Description
The Renault 8 is one of those emblematic French cars from the 30 Glorious Years, crowned in the range by the R8 Gordini. While the R8 Gordini quickly established itself as a sales success, the Régie’s commercial department realised that part of the customer base could not buy a Gordini, and that a gap existed in the R8 range between the Major 46 hp and the 88 hp Gordini. That’s why an intermediate, sport-oriented model was designed; this would be the R8 S.
Styling-wise, the Renault 8 S borrows heavily from the Gordini, with a four-headlamp grille identical to the Gordini except for the iodine headlamps and the headlamp rings, or even the brake cooling ducts for the front brakes. But the R8 S is above all a car of compromises: with its sporty exterior, the R8 S offers an interior inspired by the R8 Major with a faux-wood dashboard, but with Jaeger round gauges that suggest performance.
Under the rear bonnet sits a small four-cylinder of 1, 108 cm3 paired with a four-speed gearbox. This block was carried over from the Caravelle 1100S. Powered by a twin-carb Weber carburettor and a special camshaft, the R8 S is more powerful than the Major and produces 53 hp. In terms of performance, the R8 S can boast a top speed of 146 km/ h, an respectable figure, i. e. 15 km/ h faster than the Major but 30 km/ h slower than the Gordini. But at a time when the Gordini had become untouchable, the R8 S offered a good compromise for most enthusiasts, and ultimately the badge of this car is given new shine all the more so since they are very rare today in well-preserved condition by their owners.
This is, however, the case with this one, which has been kept perfectly original. The upholstery is in very good condition, as is the bodywork in its original white finish. The R8 S was offered in white, blue, green, red or yellow at the time. The underpinnings are very solid.
It has only had 3 owners and has remained in the same family of enthusiasts for 39 years. The vehicle was assessed in 2018 and holds a collection registration (carte grise collection).
