Renault Dauphine Gordini

Renault Dauphine Gordini

The Renault Dauphine Gordini was the creation of Amedee Gordini, the legendary Italian-born engineer known as 'the Sorcerer' for his ability to extract extraordinary performance from humble mechanical ingredients. Taking the standard Dauphine, already one of the most successful French cars of the 1950s with over 2 million units produced, Gordini transformed it into a genuinely entertaining small sports sedan.

The Gordini version featured a tuned version of the Dauphine's rear-mounted 845cc inline-four. Gordini's modifications included a revised cylinder head with larger valves, a higher compression ratio, a more aggressive camshaft, and a reworked carburetor setup. The result was 40 horsepower, a significant improvement over the standard car's 27 horsepower. While this still sounds modest, the Dauphine's lightweight construction of just 650 kilograms meant the additional power made a meaningful difference.

The Gordini's chassis received important upgrades beyond the engine work. The standard Dauphine was one of the first mass-produced cars to offer disc brakes, and the Gordini version received improved braking components. The suspension was stiffened, and wider wheels provided better grip. The four-speed gearbox was standard (replacing the standard car's three-speed) with closer ratios appropriate for spirited driving.

On the road, the Dauphine Gordini was a charming and characterful machine. The rear-engine layout provided good traction for such a small car, and the independent suspension at all four corners gave a ride quality and handling balance superior to most economy cars of the era. The swing-axle rear suspension could produce interesting handling characteristics at the limit, requiring a degree of skill and understanding from the driver.

The Dauphine Gordini achieved remarkable success in rallying. It won the Monte Carlo Rally outright in 1958, a stunning achievement for such a small car competing against much more powerful machinery. This victory catapulted the Dauphine to international fame and demonstrated that Gordini's modifications could produce a genuine competition car from the most unlikely starting point.

The standard Dauphine was enormously successful commercially, with over 2.15 million produced, making it one of the best-selling European cars of its era. The Gordini version represented a small fraction of this total but exerted an outsized influence on Renault's sporting reputation. The success of the Gordini badge led to its application on many subsequent Renault models.

Today, the Dauphine Gordini is an appealing classic that combines genuine historical significance with affordable ownership. Its Monte Carlo Rally heritage adds romantic appeal, and the tiny Gordini engine provides just enough performance to be entertaining without being overwhelming.