1965 Renault 8 GORDINI

Manufactured in March 1965 and first registered on the very last day of that year, this 87,000 mile Renault 8 Gordini came out of nearly 40 years in storage and was bought by the vendor in mid 2016 as a partial restoration project - although there was still plenty of work to be done. An enthusiast for classic Renaults, and for restoring Gordini models in particular, he has spent the last few years carrying out an ever growing list of jobs on the car.

As confirmed by the Renault Classic Car Club’s R8 Registrar, it is a genuine UK-specification RHD example with its original body shell - one of only 2 or 3 cars remaining that can claim this level of authenticity and only 5 left of this particular model. A confirmatory letter from the Club is included in the car’s history file along with an original Workshop Manual for the Gordini (R.1134). A check of ‘howmanyleft.co.uk’ reports that only 20 Renault 8 Gordini remain in the UK - 6 of those being SORN. Bear in mind that this figure includes the more numerous 1300 models and you will understand how rare this car is.

Refinished by the previous owner in the original French Blue with stick on white stripes, the paintwork looks amazing. Our photographer reported a few ripples here and there but we’ve been looking hard at the gallery and can see little sign of them.

Panel gaps are good with shutlines as you’d expect - the front-hinged bonnet sits a little high above the headlights but the vendor has it on his (now much shorter) job list to address.

The brightwork such as chrome bumpers and trim is all original and has been polished but still shows the light pitting and patina you’d expect of its age. The 15” steel wheels and chrome hubcaps present very well and are fitted with Michelin radial tyres all round with plenty of tread. We always consider a full set of matching branded tyres on a classic to be a sign of good ownership and a no-shortcuts approach to maintenance.

Coming with the car is a pair of Cibie Oscar driving lamps which the vendor has fitted but removed to give a little more space in his garage. They are painted to match the car and refitting would be a simple job of bolting them on and plugging them into the already prepared wiring.

As you can see from the photo gallery this newly restored 55 year old Gordini is in great condition and we could bang on all day about how lovely it is - but you don’t have to take our word for it - this car is located in Norwich, Norfolk - why not use the ‘Contact Seller’ button at the top of the page to arrange to get a much closer look.

Inside, the dash and instrument panel look very tidy with no obvious sun damage or cracking. The heater and all electricals are understood to function correctly. The original steering wheel was replaced some time ago with a Moto-Lita sports wheel which is fitting for the car which is in very good condition and leather has been cared for.

The vinyl seats & door cards are original and present well with very few signs of wear and no damage. Offsetting originality for safety, new inertia-reel seatbelts in a similar blue to the car’s body have been installed.

Also original is the fully-fitted rubber floor matting which extends up the sides of the footwell and aside from a few age-related splits looks to be in good condition. The previous owner had a fitted carpet made for the car which will be included in the sale but unless you are prone to cold feet you may, like the vendor, deem it unnecessary. Up above, the headlining has been replaced with new, completing what appears to be a very clean and tidy cabin.

The front luggage compartment is immaculate, with new paint around the insides and what appears to be new carpet lining and sitting underneath this is the original rubber mat. In the rear engine bay, there are further signs of extensive reconditioning and renewal; the reconditioned engine and replacement ancillaries presenting very well. Read on to the History Highlights section for a detailed list.

At some point in its life the Solex carburetors have been replaced with the better performing Webers as fitted to the later, facelifted R8 Gordini. This practice was not uncommon as the Solex carbs were notoriously difficult to set up and Weber conversion kits were plentiful.

Underneath the car the story continues with all structural components painted and appearing free from corrosion. Many new suspension and steering parts can also be seen also including new sills. 

Very little paperwork is present for this car but there are photographs documenting some of the early restoration and a thorough look through the gallery will show the extent of work done and the money spent on the car - reported to be in excess of £20,000 over the last 4-5 years.

The vendor has given us a summary of the significant work both he and the previous owner carried out or had done:

● Window out respray in “Bleu de France”

● Full mechanical rebuild

● Reconditioned

○ engine

■ crank regrind

■ new liners and rings

■ new timing chain

■ new valve seats and guides

○ gearbox

○ radiator

○ heater radiator

○ steering rack

○ starter motor

○ alternator

● New Replacements

○ door rubber seals

○ window channels rubber and cloth

○ front and rear screen rubbers

○ engine hoses

○ fuel pipes

○ heater and servo pipes

○ fuel pump and regulator

○ drive shaft gaiters

○ brake pipes

○ flexible hoses

○ clutch cable

○ valeo clutch

○ headlining

○ inertia seat belts

○ engine mounts

○ suspension springs and bushes

○ Spax dampers

The letter from the Renault Classic Car Club is present with the car; confirming its credentials and rarity. An early Workshop Manual is also included.

As it stands, the car has no MOT and although exempt by virtue of its age, we would strongly encourage the new owner to have it tested at the earliest opportunity. The cost of an MOT is a small investment when offset against the purchase and upkeep of any classic car, and it gives an independent, third-party assessment of the car’s condition, which not only provides reassurance to the owner and any subsequent purchasers but is also invaluable in the event of a bump when negotiating with the police and any interested insurance companies.

We haven’t driven the car - in fact even the vendor hasn’t done more than a few miles since completing the restoration - but in period these pretty little saloons were very popular and their successes on the European Rally stage speak well of their robustness, performance and handling. With a reconditioned engine and transmission, and renewed suspension and steering we can’t imagine this Gordini would drive any differently now.

This well sorted example comes fresh from restoration and awaits a new owner with nothing more to do than simply fuel it up and begin writing the next chapter of La Gorde’s adventure.

As there are so few British-spec Renault 8 Gordini around or coming onto the market, it is hard to give a definitive guide price but from what we’ve seen elsewhere we believe this car should sell between £30,000 and £40,000.

Viewing is always encouraged, and this particular car is located in Norwich; to arrange an appointment please use the ‘Contact Seller’ button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.

If needed, please remember we have a network of trusted suppliers we work with regularly and can recommend: Classic & Sportscar Finance for purchase-financing, Footman James for classic car insurance Thames Valley Car Storage for storing your car and AnyVan for transporting it.

BORING, but IMPORTANT: Please note that whilst we at The Market always aim to offer the most descriptive and transparent auction listings available, we cannot claim they are perfect analyses of any of the vehicles for sale. We offer far greater opportunity for bidders to view, or arrange inspections for each vehicle thoroughly prior to bidding than traditional auctions, and we never stop encouraging bidders to take advantage of this. We do take a good look at the vehicles delivered to our premises for sale, but this only results in our unbiased personal observations, not those of a qualified inspector or other professional, or the result of a long test drive.

Additionally, please note that most of the videos on our site have been recorded using simple cameras which often result in 'average' sound quality; in particular, engines and exhausts notes can sound a little different to how they are in reality.

Please note that this is sold as seen and that, as is normal for used goods bought at auction, the Sale of Goods Act 1979 does not apply. See our FAQs for more info, and feel free to inspect any vehicle as much as you wish.