French cult car
The Renault 8 was a direct heir to the legendary 4 CV and Dauphine wrapped in a 60's 3-box design. Like its predecessors, the Renault 8 did well in motorsport. Alpine, seeing Renault in the cards, launched another legendary model, the A110, based on the R8. The French often have an opinion about which of the 3 big car brands they stick with. Citroen on sophisticated, Peugeot on Class, while Renault scores on sportsmanship – created through all the aforementioned Renault models.
Model history
The Renault 8 was launched in 1962 and produced until 1973 in France. The engine option at introduction was a 1.0 liter engine with 44 horses. In 1964, the R8 Major came with an 1100 engine and 50 HP. A little later came the Gordini where the 1100 engine was tuned up to 89 HP and modified undercarriage. For the 1967 model, Gordini came with a 1300 HP 100 engine, or 115 HP in the rally version. This was a raw racing machine in sky blue finish with 2 white speed stripes and dual sets of Cibié headlights. All Renault 8s had independent suspension on all wheels and disc brakes both front and rear. In 1969 came the R8 S where the 1100 engine delivered 60 HP and 4 headlights in the front, just like the Gordini
Renault 8 today
You will soon find no R8 left that is not more or less rigged for motorsport. But it's not just staffing. The models also appear on the list of participants in local French car rallies – both gentle and tough competitions. There are many people today who want a Gordini-blue R8 in their garage. This is reflected in the prices.
About the pictures
The blue car with black plates in the main photo was photographed at a car meet in Canet-en-Roussillon, France. The blue one R8 Gordinic with white signs are photographed on Fête d'auto in Palau del Vidre, Roussillon. The other photos were taken at monthly car meetings in Perpignan, France.
Click on an image to view in a larger format.
Copyright notice
See
