7. Renault R4
By the early ’60s, the French and European market had recovered from the Second World War. The average customer needed a bigger, more capable machine than the Citroen 2CV. Renault realized that buyers loved the utilitarian character of the 2CV, but they wanted more space and power. After a string of successful but ordinary economy cars, Renault decided to introduce a modern, bigger and more practical model.
They gave it an unusual station wagon-like body in the form of the Renault 4, which they presented in 1961. Immediately, the car was a success and buyers loved it since it was more capable and modern than the Citroen 2CV. It also offered more space and practicality. The power was diminutive with a base 700 ccm or 45 cid four-cylinder engine powering the front wheels.
Eventually, the power grew to 1.1-liter or 67cid, but still, the performance was weak. The Renault 4 was a globally-successful car they sold and assembled all over the world. Production ended in 1994 after 33 years and over eight million R4s.