Renault 8 Rally Car

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Launched in 1962, the Renault 8 was based on the Dauphine and shared that car’s rear-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout with fashionably boxy styling by Philippe Charbonneaux which mirrored rivals such as the NSU Prinz and the Simca 1100.

The R8 (model R1130) featured a number of styling innovations including all-wheel disc brakes, all-wheel independent suspension, a sealed cooling system and an all-new 43bhp 956cc engine blessed with excellent mechanical refinement. In 1964 a more powerful 8 Major (R1132) was released now with 1,108cc and 49bhp.

From 1964 a hot Gordini version was also offered (R1134) with a tuned 1,108cc 89bhp engine featuring a cross-flow head and twin Solex carbs mated to a four-speed close-ratio gearbox. In 1967 the Gordini was upgraded to 1,255cc twin-Weber 99bhp spec (R1135), the Gordini models having distinctive blue paintwork and quad-headlamp front end styling with two additional Cibie Oscar driving lights and twin-shock rear suspension. They proved excellent rally cars, winning many Continental events in the hands of drivers like the two Jean-Pierres, Jabouille and Jarier.

First registered in November 1965, this Renault 8 is on offer here from a deceased estate and is something of a mystery. As you can see it is badged as a Gordini, the V5C records it as a Gordini, it has MSA papers recording it as a Gordini and it has a Gordini R1134 chassis tag inside the front luggage compartment. However, since appearing on our website it has aroused some controversy and is perhaps best looked on as something of a ‘bitsa’ and bidders will have to make their own minds up as to the true identity of the car.

It has had just four owners from new, the current keeper acquiring it in 2005 from someone who had owned it since 1995. As you can see it has been converted to rally spec at some time and has MSA papers issued in April 2007 which detail the full spec of the car at that time (including 1,296cc engine and four-speed ‘box) which are available to view in the history file. It also comes with a spare set of twin Dellorto carbs and an old MOT from 2007 when the recorded mileage was 61,243, now 61,352 miles. Other spares may also be included but we were unsure what these were as the catalogue went to press and will update the website if appropriate.

With stale fuel and a flat battery when we visited to take these photos, it is expected to be in running order by the time of the sale. Being offered here strictly ‘as seen’ and at no reserve, it could perhaps amply reward the further research required.