Auction Car of the Week: Renault 8 Gordini

Owing its name to legendary engine tuner, Amédée Gordini, the Renault 8 Gordini was the fastest and most focused version of the French marque’s small saloon car.

This particular example – up for auction on the Car & Classic website – is the sought-after 1,108cc version (only around 2,600 were made, versus 9,000 of the later 1,255cc model). It was extensively restored by Autovilla Classica of Twickenham in 2017.

The restoration was carried out to an extremely high standard and with due respect to the car’s history, with parts sourced from France where possible. The engine was also rebuilt by Berkshire-based Modern & Classic Engineers in 2017, and is in gleaming condition.

Wizardry on wheels

A spot of rust underneath the rubber floor mat is a rectifiable issue, while the replica decals may appear inauthentic to some. Nonetheless, this is a fantastic example of a characterful French car.

Gordini’s reputation for being able to extract seemingly magical performance from any engine earned him the nickname le sorcier de la mécanique – French for ‘the wizard of mechanics’.

For ‘La Gorde’, the engine’s existing 43bhp output was increased to 95bhp: a healthy figure for a vehicle that tips the scales at just over 850kg. Combined with dual rear shock absorbers and iconic blue paintwork, the ‘8’ was transformed into a car with great performance potential.

Par for the Corse

That potential was realised triumphantly on the international rally stage. World rallying in the mid-1960s was being dominated by the Mini Cooper S, yet the Gordini claimed outright victories – including in its home event, the legendary Tour de Corse – three times in a row from 1964-1966.

Some 11,600 Gordinis were made during the model’s lifetime, yet fewer than 20 remain on British roads today.

Car & Classic’s auction for the Renault 8 Gordini, in association with Retro Motor, is now live – and runs until 8pm on 23 April 2023. The car is expected to sell for between £20,000 and £30,000.

ALSO READ:

Ford Escort was the most searched-for classic car in 2022

1990 Renault 5 GT Turbo review: Retro Road Test

Alpine A110S review