A rare 1950 Renault 4CV Roadster featuring custom coachwork by Belgian builder Legros has joined the collection at the DFW Car & Toy Museum in Fort Worth, Texas. The car, part of the Ron Sturgeon Collection, offers visitors a glimpse into the world of post-war European coachbuilding, where even mass-produced economy cars were transformed into unique works of art.
The Renault 4CV was introduced in 1947 as France's first post-war economy car and became the first French automobile to surpass one million units sold. However, this particular example is far from standard. Belgian coachbuilder Legros crafted bespoke bodywork for the roadster, including hand-formed steel panels, dual side mirrors, a shortened windscreen, a louvered deck lid, and elegant driving lamps. Finished in a rich blue, the car's compact proportions and design details give it a distinct European flair.
Inside, the roadster features a minimalist two-spoke ivory steering wheel and a Jaeger instrument cluster with a 120-km/h speedometer, gauges for coolant and oil temperature, fuel level, and battery charge. The five-digit odometer reads just 38,000 kilometers (approximately 24,000 miles), underscoring the car's preservation. Under the rear deck lid, a replacement 845cc Ventoux inline-four engine paired with a four-speed manual transaxle powers the vehicle, staying true to its roots as an accessible and agile runabout.
Ron Sturgeon, founder of the DFW Car & Toy Museum, remarked, 'This Legros-bodied 4CV roadster is a brilliant reminder that even the most humble platforms can become rolling art when placed in the hands of a talented coachbuilder. It's one of those cars that makes you stop, smile, and ask—'Wait, what is that?''
The Renault 4CV Roadster by Legros is now on display at the DFW Car & Toy Museum, which houses over 200 cars and 3,000 toys and collectibles. The museum is located at 2550 McMillan Parkway, Fort Worth, TX 76137, and offers free admission and parking. Hours of operation are Tuesday through Saturday, 9:00 am to 6:00 pm. For more information, visit the museum's website at dfwcarandtoymuseum.com.
