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The 4CV 1063 and Dauphine 1093, extrapolated sporting versions of the
basic models good known of the range, were frequently illustrated in competition,
gaining even some flattering victories. With R8, Renault respected the
tradition and entrusted to the Magician Gordini the responsibility
to draw quintessence from the engine of series.
The visitor of Show of Paris 1964 have the early product of this vehicle
qualify, a priori, of sport car, but of which the body identical with
that of the ordinary R8, have some negligible detail close, evoke rather
the good middle-class peaceful car that the racing car.
 However,
in there look at more closely, the initial Gordini affix with back, the
diameter uncommon of projector and especially this dress yelling (call
blue of France), on all its length of two tape white, absurd on a such
vehicle, remove with car all its character anonymous.  The characteristics,
on the other hand, came out completely of the ordinary one, since Renault
asserted a power of 95 cv SAE to 6500 trs/mn for a cubic capacity of 1108cc,
and performances largely to the top of the average: 165 km/h of maximum
speed and 35 " with the km standing start. But the principal merit
of this car lay above all in its very accessible price being given its
character: less than 12000 francs.
The following month, in November Renault made make with its last born
its baptism of fire with the Tour de Corse. It was a triumph: 4 Gordini
in the five first with the general classification, the Vinatier-Masson
crew, winner, triumphing under terrible atmospheric conditions. It should
be noted that Renault had not hesitated to engage its Gordini in spite
of the handicap of the sport category.
January 1, 1965, R8 Gordini was approved in tourism and was authorized
to receive certain modifications: in particular the adoption of a box
five speed, what him make defect hitherto and allow not to exploit at
best the power available, and a grill provide of four headlight of which
two long range with iodine.
That year saw the creation of a series of races organized by the Regie
Renault, Dunlop and our Moteurs fellow-member, called Coupe Nationale
R8 Gordini and intended to reveal French hopes of the competition. The
allowed tolerance as regards modification being very weak, the competitors
were found all with equality and only qualities of piloting decided between
the participants. The triumphant victors of this first year were Mieusset,
victorious final and Dayan which deferred the Premier Pas Dunlop which
rewards the unit for the performances achieved during the season. The
first edition of Coupe Gordini include a certain number of races in circuit
and some hill climb and allow with some many young person control to himself
make know: Andruet, Jabouille, etc. The formula was renewed the following
year, but the hill climbs were removed and only counted the races in circuit.
1966 saw Gordini being illustrated in circuit and the Bianchi-Viantier
crew offered to Renault a very beautiful victory of category 850
with 1150cc at the 24 Hours of Spa to the average of 145,418 km/h.
In June 1966, a new version of Gordini was presented.  It was different outside from the preceding model by a grill 4 headlights,
rims broader rise in series and the hearing of ventilation located in
front of the brakes. The engine of 1108cc passed to255cc and received
a 5-speed gearbox. The feeding was entrusted to 2 double horizontal bodies
Weber carburettors whereas the preceding model was equipped with
2 double horizontal bodies Solex carburettors. The performances were some
definitely improved since maximum speed was established to 175 km/h and
that the kilometer standing start was traversed into 33 ".
Other modifications: an alternator replaced the dynamo, a second reserve
of gasoline of a capacity of approximately 26 liters was assembled in
the front trunk.
Contrary to the 1100, Renault envisaged to build Gordini 1300 at an accelerated
rate allowing to reach 1000 specimens quickly.
The deliveries of the new model began only after the Show and were immediately
supported by a victory with the Tour de Corse of Piot and Jacob over a
prototype of 1440cc.
 The 1 January 1967, Gordini
1300 was approved in group 2. That year. Piot showed the eclecticism of
the new model and disputed associated with our fellow-member Johnny Rives,
the rally of Sweden: its excellent 13 place does not correspond besides
to the classification which it could logically have hoped for, of the
troubles of box depriving it of a place of honor.
Associated with Roure it deferred the Rally of the Flowers and, with Bernaud,
the Magyar Rally. Gordini 1300 was announced again on the circuits and
Riquier-Ottavi gained at the 24 Hours of Spa the victorie of category
1100 and 1300.
The new edition of Coupe Gordini see a number increased of participant
himself deliver a fight bait on the circuit and the final be remove by
Lacareau whereas the Premier Pas Dunlop return with Ethuin.
(l'Automobile - avril 1968)
1970 was the last edition of the Coupe. July, the 18th, at Circuit
du Castellet, the Renault 12 Gordini was introduced, and had to replace
the 8 Gord'. The last R8 Gordini was manufactured in june of 1970.
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