1958 RENAULT Dauphine
Very good condition
Only 71,000km recorded
Ventoux engine
Chassis N° 273S125
It was in March 1956 that Renault introduced its Dauphine, a new entrant in the compact 5CV family-saloon class using the base mechanicals of the 4CV - and at first its characteristic ‘spider' wheels - in a chic new body. The Dauphine soon took a substantial share of what was the most popular sector of the French market, and went on to worldwide sales of more than two million in its 11-year career. Still mounted at the rear, as was then the practice at Renault, the 845cc engine gave the Dauphine a maximum speed of 110km/h (70mph), well in excess of that of the 4CV.
Astonishingly, the modest Renault shone in major competition events such as the Mille Miglia and the Monte Carlo Rally. To build on this and underline the sporting credentials of the company, in 1958 Renault unveiled the Dauphine Gordini, whose 37bhp engine allowed it to reach 127km/h (80mph). In 1961 the Ondine, with its more luxurious trim, joined the range, and then in 1962 came the Dauphine 1093; with its 55bhp engine this was a real performance saloon, and satisfied those customers who had been disappointed by the Gordini. But that same year saw the arrival of the Renault 8, which would ultimately supplant the Dauphine.
This particular Dauphine was first registered on 16 October 1958. Finished in Vert Cendré (Ash Green), with the paint reference 988 still visible in the front boot, it has the standard Ventoux engine and three-speed gearbox. The car is in remarkable condition, with a wonderful patina, and has covered just 71,000km (44,000 miles) from new. The little alloyhead engine spins like a sewing machine and propels the Renault in lively fashion up to cruising speed. A great deal of work has been carried out recently to put the car in perfect order, while respecting its unspoilt condition; for example the original upholstery has been retained. With four new Michelin tyres, the Dauphine is ready to be enjoyed on the countryside roads where it is in its element. This is an excellent opportunity to acquire a characterful and reliable small car that was very much part of post-war French life.
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Very good condition
Only 71,000km recorded
Ventoux engine
Chassis N° 273S125
It was in March 1956 that Renault introduced its Dauphine, a new entrant in the compact 5CV family-saloon class using the base mechanicals of the 4CV - and at first its characteristic ‘spider' wheels - in a chic new body. The Dauphine soon took a substantial share of what was the most popular sector of the French market, and went on to worldwide sales of more than two million in its 11-year career. Still mounted at the rear, as was then the practice at Renault, the 845cc engine gave the Dauphine a maximum speed of 110km/h (70mph), well in excess of that of the 4CV.
Astonishingly, the modest Renault shone in major competition events such as the Mille Miglia and the Monte Carlo Rally. To build on this and underline the sporting credentials of the company, in 1958 Renault unveiled the Dauphine Gordini, whose 37bhp engine allowed it to reach 127km/h (80mph). In 1961 the Ondine, with its more luxurious trim, joined the range, and then in 1962 came the Dauphine 1093; with its 55bhp engine this was a real performance saloon, and satisfied those customers who had been disappointed by the Gordini. But that same year saw the arrival of the Renault 8, which would ultimately supplant the Dauphine.
This particular Dauphine was first registered on 16 October 1958. Finished in Vert Cendré (Ash Green), with the paint reference 988 still visible in the front boot, it has the standard Ventoux engine and three-speed gearbox. The car is in remarkable condition, with a wonderful patina, and has covered just 71,000km (44,000 miles) from new. The little alloyhead engine spins like a sewing machine and propels the Renault in lively fashion up to cruising speed. A great deal of work has been carried out recently to put the car in perfect order, while respecting its unspoilt condition; for example the original upholstery has been retained. With four new Michelin tyres, the Dauphine is ready to be enjoyed on the countryside roads where it is in its element. This is an excellent opportunity to acquire a characterful and reliable small car that was very much part of post-war French life.
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