BLEU  FRANCE

The Presented Example:

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Rare S4 "Farmer" version intended for the French market. Estimated production of only 20 units, with 5 recorded to date. This vehicle has undergone a full restoration carried out by our company, following the “nuts and bolts” approach and meeting concours-quality standards. All original parts have been preserved and restored, with meticulous attention to factory specifications. While the model may appear “simple” at first glance, its restoration is actually highly complex. Nearly all components are specific, rare, and many are almost impossible to find. This research, understanding, and implementation work makes this restoration exceptional in both authenticity and execution.

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This microcar retains all the components typical of a conventional vehicle: leaf spring, suspension, 4-speed gearbox, petrol engine with carburetor, electrical equipment, as well as steering and braking elements—albeit in a compact format.

The work completed perfectly showcases our expertise and vision of restoration: combining authenticity, precision, and reliability. The vehicle is fully operational today, both mechanically and electrically. All controls and buttons are in perfect working condition. A technical inspection was validated in France (mandatory since the reform concerning motorized two-wheelers), confirming its proper functioning. Braking is effective, road handling is correct, and driving can be enjoyed today just as it was originally intended. It is important to note, however, the specific driving style required for this type of microcar: as the gearbox is unsynchronized, mastering double-declutching is essential to fully appreciate the driving experience.

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Chassis No. 20017:

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This vehicle has had only three owners since its first registration, including two professionals. The most recent took possession in 2009. Showing only 2,819 km since its creation, it retains its original color: Salmon Orange.

A full set of documents accompanies the car, reinforcing its authenticity and historical value: original warranty certificate, original maintenance booklet, and various documents attesting to its history.

 

Restoration & Authenticity:

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• Body stripped and fully restored. Solvent-based paint. Replacement of the lower grille panel. Anti-chip coating applied under the body and inside, as originally. Chassis number present in the engine compartment and matching (No. 290).

• Windshield frame stripped and painted in black epoxy. Chassis number (No. 290) present and matching. Original laminated IVAS glass.

• Grille frame sandblasted and painted grey. Original grille and Willam emblem preserved.

• Fully restored bench seat: sandblasted, springs replaced, covered with slightly more textured faux leather while retaining original patterns. Seat structure sandblasted and painted in black epoxy.

• Chassis sandblasted and painted in black epoxy. Original stamping preserved (No. 20017).

• All original fasteners preserved and zinc-treated as originally (mainly CVT brand).

• Original carburetor (Dell’Orto SH1/20) cleaned in an ultrasonic bath; all gaskets, needle, and float replaced.

• Front and rear bumpers re-chromed (similar to a Fiat 500 but shorter). Interiors treated, protected, and repainted in chrome grey.

• Custom-made Jolly-style convertible top with fringes added; original eyelets recovered and installed. Top support sandblasted and painted in black epoxy.

• Fuel tank cleaned and repainted in original color. Cap restored to original color with new seal. Fuel tap replaced with a functional original model. Opening/closing rod replaced.

• 3D-printed dashboard buttons, exact replicas of originals.

• Wheels sandblasted and painted in original color.

• Tires replaced (Kings Tire 4.00-10), original tires preserved and sold with the vehicle (CEAT 4.00-10).

• Spare wheel restored, painted in original color, original tire preserved.

• Brake system restored with new flexible lines; central line custom-made as original. Brake shoes, wheel cylinders, and master cylinder replaced. Brake fluid reservoir cap replaced (BETOR Torino, original model).

• Windshield wipers replaced with original blades (Magneti Marelli). Wiper motor restored.

• Original fuel/oil mixture sticker reproduced exactly on the tank.

• New battery with a period-style Magneti Marelli sticker added.

• Rear license plate remade to original specifications.

• Rear lights restored in translucent red and orange.

• Electrical wiring cleaned and repaired.

• All fluids (gearbox and differential) replaced.

• Engine mounts replaced.

• Floor mats remade to original dimensions.

• Steering column restored and inspected; custom inner bushing fabricated. Original beige Fiat 500 steering wheel preserved.

• Exhaust restored with high-temperature paint; mounting support replaced.

• Transmission flectors replaced with new ones.

• Interior panels restored; surface film replaced. Rear panel remade in EZ sheet metal.

• Leather tab added for easier hood opening.

• All body trims replaced.

• Brass convertible top fasteners restored.

• Rear leaf spring mounting support replaced.

• Original air filter restored; filter replaced, sandblasted, and epoxy-painted.

• Original jack and crank added, restored, and black epoxy-painted.

• Pedal assembly restored: disassembled, checked, reassembled, and axes adjusted.

• Interior rearview mirror replaced with concours-condition original (GECO model).

• Front headlights replaced with period-correct concours-condition models (first Fiat 500 model, different attachments than later versions, SIEM 0764 PX).

• Exterior GECO mirror restored and height-adjustable.

• Handbrake restored with new cable adapted.

• Original suspension preserved and restored (Ref.: 021 L.I.M.S / ITALY. 8103).

• Engine inspected and restarted.

• Spare key added.

 

A Living Heritage:

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How much does a restoration of this type cost? Certainly a lot of money, but above all, it requires immense time, research, and expertise. Above all, this project is the result of passionate, meticulous work that deserves to be appreciated for its true value.

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The chance to encounter such an example in such exceptional condition is extremely rare. As a living piece of Franco-Italian automotive history, it could just as well join a private collection, enrich a museum’s exhibits, participate in concours d’élégance, or become part of a family heritage. Whatever its destination, it deserves to be used and admired at its full value. The microcar category is increasingly recognized in certain elegance competitions, and we are confident that this example has every chance to shine.

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Thanks to our specialized transport partners, international shipping can be arranged without difficulty. With a curb weight of only 320 kg and dimensions of 207 cm long, 127 cm wide, and 147 cm high (115 cm with windshield removed), it can be moved on its own wheels or packed in a custom-made wooden crate. Our proximity to major European ports further facilitates these arrangements, and we encourage any potential buyer to contact us to discuss the best possible solutions.

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Finally, as a small anecdote: this vehicle shares an unexpected detail with the legendary Ferrari 250 GT Coupé. The superb LEART indicator lenses are exactly the same models… for a fraction of the price of the iconic Italian car. A story worth telling.