Javillac
En 1961 Renault presents what would become the best-selling car in its history: the Renault 4. And next to it, our protagonist, the Renault 3. Pierre Dreyfus, the director of the brand at the time, did not know it, but the utility he had commissioned to compete with the Citroën 2CV would remain in production for more than 30 years, becoming a success around the world, reaching the record number for a French car of more than eight million units sold at the end of its manufacture in 1993.
The car would take as reference the modern front engine and drive configuration of the also popular Citroën 2CV. But Dreyfus' goal with the new Renault it was to make a car better than the competition's economy model.
And is that Not because it is cheap does it mean that the Renault 4 was not ingenious and innovative. The car had the practical tailgate, an unusual feature in a vehicle in its segment. The R4 also had an innovative closed cooling system with an expansion tank, in addition to not needing to lubricate its chassis thanks to its sealed bearings, characteristics that made this car quite a revolution.
THE BASIC BROTHER
The success of the model was practically instantaneous, but it is surprising to learn that together with the R4 of 1961 it was launched a more basic and austere model, the Renault 3, of which very few units were sold, since the leading role fell on the R4.
At first glance, the Renault 3 may seem identical to the first Renault 4 manufactured in France with the characteristic “whale mouth” hood, and the differences between the two vehicles are very subtle. The most striking feature was the mechanics, since it was exclusive to this model, since the R3 also equipped a 603 cc inline four-cylinder Ventoux-type block, which developed 22,5 horsepower.
The R3 engine was the smallest in the range, since the primitive Renault 4 and 4L equipped a block with a displacement of 747 cubic centimeters and 26,5 horsepower, while in the 4 Super they had 845 cubic centimeters and developed 32 horsepower. As in the early R4s the gearbox was a three-speed with the first out of sync.
Aesthetically, the absence of windows in the C-pillar is striking in the Renault 3. This characteristic is mistakenly attributed only to Renault 3, but the most basic Renault 4s up to 1963 also did without these rear windows.
Thus, The easiest way to recognize the Renault 3 is by its finishes, much simpler than in any other R4, such as vinyl seats and lacking elements such as the hubcaps, the chrome grille or the interior lining of the doors. It is striking that components such as the bumper, dashboard and grille were painted in the same color as the body as a major differentiating element. It is also worth mentioning that the R3 was only offered in two colors that reflected its austere spirit: gray and white.
THE FAILURE OF THE RENAULT 3
Finally, it was the buyers themselves who did not perceive the differences between the R3 and the R4 to justify the acquisition of the first. Both models shared most of the components so the price of the Renault 3 was only 4% cheaper than the most basic Renault 4, a minimal difference.
Finally, in 1962, barely a year after the launch of the Renault 3, and due to its low demand by the public, production of the model ceased after only 2.526 units sold, to focus on the successful Renault 4. Thus making the 3 the least popular car in the family of cars with a Renault number name, but one of the rarest classics in the history of the rhombus brand. 
Photographs by Renault and José Cruz Sánchez.
