The evolution of the tailgate: the great advance that came from the Renault 4

The Renault 4 represented a considerable advance in its day. Beyond its style, this popular model aimed to break into the new urban lifestyle of the French. They were beginning to leave the countryside and move closer to the city. But this model did not want to abandon the countryside, so a vehicle was created that could meet the needs of both worlds. It was 1961 and things were changing very quickly.

And one of the innovations that turned the Renault 4 into the link between the rural and urban worlds was something that had not been considered until then: the rear tailgate. The fifth door, located at the boot, allowed this vehicle, which already had generous proportions for use as a household vehicle but also for rural work, to become very popular.

The origin of the famous ‘4L’

The Renault 4 soon earned the nickname ‘4L‘, but what is so well known is that it was Pierre Dreyfus’s personal project, chairman of Régie Renault from 1955 to 1975, who gave the green light to the model. He sought a vehicle with volume that would serve everyone, city dwellers and rural folk alike.

It may seem a trivial matter, but the incorporation of the rear tailgate allowed more practical access to the rear area of the vehicle, creating an ideal space for transport. Whether for materials from the countryside, for travel luggage, or for shopping in the city. A new modular space that helped the development of future vehicles, very popular and practical today.

The tailgate began to be used on other models of the brand, which popularised it. The Renault 16 was the next to incorporate this innovative element. From there it went on to other models, which set a trend in the industry. This new rear door broke the usual configuration of the vehicle, as the boot took on a new dimension.

Today this tailgate is easy to find on many models, but the origin of that fifth door that gave the boot a new dimension was linked to a model that sold eight million units in just over 30 years. One of the brand’s vehicles that has kept this tailgate has been the Renault Arkana, which still uses this fifth door as a way of gaining more interior space.

Technical specifications of this car

CrossoverRenault Arkana7 versions · from 29,454 €