Renault 8

Lore & Background

Launched in June 1962 as the R1130, the Renault 8 was based on the Renault Dauphine, sharing its basic architecture and 2270 mm wheelbase. Its boxy styling followed a prototype by Philippe Charbonneaux. The car was 30 mm narrower than the Dauphine but offered front seats 60 mm wider. An all-new 956 cc Cléon-Fonte engine produced 44 PS and featured a sealed-for-life cooling system. French-built cars were fitted with four-wheel disc brakes, a first for a saloon of this size, though Spanish-market versions used rear drum brakes.

In 1964, the 8 Major (R1132) arrived with an 1108 cc engine producing 50 PS, followed by the Gordini (R1134) with a tuned 1108 cc engine delivering 90 PS via a cross-flow head and twin dual-choke 40 mm Solex carburetors. The Gordini came only in blue with white stripes and larger 200 mm headlamps. A 1967 facelift for the Gordini (R1135) added two additional headlights and a 1255 cc engine rated at 100 PS. The 8S, a sportier model with 1108 cc and 60 PS, appeared in 1969 with twin headlights.

Renault offered an unusual automatic transmission from 1963, developed by Jaeger. It was essentially an automatic clutch using a powder ferromagnetic coupler and a three-speed manual gearbox with synchromesh. Controlled by dashboard push buttons and a governor, the electromechanical system suffered from freezing relays in cold weather, requiring the driver to open the front trunk, press the Drive button, whack the relay box, and jump back in.

Reader's Guide

The Renault 8's significance lies in its technical innovations and its role as a competitive rally and endurance car. It was the first saloon of its size to offer four-wheel disc brakes on French-built models, a feature that improved stopping power and influenced later small cars. The Gordini variants, with progressively more powerful engines, gave the model a sporting image that translated into success on European rallies, including wins at the Tour de Corse, Rally Poland, and other events. In South Africa, the locally developed Renault Alconi—a performance version of the 1108 cc model—achieved notable results in endurance racing, including overall wins at the Kyalami International 9-hour races against purpose-built sports cars. The car's production spanned multiple countries: it was built in Bulgaria until 1970, in Spain until 1976, and under license in Romania as the Dacia 1100 from 1968 to 1972. The Renault 8's rear-engine layout and compact dimensions made it nimble in city driving, though its design for French roads limited its appeal on American highways. Its legacy includes a dedicated following among collectors and historic rally enthusiasts, and its mechanical simplicity and distinctive automatic transmission remain points of interest.

Did You Know?

• The Renault 8 was the first saloon car of its size to be fitted with four-wheel disc brakes on French-produced models.
• The Jaeger automatic transmission used an electromechanical system with a powder ferromagnetic coupler and a relay box in the front trunk that could freeze in cold weather.
• In South Africa, a special performance version called the Renault Alconi was developed by John Conchie and Eric 'Puddles' Adler, combining their names.
• A version of the Renault 8 was produced under license in Romania as the Dacia 1100, with 37,546 units built between 1968 and 1972.