Highlights
- Rare upmarket Ondine version (R1090a)
- Engine upgraded to 904cc with Gordini specification components
- Comprehensive documentation including original manuals and brochures
- Purchased from the Renault Classic Car Club Dauphine Registrar
- Recently recommissioned with engine rebuild
The Appeal
The Ondine was effectively the more luxurious variant of Renault's popular rear-engined mid-century economy car. Where the cute little Dauphine excelled, it only excelled further - boasting adjustable front seats, door pockets, sun visors, and a distinctive black dashboard. It wasn't a revolutionary retrim, but for a car so focused on economy, it was a much-needed upgrade, and proved to open up the already very well-loved Dauphine to an executive audience.
This 1961 left-hand drive example boasts a sympathetically upgraded engine, which has been increased from 845cc to 904cc and enhanced with Gordini specification components, adding more pep to its step and making modern road conditions a breeze.
This 1961 left-hand drive example boasts a sympathetically upgraded engine, which has been increased from 845cc to 904cc and enhanced with Gordini specification components, adding more pep to its step and making modern road conditions a breeze.
History and Paperwork
- Manufactured on September 28, 1961
- Current owner purchased the car in February 2024
- Bought from the secretary of the Renault Classic Car Club (Dauphine Registrar)
- Recommissioned by Duncan Topliss, who runs Retro Renault Services
- Photos from recommissioning stage available
- Current mileage: 79,111 km (77,785 km at last MOT)
- 824 miles driven since recommissioning and engine rebuild
- Registered as a historic vehicle
- MOT exempt and last tested December 8, 2023
- Complete with:
- Renault Dauphine Service Manual
- Workshop Manual
- Parts Catalogue
- Owner's Handbook in English
- Owner's Handbook in French
- Period sales brochures
The Condition
- Bodywork is nicely presented with the car's distinctive styling proudly on display
- Car was resprayed before current owner purchased it
- Some imperfections in paintwork including:
- Chips above the headlamp
- Chips ahead of the rear air intake
- Paint runs beneath the windows
- Underside appears in good order
- Interior is in good condition
- Genuine rubber rear floor covering
- Front floor has non-original carpet fitted
- Everything else looks very original or period-accurate
- Speedometer needle occasionally sticks before springing back to life
The Mechanics
- 904cc 4-cylinder engine
- Engine was rebuilt and upgraded from 845cc to 904cc by Duncan Topliss
- Uses a Gordini cylinder head, new road camshaft, and Gordini spec carb and manifolds
- Four-speed manual gearbox
- Drum brakes on all wheels
- Has been driven on A roads and motorways (M42/M40/M5)
- The vendor reports that it performs well and can keep up with town traffic
- Float occasionally sticks in carb (lack of use)
- We've no reports of any significant mechanical issues
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