Renault 1100
| Industry | Automotive |
|---|---|
| Founded | February 25, 1899 in France |
| Headquarters | France |
| Products | Automobiles |
| Website | www |
Renault 8
The Renault 8 (known as the Renault R8 until 1964) is a compact family vehicle featuring a rear-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout, manufactured by the French automaker Renault throughout the 1960s and into the early 1970s. This model served as the foundation for the larger Renault 10, which debuted in 1965.
Launched in 1962, production and sales of the Renault 8 in France concluded by 1973. By that time, the Renault 10 had already been succeeded by the front-wheel-drive Renault 12 in 1971.
Outside of France, production continued internationally: Bulgaria produced the car until 1970 under the Bulgarrenault brand, Spain manufactured a modified variant until 1976, and Romania assembled it under license as the Dacia 1100 from 1968 to 1972, with a total of 37,546 units built.
Introduction
The R8 (model R1130) was introduced in June 1962, deriving its fundamental design and wheelbase from the Renault Dauphine. Crafted by Philippe Charbonneaux, its angular design incorporated front seats that were wider than those found in the Dauphine, despite the vehicle being narrower overall.
Equipped with a newly developed 956 cc Renault Cléon-Fonte engine delivering , the R8 incorporated a sealed-for-life cooling system, an innovation previously seen on the Renault 4. Significantly, it was pioneering among small sedans for featuring disc brakes on all four wheels. Nevertheless, Renault's Spanish subsidiary, FASA-Renault, produced a version fitted with rear drum brakes due to local content requirements restricting exports at that period.
In the American market, Renault positioned the R8 as an enhanced replacement for the Dauphine, offering increased engine power and several improvements. Despite this positioning, its design was more suited to French urban environments rather than high-speed travel common on U.S. Interstate highways, reflecting differing infrastructure and consumer expectations.
Automatic transmission
In 1963, initially in France, Renault rolled out an innovative automatic transmission system developed by Jaeger, first unveiled at the 1962 Paris Motor Show. Although promoted as an automatic transmission, it operated more like an automatic clutch system inspired by the German Saxomat mechanism used during the 1950s and ’60s.
This setup replaced a conventional clutch with a powder-based ferromagnetic coupling derived from a Smiths design. It utilized a three-speed manual gearbox similar to that of the Dauphine but included synchromesh on all gears. Gear selection for forward or reverse was controlled via a push button mounted on the dashboard, while a governor monitored speed and throttle input.
An electromechanical "relay case" housed in the front luggage compartment managed gear changes through electromagnetic switches and a reversible electric motor—without relying on hydraulic or electronic components. However, cold temperatures could cause relay freezing issues that necessitated manual override to restore operation.
This system delivered fuel efficiency comparable to manual gearboxes and was adaptable to various models but was hindered by only having three gears and producing jerky gear shifts. It was also implemented in models such as the Dauphine and Caravelle.
Engine enhancements
Renault introduced the 8 Major (model R1132) in 1964, equipped with an 1108 cc engine producing . That same year, the sportier 8 R1134 Gordini was launched, featuring a tuned 1108 cc powerplant with a cross-flow cylinder head and twin 40mm side-draft Solex carburetors, delivering . It came with a four-speed close-ratio manual gearbox, upgraded springs, and dual rear shock absorbers. The Gordini stood out with its blue paint accented by white racing stripes and larger 200 mm headlamps compared to the 8 Major.
In 1965, the Renault 10 Major succeeded the 8 Major, offering more refined front and rear designs.
Mid-cycle update
The R8 Gordini (model R1135) received an upgrade in 1967, adding two extra headlights and a larger 1255 cc engine rated at . It maintained the cross-flow head from the R1134 Gordini and used twin dual-choke 40mm Weber carburetors. In 1969, both the Renault 8 and 10 underwent significant revisions. The new 8 Major incorporated styling elements from the Renault 10 and replaced the original base model. Additionally, a sportier variant named the 8S was introduced, powered by a 1108 cc engine rated at , and featured twin headlights similar to those on the Gordini. In Romania, a sporty version called the Dacia 1100 S was offered.
Production conclusion
After launching the Renault 10, less powerful Renault 8 models continued to be manufactured at the Flins plant and remained available in France until 1973. Meanwhile, FASA-Renault in Spain produced the Renault 8 and 8TS (comparable to the French-built 8S) up to 1976 for the Spanish market. In Mexico, components for both the 8S and 8TS were assembled locally.
Hino Contessa
In collaboration with Renault during 1964, Hino obtained a license to produce a modified version of the Renault 8. This resulted in the updated Contessa featuring engineering modifications and a two-door coupé body style.
Alconi
Renault Africa Ltd, operating through its South African branch, assembled a special high-performance edition of the 1108cc '8' (model 1132) and '10' (model 1190) at its East London facility. Marketed exclusively in South Africa as the Renault Alconi—named after engineers John Conchie and Eric 'Puddles' Adler—the enhancements increased power output to 68 bhp. This positioned it between the standard Renault 8 and the Gordini with its 1255cc engine, offering performance nearly matching that of the R8 Gordini '1100'.
The Alconi could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 11.9 seconds and reach a top speed of 97 mph. It was priced approximately 10% higher than the base model. Sold through Renault’s South African dealerships with full factory warranty coverage, this model targeted local motorsport enthusiasts by capitalizing on its success in "Sprint" and "Endurance" racing events.
Sales figures estimate between 400 and 500 units sold alongside hundreds of performance upgrade kits distributed via parts counters for standard vehicle enhancement.
European rally successes
This vehicle secured wins at prominent events such as the Tour de Corse, Rally Poland, Rallye Açores, Rali Vinho da Madeira, Boucles de Spa, and Rajdowe Samochodowe Mistrzostwa Polski.
South African Motorsport
Renault (Africa) experienced a notable increase in sales within South Africa by actively engaging in motorsport events, including racing, rallying, and sponsorship initiatives, while providing Gordini and Alconi performance parts. From 1963 to 1969, throughout the R8's market tenure, the vehicle secured seven overall victories in the Saloon car category at the Kyalami International 9-hour Endurance Races, competing against renowned international marques such as Ferrari and Porsche. Additionally, the R8 achieved three outright wins at the International Total Lourenco Marques Rallies.
The motorsport backing from Renault (Africa) Ltd, combined with support for private entrants, resulted in the R8 and Gordini R8 dominating class and endurance competitions. This success contributed to stronger market presence and elevated brand recognition. The Renault R8 and Gordini claimed titles in the South African Saloon Car Championship during 1968 and 1970 and also secured victories at the Rallye Côte d'Ivoire and Rallye du Maroc events.
Australian Motorsport
Bob Watson secured the 1970 Australian Rally Championship title driving an R8 Gordini and finished second the following year in 1971. The Renault R8 participated in several prominent Australian motorsport competitions, including the 1966 Australian Touring Car Championship, 1979 Australian Rallycross Championship, 1973 Hardie-Ferodo 1000, and the 1965 International 6 Hour Touring Car Race.
In 1963, the Renault 8 was honored as Australia's Car of the Year.
See also
- Alfa Romeo Tipo 103 – A 1960 prototype that featured design elements resembling those of the Renault 8, which debuted in 1962.