In June 1962 Renault introduced the Renault 8. This was a model based on the Renault Dauphine (model that was already derived from the Renault 4CV). This means that the Renault 8 had the same chassis as the Dauphine, with a rear engine, a small step back if we consider that the R4 with front engine and hatchback body had been launched a year earlier. But even so, this model became very popular, like the Simca 1000, introduced in 1961, which would become the great rival of the Renault 8.

They were produced in Bulgaria until 1970 (see Bulgarrenault), and an adapted version of the Renault 8 continued to be produced in Spain until 1976. In Romania, a version of the 8 was produced under license between 1968 and 1971 as Dacia 1100. In total they were 37,546 Dacia 1100 were built. [1]

Design 8 looks very similar to the Alfa Romeo type 103 front-wheel drive prototype (1960), because Alfa Romeo and Renault had a business relationship in the 1950s and 1960s. Renault was marketing Alfa Romeo cars and Alfa Romeo was building Renault Dauphine (1959 - 1964), Ondine (a market version of Dauphine) (1961 - 1962) and R4 (1962 - 1964) under license in Italy. In total, 70,502 Dauphine / Ondine and 41,809 R4 were built by Alfa Romeo. [2]

Characteristics

Renault 8 Gordini

Unlike the Dauphine, which had a very rounded body, the Renault 8 had a very angular design. The car had, like most French models, four doors. With this body the Renault 8 had a very modern appearance.

The Renault 8 received a new engine, with 956 cm³ and 44 horsepower. This engine was manufactured in Cléon (North of France), and consequently these engines are called «Cléon». It was a modern engine with five main bearings, a metal alloy engine head, lubricated piston liners, and a sealed and pressurized cooling system. This system had its debut in a car a year earlier, on the R4. The Renault 8 had brake discs on the front and rear wheels, a novelty in those days. It could be chosen with a standard 3-speed gearbox or an optional 4-speed gearbox. Most of these technical innovations were introduced a few months earlier in the renewed Floride - Caravelle model.

In 1964 the new model was introduced, the Renault 8 Major. This car had a larger engine, with 1108 cm³ and 50 CV, and a standard 4-speed gearbox. This model was better equipped than the normal Renault 8: chrome details on the outside, white profile tires, fabric covered car floor, vinyl-lined seats with adjustable backs, armrests in front, ashtrays in the back, carpet and light in the interior mirror.

Another novelty in 1964 was the Renault 8 Gordini. This car had the same 1108 cm³ engine, but with 90 hp. This car had a slightly lowered suspension. The Renault 8 Gordini was only supplied in blue (the French racing color), with two white stripes on the cap, roof and rear.

In 1965 it was made available in an electric gearbox. This was the 3-speed series box, now electrically controlled via buttons on the panel.

In 1967 the Renault 8 Gordini received a 1255 cm³ engine with 103 hp. The car also received two extra headlights, as well as a 5-speed gearbox.

In 1968 a new version of the Renault 8 was introduced, the Renault 8S. This was a sportier version of the Renault 8, with a more powerful 60 hp and 1108 cm³ engine. This model was only available in yellow, and it also had two extra headlights. The rev counter was inserted and supplied as standard.

Production of the Renault 8 Gordini ended in 1970, in 1971 the production of the Renault 8S came to an end. The last Renault 8 was sold in 1973. Production continued only in Spain but for a few years. The latest Renault 8 had new bumpers and larger rear lights, as well as disc drums on the rear wheels.

In total 1.3 million Renault 8 were built. The Gordini 1108 reached 2,626 units, and the Renault 8 Gordini 1255 at 8,981