Renault R8 Gordini - Monte Carlo Rally - Rallye Automobile de Monte-Carlo, Tour de Corse 1967
Car scale model kit in 1/24 scale manufactured by Heller (ref. 80700, also 3279510807004, L760 and HE80700)

In May 1962, the public company Renault presented its new rear-engined saloon, the Renault 8. Developed on the basis of the Renault Floride, launched 3 years earlier in 1959, the Renault 8 was advertised as a four-door, square-shaped saloon with a pontoon-type body, offering more interior space, a larger front boot and a comfortable and well-equipped interior.

Technically, the Renault 8 stood out for being one of the first saloons with disc brakes on all four wheels, and was fitted with a 4-cylinder 956cc engine with 40bhp.

A faster variant, the Renault 8 Gordini, appeared in the same year. Engineering ace Amédée Gordini ensured that France remained competitive in top-level motorsport, almost doubling the power of the modest Renault R8 to create a rival to the Mini, going on to win the Tour de Corse rally three times in a row between 1964 and 1966. The Gordini-tuned engine increased displacement to 1.1 litres and boosted power to 95bhp thanks to increased compression, a high-performance camshaft and an aluminium cylinder head, as well as modified frame.

A facelifted Gordini R8 was introduced in 1966, recognisable by its quadruple headlights inspired by the spotlights found on rally cars. Engine capacity increased by a further 150cc to 1.255cc, bringing power to a more than impressive 110bhp. This power was transmitted to the rear wheels through a five-speed manual gearbox.