Renault 8 (1962). From Gordini to Dacia, the multi-faceted sedan is 60 years old

The Renault 8 celebrates its 60th anniversary in 2022. Looking smart today, the original model marks a true generational change at Renault. For its part, the R8 Gordini has become a cult thanks to its affordable sportiness. And with the Renault 8 launched by Dacia.

Throughout 2022, Renault continues to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the R5. Shows, concept cars, videos, derivative products…no wonder when you find out that the city car is a bestseller and that it will soon return with a new 100% electric generation. more careful, another Renault that made history in some respects is celebrating its 60th birthday: the Renault 8.

The new face of the Renault sedan

The Renault 8 was launched in June 1962 to replace the Dauphine, with which it would co-exist for three years. Like its predecessor, the R8 is based on a rear-engine architecture. But it has become more modern in many ways. In its forms on the one hand, this sedan was designed by Philippe Charbonneaux and Gaston Juchet replacing the curves of the Dauphine for a design that is all in rectangles contrasted by round headlights. In its method on the other hand, by inaugurating a new four-cylinder 956 cm³ of 43 hp and offered by four disc brakes. During his career, a four-speed all-synchronous gearbox appeared. In 1964, the top-of-the-range Major version enriched the offer with a 1,108 cc 46 hp block and more equipment.

Renault 8 Gordini, the first French GTI?

But if the R8 is remembered, it is mainly for its Gordini variant launched in 1964. This sporty and affordable model, which passed through the hands of the tuner Amédée Gordini, was one of the precursors of the GTI in same way as the Mini Cooper and Fiat 500 Abarth from the same era. Its first version got 77 hp from a 1,108 cc engine, served by reworked suspensions. In 1966, the arrival of a 1,255 cc engine made it possible to offer 88 hp for a weight of less than 900 kg, with a five-speed gearbox. That year also saw the launch of the Coupe de France Gordini, a competition dedicated to the model that greatly contributed to its adoption by novice pilots. The car is also the pleasure of the pros, brilliant in the rally in the hands of Jean Vinatier Pierre Orsini, Jean-François Piot or Jean-Pierre Nicolas. The Gordini bowed out in 1970. Two years later, Renault launched the R8 S, also sporty but a bit more intelligent with its 1,108 cm³ 53 hp.

The Renault 8 Gordini is recognizable by its blue livery with white stripes.

Renault

The R8 Gordini 1300 offers 88 hp.

Renault

The Gordini Cup is the gateway to motorsport for a number of drivers.

Renault

At rallies too, the Gordinis know how to stand out.

Renault

The many facets of the Renault 8

Renault 8 has many derivatives. From 1965 came the Renault 10, an R8 with extended overhangs, to round out the range. Through various commercial agreements, the R10 was sold in Bulgaria under the Bulgarrenault brand like the R8, and even in North America by AMC. Spain has the right for its part in FASA-Renault 8 and 10. And with the R8 the history of Dacia began, the Romanian manufacturer began its activities in 1968 with the production of the Dacia 1100 which apart from a rebadged Renault 8. In a more confidential manner, a small handful of R8s are occasionally converted into convertibles. And in 1964, the Italian coachbuilder Ghia presented a coupe concept based on the R8 Gordini, which remained unrealized.

Media Photo

Image

Dr

Until its withdrawal from the market in 1973, the Renault 8 was produced in 1,329,000 units between France and Spain. So it remained in the shadow of the Dauphine (2.15 million), the more popular Renault 4 launched in 1961 (8.14 million), and its competitor Simca 1000 (1.95 million), without necessarily embarrassing its commercial performance for everyone. already.

Media Photo

Image

Renault

Tags