Designer Dreams Up Nostalgic Reinterpretation of Iconic Renault 4

As you might already know, Renault is celebrating the 50th anniversary of the iconic 4. The automaker and its partner website, Designboom, are hosting a competition in which designers from across the world will be able to create their own modern interpretations of the classic shape.

Just about every person with a good eye and a version of Photoshop can have a go at recreating a modern icon, but one particular man with a plan has received a lot of attention. When you compare David Obendorfer’s “Revival of a Childhood Impression” with the original, you come to the conclusion that we have a winner here.

The designer has taken the classic lines, given them a thorough going over and come up with something that’s truly worthy of being called an automotive classic. Everything, from the ally wheels, to the sloped back, to the circular headlights screams retro chic. We don’t know if it will go into production, but if Renault doesn’t have a go soon, some coachbuilder definitely should.

“I have explored the nature of this model's surfaces and tried to capture the proportions that give it a strong personality. [Such] features are the r4's long wheelbase, quite short front overhang, car body with a typical forward-facing incline, different front and back fenders, front headlights close to each other, straight rear hatch, etc. [Of] course it has been necessary to update the vehicle volumes respecting - among other things - the standard for pedestrians' protection and the current requirements of safety and comfort in general,” Obendorfer comments on his creation.