Renault Vivaquatre
| Company type | Automobile model |
|---|---|
| Industry | Automotive |
| Predecessor | Renault 10CV (project "KZ") |
| Founded | 1932 |
| Defunct | 1939 |
| Headquarters | Boulogne-Billancourt , France |
| Products | Automobiles |
The Vivaquatre was manufactured by Renault from 1932 until 1939. Initially categorized in the 10CV tax bracket due to its sizable four-cylinder engine, it was subsequently upgraded to compete within the 11CV class.
The extended-wheelbase "G7" variant, launched in April 1933, became a common choice for taxi services, with Vivaquatre taxis remaining in operation through the late 1950s.
Origins
Developed in tandem with the Renault Primaquatre, which debuted a year earlier, the Vivaquatre shared much of its chassis architecture. However, even the standard Vivaquatre featured a longer wheelbase. Their project designations—"KZ7" for Vivaquatre and "KZ6" for Primaquatre—highlight their close relation. Both models were successors to the Renault 10CV (project "KZ").
Body
The Vivaquatre succeeded the sturdy Renault 10CV while preserving its predecessor’s straightforward mechanical design. Primarily available as a "berline" (sedan/saloon), it did not offer cabriolet or coupé body styles but came with two wheelbase lengths. The extended wheelbase variant accommodated a six-window ("six-light") configuration, favored for taxi applications.
As Renault’s largest four-cylinder offering at that time, the Vivaquatre was characterized by independent headlights and exposed rear wheels, setting it apart from larger Renault models that featured integrated headlights and rear wheel covers. Its four-cylinder powerplant allowed for a shorter hood compared to six-cylinder counterparts.
At the October 1935 motor show, the "Luxe" trim was offered exclusively in black or dark blue, whereas the "Grand Luxe" trim expanded color options to include grey and bordeaux. Interior upholstery was confined to standard "marron" (chestnut) fabric, emphasizing its utilitarian focus.
Engine and running gear
The initial Vivaquatre housed a side-valve four-cylinder engine displacing 2120cc, rated at 35 horsepower. While power outputs rose over time, engine displacement remained constant at 2120cc through the "KZ17" (1934) and "KZ23" (1935) iterations. Power transmission to the rear wheels utilized a three-speed gearbox lacking synchromesh.
Evolution
Renault pursued gradual enhancements in both mechanical components and body styling, progressively integrating more streamlined aerodynamic elements. The manufacturer frequently marketed multiple model versions concurrently, complicating chronological tracking. Starting April 1932, an optional "SA" engine upgrade could be purchased for an extra 4,000 francs; this included improved engine mountings ("Suspendu Amorti") designed to minimize vibrations—likely introduced as a competitive response to Citroën’s "floating engine."
1933 (Model Year 1934)
At the Paris Motor Show in October 1933, Renault presented the "KZ13" Vivaquatre. Both standard and long-wheelbase models retained the early-1930s squared-off rear styling with gently rounded edges and adopted a slanted front grille reminiscent of contemporaries such as the Citroën Rosalie. Six standard "berline" (sedan) body styles were offered:
- "Berline Luxe: 5 seats" priced at 23,900 francs
- "Berline Grand Luxe: 5 seats" priced at 25,400 francs
- "Conduite Intérieure Luxe: 7 seats" priced at 29,600 francs
- "Conduite Intérieure Grand Luxe: 7 seats" priced at 28,400 francs
- "Taxi: 7 seats with sliding roof" priced at 30,000 francs
- "Berline commerciale 880 kg" priced at 21,000 francs
In spring 1934, Renault introduced the more streamlined "Conduite Intérieure Aérodynamique: 5 seats," retailing at 23,100 francs, indicating plans for broader production.
The Vivaquatre "ADL1," launched in 1936 under a new project code series, featured an enlarged four-cylinder engine of 2383cc capacity delivering an advertised output of 56 horsepower at 3,300 rpm.
1936 (Model Year 1937)
At the 30th Paris Motor Show held in October 1936, the Vivaquatre was presented with the same "aérodynamique" body style as Renault’s six-cylinder lineup, though it featured a shorter front end to accommodate its larger 2,383cc four-cylinder side-valve engine. Classified as a large automobile, the Vivaquatre represented the entry-level choice within Renault’s broad assortment of sizable vehicles.
While competitor André Citroën focused on promoting "tout-acier" (all-steel) body construction, Renault refrained from emphasizing its body-building techniques due to ongoing patent disputes with Ambi Budd. Nevertheless, the progressively sleeker designs and shared body components among various models suggest that Renault had transitioned away from the heavier timber-framed bodies that were common five years prior.
For the 1937 model year, the Vivaquatre "ADL2" incorporated a new trapezoidal grille that wrapped around the front, consistent with other Renault vehicles of the time. The headlights were integrated into the front fenders and fitted with aerodynamic covers. The earlier plain disc wheels were replaced by perforated discs featuring a ring of twelve holes. The rear design sloped downward to accommodate an external trunk bulge; however, entry-level versions continued to feature only a flap concealing the spare wheel stored horizontally. Despite these aerodynamic enhancements, the core body range remained mostly unchanged.
During the 1936 exhibition, five distinct body styles were available with pricing reflecting deflationary trends amid the economic downturn:
- Berline Luxe without boot/with boot: 23,800/24,600 francs
- Berline Grand Luxe without boot/with boot: 25,000/25,800 francs
- Berline Conduite Intérieure Luxe (six side windows) without boot/with boot: 26,300/27,100 francs
- Berline Conduite Intérieure Grand Luxe (six side windows) without boot/with boot: 27,500/28,300 francs
- Berline Commerciale: 24,000 francs
Final Production Years
Following these models, three further variants were introduced: "BDH1", "BDH3", and "BDH4". Mechanically, these versions did not experience significant updates after 1936. The principal advancements came in the form of all-steel bodies that became more streamlined with complex panel contours, steeper rear slopes, and more elaborate front-end styling. These design changes extended the vehicle’s overhangs noticeably; by 1939—the year production ceased—the long-wheelbase variant measured in length.
No Successor at Launch
The Vivaquatre was discontinued without an immediate replacement. Nevertheless, Renault reentered this vehicle category in 1950 with the introduction of the Frégate.