Renault 8 is a small family car rear-engine and rear-wheel
drive. It was launched in 1962. A bigger
version of the Renault 8 will be launched in 1965 and it is called Renault 10.
Lately Renault 10 will be replaced in 1973 by Renault 12.
Some says that the design of the Renault 8 is similar with
Alfa Romeo’s Tipo 1o3 design, due to the relationship between Renault and Alfa
Romeo in 6o’s. I find this resemblance somehow forced because there are too
many differences between the two cars regarding the proportions. The only
evident similarity is the front hood. And only the front hood!
The predecessor of the Renault 8 is Renault Dauphine which
is the mechanical donor also. But as a curiosity the 8 is 3cm narrower than
Dauphine. But using some thick cushioned seats wewre actualy each 60mm wider than those fitted in the Dauphine the perceived confort increaseses. The engine was improved also,
and now appears the long life engine, the well-known Familly “C”. 40 years old
Romanian generation knows very well this engine because in out youth was the
main problem we had. Some will understand this, and the others will ask their
aged friends or parents!
In January 1957 Amedee Gordini signs a contract with Renault
to build 1o ooo units of Renault Dauphine. The Reanult Daphine Gordini has to
be a Dauphine with the improved performance. The car was a real success and the
next was the Renault 8. The 8 Gordini was the first family sporty car produced
by Renault.
The model I present is a 1/24 Welly die cast. I lowered it, mounted
some Tamiya Alpine A11o wheels and putted some stickers to give a racer look to
my tiny yellow car.
I also added some front fog lamps for the night races.
