IDEAL FOR THE BEACH – THE RENAULT RODEO

Summer is finally upon us, and with it comes dreams of sun, sea, 99 Flakes and avoiding those traffic jams on the A36. It also evokes visions of a classic beach car - ones such as the Mini Moke, the Citroen Méhari. - and the Renault Rodeo, as offered for sale by John Kerr - https://www.carandclassic.com/l/C1649392

The Rodeo debuted in 1970 as Renault’s answer to the Méhari. Their previous model in this vein was the open-topped 4 Plein Air, launched in 1968, a day before its Citroën rival. However, over the next two years, Renault sold approximately 600 Plein Airs compared to nearly 20,000 Méharis, so the honour of the diamond badge was at stake.

ACL - Ateliers de Construction du Livradois - in Arlanc created Renault’s latest SUV, and power was from the familiar 845cc engine. The platform was from the 4 Van, and the bodywork was laminated polyester. Wood reinforced the tailgate, and the folding windscreen could be attached to the bonnet via a leather strap.

Customers could select various formats. The Évasion had a completely open top, no doors, and no heater. The Chantier featured a fabric top over the front compartment and only a driver’s seat, and the Coursière boasted a fabric roof over the seats and cargo area but no side curtains. Meanwhile, for those Rodeo customers with decadent tastes, the Quatre Saisons had a more elaborate roof with side windows, a rear seat, and even a heater.

On the surface, the Rodeo seemed ideal for rural Gendarmeries, as a general runabout for the armed forces and as beach transport for the holidaymaker at the Côte d'Azur. Your Renault dealer would also probably tell you that the body was less brittle than the Méhari. Unfortunately, on launch the Rodeo cost 10,347 francs - 2,000 more than the Citroën.

The original Rodeo 4 was in production from 1970 to 1981, and in 1972, it was supplemented by the Rodeo 6, with 1,108cc power. In September 1973, ACL offered both in Artisanale form; two seats, with doors and a fabric roof. Three years later, the Rodeo wore Renault instead of ACL badges. One intriguing optional extra for the 4 and the 6 was a 4x4 system devised by Sinpar.

The final incarnation of the range was the facelifted Rodeo 5, and production ended in October 1986 after approximately 60,000 units. Sadly, Renault GB never officially sold the Rodeo; its potential customer base would have been too niche to justify its imports. John’s 1976 model, possibly the only UK-registered example, arrived in this country in 2007. Renown Classic Car Garage refurbished it, and the red Rodeo 4 looks set for the Camargue.

Or at least Swanage on an August Bank Holiday.

With Thanks To John Kerr and for his permission to use his images.