1962 RENAULT 8 1.1L 4MT (43 HP)

Vehicle Overview

The French automaker introduced the model 8 as a successor for the Dauphine lineup in 1962, and it was an advanced vehicle for its times, although it didn’t shined in the power department.

The 8 looked like a stack of boxes. Its sharp lines and flat panels were a complete departure from the rounded shapes of its predecessors. Yet, the design team couldn’t completely understand the new trends, so they penned the car with simple lines. At the front, the carmaker installed a pair of round headlights, and there was no grille between them since the engine was in the back. Later on, the Gordini version received an additional set of smaller lamps. Thanks to its four doors, the 8 could transport four people inside. Both the windshield and the rear windscreen were very steep since the carmaker tried to keep an overall short length but still offer a tall-enough greenhouse for adults.

Inside, Renault installed a pair of seats at the front and a narrow bench at the rear. The dashboard was more of a flat metallic panel with a few dials and gauges. Only the front windows were cranked, while the rear ones sported a sliding system, which was not very appreciated and tended to get stuck. Since the engine was in the rear, the trunk was in the front.

Renault offered the 8 with a choice of few gasoline engines. Most of them featured either a 1.0 or a 1.1-liter displacement. Later on, in 1964, the carmaker introduced the Gordini version that was powered by a 90 hp (89 PS) inline four, paired with a five-speed manual. Just like its predecessor, the 8 sat on top of a platform that provided independent suspension and disc brakes in all corners.