced aluminum chassis borrowed from the Renault Spider and an all-new, mid-mounted 1.2 litre powerplant.
Features:
Moustache front grille moldings and rear air intakes are styling cues harking back to original 4CV
Cutting-edge carbon fiber structure and aluminum platform (lifted from Spider)
Roof made of four foldaway panels which stow under the rear window
Interior showcases natural materials like rattan, linen, and cotton
Fixed seats
Reach-adjustable steering wheel and pedals
Giant multi-function screen for management of hi-fi, climate control system, driver assistance system, and telephone
Picnic basket hidden in the boot
1.2-litre, 4-cylinder engine delivering 60bhp with maximum torque of 93Nm at 2,500rpm
5-speed gearbox with semi-automatic clutch
Source: Simon Hacker/MSN Cars; KATRIINA’S RENAULT CENTER; conceptcar.co.uk
Images: Renault