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Antique on the road: Madagascar's 4L owners show off their old favourites

Antique on the road: Madagascar's 4L owners show off their old favourites

Madagascar

There’s nothing more riveting than cruising on the highway in a car manufactured some fifty plus years ago.

You’re certain to capture the attention of many and even court their envy.

And perhaps that was exactly what some antique car owners in Madagascar’s capital Antananarivo sought to do on Sunday.

The members of the Renault 4L Mada Association, took their vehicles out for a spin in the capital much to the admiration of onlookers.

The Renault 4, also known as 4L, was produced by the French carmaker between 1961 and 1992.

It was the first front-wheel drive family car produced by Renault and was hugely popular.

Some 50 years after it was first produced, the 4L is still going strong on the streets of the capital of Madagascar where it is used mostly as taxis.

President of the Renault 4L Mada Association, Ernest Rambolanirina said the car is tough enough to endure a bumpy ride on Antananarivo’s streets.

“The roads are worn out and as they say in Madagascar, 4Ls are small 4×4!” he said.

Any wonder they are the prefered brand of vehicles for the taxi service?

But apart from those who actually own the 4L, there are others who had never gotten over their first encounter with the car like Mamisoa Randriamaro.

“Actually my dad let me drive the car at the age of 12 and it was my first time. It has become a passion until now,” she said.

But she is not the only one passionate about the car.

Imanohiniaina Rasoamanana drives a 4L and he says his car “has sentimental value.”

He recounted how as children, 12 of them fitted into the small but roomy car. “We kept the car up till now,” he added.

Even though it is 2016, owning a Renault 4 does not seem like a bad idea especially if you want a vehicle that can withstand the rough and tough conditions of the road.

From all indications, the 4L will continue to play a valuable role in Madagascar’s urban life.

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