Renault 8
| Industry | Automotive |
|---|---|
| Founded | February 25, 1899 in France |
| Founder | Louis Renault, Marcel Renault, Fernand Renault |
| Headquarters | Boulogne-Billancourt , France |
| Products | Automobiles |
| Website | www |
Renault 8
The Renault 8 (known as the Renault R8 until 1964) is a compact family automobile featuring a rear-engine, rear-wheel-drive configuration, manufactured by the French automaker Renault throughout the 1960s and early 1970s. This model served as the foundation for the larger Renault 10, which debuted in 1965.
Introduced in 1962, the Renault 8 ceased production and sales in France by 1973. Meanwhile, the Renault 10 had already been succeeded two years prior by the front-wheel-drive Renault 12. Licensed production of the Renault 8 occurred in Bulgaria until 1970 (refer to Bulgarrenault), while a modified variant remained in production in Spain up to 1976. In Romania, this vehicle was produced under the name Dacia 1100 from 1968 to 1972, with total manufacturing reaching 37,546 units.
Introduction
The R8 (model R1130) made its debut in June 1962, utilizing the platform of the Renault Dauphine with a wheelbase of . Crafted by designer Philippe Charbonneaux, it presented a boxy aesthetic and was narrower than the Dauphine, yet it offered wider, cushioned front seating measuring .
Equipped with a newly developed 956 cc Renault Cléon-Fonte engine delivering , the R8 featured a sealed-for-life cooling system. It was notably pioneering as the first small saloon to incorporate four-wheel disc brakes. However, Renault’s Spanish subsidiary, FASA-Renault, launched a localized version in 1965 fitted with rear drum brakes to comply with Spanish government content regulations.
In the American market, the Renault 8 was positioned as an enhanced successor to the Dauphine, boasting a more potent engine and several improvements. Nevertheless, its performance on U.S. Interstate highways was limited since it was engineered primarily for French driving conditions focused on urban and regional travel. At that time, France had a minimal network of controlled-access highways, emphasizing city driving over high-speed motoring.
Automatic transmission
In 1963, Renault introduced an innovative automatic transmission system in France, developed by Jaeger and first unveiled at the 1962 Paris Motor Show. This mechanism operated more like an automatic clutch than a fully automatic gearbox and was inspired by the German Saxomat system used during the 1950s and 60s.
This transmission replaced the conventional clutch with a powder ferromagnetic coupler derived from a Smiths design. It incorporated a three-speed mechanical gearbox similar to that of the Dauphine but included synchromesh on all gears. Gear selection was managed via a dashboard-mounted push-button panel allowing forward or reverse choice, while a governor monitored vehicle speed and throttle position.
An electromechanical "relay case" located in the front trunk controlled gear shifts through electromagnetic switches that managed the coupler engagement, throttle deceleration during shifts, and gear changes via a reversible electric motor. The absence of hydraulic or electronic components made this system innovative but susceptible to malfunction in cold weather when relays could freeze, necessitating manual operation.
This transmission offered benefits such as fuel efficiency comparable to manual gearboxes and straightforward installation on existing models. However, its performance was constrained by only three available gears and occasional jerky shifts. This system was also implemented in the Dauphine and Caravelle models.
Engine enhancements
Renault introduced the 8 Major (model R1132) in 1964, equipped with an 1108 cc engine producing . That same year, the sportier 8 Gordini (model R1134) debuted, featuring a tuned 1108 cc powerplant delivering through a cross-flow cylinder head and twin dual-choke 40mm Solex carburetors. This variant came with a four-speed close-ratio manual gearbox, upgraded springs, and dual rear shock absorbers. Initially, the Gordini was available exclusively in blue, distinguished by white racing stripes and larger 200 mm headlamps differentiating it from the 8 Major.
In 1965, Renault launched the Renault 10 Major, a more refined model with revised front and rear designs, which effectively replaced the 8 Major.
Model refresh
The R8 Gordini (model R1135) received an update in 1967 that included two extra headlights and an enlarged 1255 cc engine rated at . It retained the R1134 Gordini’s cross-flow head and twin dual-choke 40mm Weber carburetors. Both Renault 8 and Renault 10 underwent revisions in 1969; design elements from the Renault 10 were integrated into the new 8 Major, which succeeded the original base model. The sportier 8S carried a 1108 cc engine rated at , featured twin headlights (with center lamps serving as high beams), and had black "RENAULT 8S" decals on the rear wings. In Romania, this version was marketed as the Dacia 1100 S.
Production conclusion
Less powerful Renault 8 variants continued to be manufactured alongside the Renault 10 at the Flins factory in France until 1973. Meanwhile, FASA-Renault, Renault’s Spanish subsidiary, produced both the Renault 8 and the sportier 8TS (comparable to the French 8S) for the Spanish market until 1976. Additionally, parts for both the 8S and 8TS were assembled in Mexico.
Hino Contessa
In 1964, Hino Motors collaborated with Renault to produce a licensed adaptation of the Renault 8, resulting in the updated Contessa PD series (1964–1967), which included a two-door coupé version.
Alconi
Renault Africa Ltd, operating in South Africa, assembled a specialized performance edition of the 1108 cc '8' (model 1132) and '10' (model 1190) at their East London facility. Sold exclusively within South Africa as the Renault Alconi—a name derived from developers John Conchie and Eric 'Puddles' Adler of "Alconi Developments"—these cars featured engine modifications that produced 68 bhp. This output positioned them between the standard Renault 8 and the more powerful R8 Gordini '1100', offering performance close to the latter.
According to road tests by "Car" magazine, the Alconi accelerated from 0–60 mph in 11.9 seconds and reached a top speed of 97 mph. Priced approximately ten percent higher than standard models, it was available through authorized dealerships with full factory warranty coverage. The car appealed to South African motorsport enthusiasts by building on successes achieved in local "Sprint" and "Endurance" races.
Sales totaled roughly between 400 and 500 units, alongside hundreds of performance upgrade kits distributed through parts outlets.
European rally triumphs
This model claimed victories at 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) significantly increased its presence in the South African market by actively supporting racing and rally events, supplying Gordini and Alconi performance parts. From 1963 to 1969, the R8 secured seven overall victories in the Saloon car category at the Kyalami International 9-hour Endurance Races, competing against renowned international sports cars such as Ferraris and Porsches. Additionally, the model achieved three overall wins at the International Total Lourenco Marques Rallies. These achievements in motorsport played a crucial role in strengthening brand recognition and market share. The Renault R8 and Gordini clinched the South African Saloon Car Championship titles in 1968 and 1970, while also achieving success at the Rallye Côte d'Ivoire and Rallye du Maroc.
Australian Motorsport
Bob Watson secured victory in the 1970 Australian Rally Championship and finished second in 1971 behind the wheel of an R8 Gordini. The R8 also participated in prominent events such as 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, Wheels Magazine honored the Renault 8 as Australia's Car of the Year.
See also
- Alfa Romeo Tipo 103 – Notable 1960 prototype featuring design elements similar to the Renault 8 introduced in 1962.