Description
Tuning specialist Gordini had been a successful manufacturer in its own right before Renault bought a majority stake in the company during the late 1960s, and their partnership is one of the most evocative for anyone with a passion for French sports cars.
The first Renault to carry the Gordini name was a high-performance version of the Dauphine, and that set the template for the models that followed. In 1964 came the Renault 8 Gordini, and six years later the French marque introduced a Gordini version of the 12 – its new small family saloon.
The front-wheel-drive 12 had been launched at the 1969 Paris Motor Show and went on to be an international sales success. The 123bhp Gordini variant was powered by the all-aluminium 1565cc engine from the Renault 16TS and featured twin Weber carburettors, and came with a five-speed gearbox plus disc brakes all round. Production totalled just over 5000 cars and ended in 1974.
The 12 Gordini proved itself to be a highly effective rally car in period – at both national and international level. Pentti Airikkala drove one on the 1972 1000 Lakes Rally, Jean Ragnotti regularly campaigned one, and in the UK Marek Gierowski drove a 12 Gordini in events such as the Donegal Rally.
Built in 1973, the example being offered for sale here comes complete with its original seats and road wheels which are incredibly difficult to find these days. The Renault was first registered in the UK in May 2014, having been imported from France. Between 2017 and 2021, it was owned by a marque enthusiast as part of an extensive collection, before being acquired by the current owner, who also has a passion for Renaults and has owned a number of them
Having been modified for use in regularity events, the car now features a battery isolator switch, handheld fire extinguisher, sump guard, Facet fuel pump, oil cooler, PIAA driving lights, fog lights for the competitive times along with internal upgrades including Sparco seats with Sabelt harnesses for safety – plus the all important Brantz timing gear. The front and rear bumpers have also been removed and the Renault has been campaigned in the 2022 HERO Challenge, plus events such as the 2023 Winter Challenge to Monte-Carlo, the 2024 Coppa d’Europa, the 2025 Classic Spring Roads (in which it finished fifth) and the 2026 Winter Trial.
Superbly presented in the classic Gordini livery of French blue with white stripes, this well-prepared Renault 12 is full of Gallic charm and is a very accessible and competitive choice of historic rally car.
The car is currently with Rally Preparation Services sister Company, the RPS storage facility and available for inspection.
All viewings and test drives welcomed by appointment at Rally Preparation Services.
All enquiries please contact us on using the button below or telephone +44(0)the details below
