the RENAULT DAUPHINE Homepage


a showcase for the forgotten orphan of France

last updated May 30, 1997

Welcome to the RENAULT DAUPHINE Homepage. The purpose of this page is to provide technical support, parts resources and general information on the fabulous Renault Dauphine. However, this page is always under construction. So stop by often!!

TABLE of CONTENTS

A Brief History of the Dauphine
Cars & Parts Resource Info
My Own Restoration Progress
General Specifications
Engine Specifications
Links to Other Sites



A Brief History of the Dauphine

In 1956, Renault unveiled a four-door sedan originally called the Corvette. That name presented an obvious conflict with another car being introduced in that same year. A new name was decided upon: Dauphine.
The Dauphine was, like it's predecessor the 4CV, a unibody constructed vehicle. The Dauphine however, was a four door sedan with conventionally opening doors, unlike the "suicide" doors of the 4CV. The wheelbase of the Dauphine was six inches longer than the 4CV, and the overall length of the car was 12 inches longer. The drivetrain arrangement was nearly identical to that of the 4CV (rear engine, water cooled, in-line four), but the engine capacity was raised from 760cc to 845cc, and the horsepower was increased from 19hp to 32hp. 0-60mph time was calculated by Road and Track magazine to be an amazing 32 seconds!
Over the years that the Dauphine was produced (1956-1968), a few "high performance" options were available. For the 1957 model year Amedee Gordini engineered a version of the Dauphine with certain engine modifications that increased the horsepower about 20%, from 32hp to 38hp. In 1961 the Gordini Dauphine's horsepower was upped again, this time to 40hp. The Gordini Dauphine had special trim and a special green & black steering wheel to distinguish it from the standard Dauphine.
The Ondine was a luxury version of the Dauphine sold during 1961 & 1962. It featured a four speed transmission, upgraded wheels and designer interiors.
The ultimate factory-built Dauphine was the 1093, introduced in 1962. It was a limited edition, with only about 1000 built. Several powerplant enhancements tweaked 55hp out of the 845cc engine. The color scheme of the 1093 was white with two narrow blue racing stripes from nose-to-tail. There were also "1093" decals applied to the body.
There were several aftermarket companies offering appearance and performance items. A large assortment of chromed items could be purchased to dress up the Dauphine. The most amazing item available had to be a supercharger sold by Judson Research & Mfg. Co. In 1958 it sold for $165, and was designed to be installed in about two hours without any chassis or body modifications.

Cars & Parts Resources Info

NEW!!! I am now compiling a list of available Dauphines. If you have a Dauphine for sale, send me your name, your e-mail address, and some info about the car (price, condition, location, etc.). I'll include it in my list. Even if you don't have one for sale, but you know of one, let me know. Perhaps I can contact the owner and save one more Dauphine from going to the crusher.
The same goes for parts. If you have Dauphine parts available let me know. I'll add you to my "Parts Resources" list.
If anyone is looking for a Dauphine to drive, to restore, or the parts to restore yours, let me know and I'll forward the list of available Dauphines and my "Parts Resources".



My Own Restoration Progress

I live in the Orlando, Florida area. Recently I called Henri's Garage, a local garage that specializes in French cars. I asked the owner if he or anyone he knew had a Dauphine for sale. He told me that he had not even seen a Dauphine in the Orlando area. So it seems my Dauphine is a lot more rare (at least in Florida) than I had thought!

RESTORATION UPDATE:Bad news!!! The engine I installed in my old Dauphine is working fine, but the clutch is not!!! So I still haven't been able to drive it one inch!!! Now I need to pull the engine again and see what's wrong with the clutch! I also am still unable to run the engine more than a minute due to the fact that I still have not been able to locate radiator hoses. I suppose if all else fails I can go to the local auto parts store and buy some generic hoses and make them work, at least temporarily!

COST UPDATE: So far, this is what I have invested in my old Dauphine:
Price of car, including parts car..........................................................................$0.00
(I traded another car, which was given to me, for the Dauphines!)
Used engine, with all the attachments (carb., starter, generator,etc.)............$85.00
Four like-new radial tires off a Volkswagen Beetle.......................................$100.00
New spark plug wires.........................................................................................$10.00
POR-15 paint for the engine compartment.......................................................$25.00
Miscellaneous items (starting fluid, nuts and bolts, etc.).................................$15.00
GRAND TOTAL..............................................................................................$235.00

Many thanks to Katriina Mäkinen for all of her support. Her Renault page is second to none! Be sure to check it out!
TECHNICAL SUPPORT AREA

Electrical Equipment and Ignition

General Specifications

Overall length...........................................
Overall width............................................
Height (unladen).......................................
Wheelbase...............................................
Front track...............................................
Rear track................................................
Ground clearance......................................
Curb weight (unladen, in running order).......
Maximum total weight................................
Turning radius...........................................
155.3 in. (3.945 m)
60 in. (1.52 m)
56.7 in. (1.44 m)
89 in. (2.27 m)
49.2 in. (1.25 m)
48 in. (1.22 m)
5.9 in. (0.15 m)
1389 lbs. (630 kg)
2205 lbs. (1000 kg)
14.9 ft. (4.55 m)

Engine Specifications

This is the mighty "VENTOUX" Type 670-1 Engine.

ENGINE SPECIFICATIONS:
4 vertical, in line cylinders..(four stroke cycle)
Normal operating temperature......80 to 85° c.
Brake horsepower @ 4200 RPM.....26.5 HP
Maximum RPM............................4700 RPM
Idle speed......................................600 RPM
Bore....................................................58mm
Stroke.................................................80mm
Piston displacement.............................845cc
Compression ratio................................7.25:1
Firing order.................................1 - 3 - 4 - 2
Spark plugs.........................................14mm


Links to Renault and other minicar sites

Katriina's Renault Sport Page
Nicolas Vitry's Dauphine Page
Lisa Carr's Small Car Homepage
Bob Billiards Homepage
Microminicar Mary
Jim Hockenhull's Microcar Page

If you have any pictures of Dauphines that you would like to see on this page, or any Dauphine stories or information, you can e-mail them to Charles D. Hunter at dauphine@magicnet.net

 Go to the RENAULT DAUPHINE Pictures Page.
Go to the RENAULT DAUPHINE Stories Page.

Can you believe this page has only been accessed times since February 20, 1996?

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Copyright © 1996 & 1997 by Charles D. Hunter. All rights to photographs published herein are held by the person or persons listed.