1967 Renault R8 1100 Sedan

Description

French manufacturer Renault has a long tradition of building entertaining small cars big on character with plenty of performance. This foundation can be traced back to the early ‘60s and the launch of the new R8. Australia’s first Renault R8 model R/1130 was introduced in April 1963, assembled at Martin & King in Somerton (Melbourne) with 40 per cent local content. It was powered by a 956cc four-cylinder engine with a four-speed manual gearbox (no synchro on first) and was named the inaugural Wheels magazine ‘Car of the Year’. In July 1964 Renault released the replacement model, the R/1132 (as here), assembling it at its West Heidelberg factory (which was to become its long-time home in Australia) with a 1108cc engine and full synchromesh gearbox. In 1966 the R8 gained a revised dashboard including walnut trim and fitted seatbelts, as well as offering suede-like trim as an option. Several months later the R8 was supplemented by the R10, which gained round headlights and extended guards front and rear. The R8s and R10s were sold side-by-side for a limited time, as was the better-known R8 Gordini (type R/1134) performance model, which enjoyed a great deal of success in local rallying. The R8 Gordini was imported initially, however in 1967 a 1255cc/five-speed gearbox version was locally assembled here and known as the R8G. This has become the most desirable of all Renault R8 models.