Renault Dauphine in the rallies

Manufacturer: Renault
Category: Early era

The Renault Dauphine, introduced in 1956, was designed primarily as a small family car, but it found surprising success in motorsports, including rallying. With its rear-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout, and relatively light weight, the Dauphine proved adaptable to rallying’s challenges, especially in the late 1950s and early 1960s. Although it was not the most powerful car, it achieved notable results in some of the era’s toughest events.

Key Highlights

1. Engineering and Performance:

   • The Renault Dauphine was powered by a modest 845 cc inline-four engine producing around 30 horsepower, which was low compared to its competitors.
   • Despite its lack of power, its light weight and nimble handling made it competitive on tricky rally stages.
   • Special versions, such as the Gordini-tuned Dauphine, boosted power to 37 horsepower, improving performance for rally conditions.
   • Renault also produced a Dauphine 1093 in 1962, a homologation special with a more powerful engine and tuned suspension, specifically aimed at motorsport.

2. Rally Modifications:

   • For rallying, the Dauphine was often modified with improved suspension, reinforced chassis, and sometimes stripped-down interiors to reduce weight.
   • Certain versions included disc brakes (unusual at the time for a car in its class) and better tires for handling various terrains.
   • The Dauphine Gordini variant was particularly popular in rallying due to its slightly more powerful engine and enhanced handling characteristics.

Best Pilots

Several drivers had notable success with the Renault Dauphine in rallies, especially in the 1950s and 1960s:

• Jean Vinatier: One of the most successful drivers in a Dauphine, Vinatier achieved multiple podium finishes in international rallies, including Tour de Corse and the Monte Carlo Rally.
• Gilberte Thirion: A pioneer for women in motorsports, Thirion won the Liège–Rome–Liège Rally in 1957 behind the wheel of a Dauphine, a notable achievement for both Renault and women in racing.
• Alain Bertaut: A skilled French rally driver, Bertaut had several solid performances in a Dauphine, especially in French national rally events.
• Jean Rédélé: Founder of Alpine (which later became famous for the Alpine A110), Rédélé had success with the Dauphine in early rallies before focusing on Alpine’s development.

Palmares and Achievements

• 1956 Monte Carlo Rally: The Renault Dauphine finished with strong results, surprising many with its reliability and agility on the treacherous snow and ice-covered roads. Although it didn't win, its performance established its credentials in rallying.
• 1958 Monte Carlo Rally: A high point for the Dauphine, with several cars finishing in the top positions. It was praised for its handling on snow-covered mountain roads.
• 1957 Liège–Rome–Liège Rally: Gilberte Thirion piloted a Dauphine to victory in this grueling endurance event, one of the most significant achievements for the car in international rallying.
• 1959 Alpine Rally: The Dauphine performed exceptionally well in this prestigious event, known for its challenging mountain stages. Drivers like Jean Vinatier used the car's light weight and agility to secure top finishes.
• 1961 Tour de Corse: The Dauphine, particularly the Gordini version, achieved top finishes, solidifying its reputation as a capable rally car despite its modest specifications.
• 1962 Monte Carlo Rally: The more powerful Dauphine 1093 showed its potential, achieving several high placings in what was one of the most famous rallies in the world.

The Renault Dauphine's rally career, though not filled with outright victories, demonstrated the car’s surprising abilities in motorsport. Its lightweight design, nimble handling, and dedicated versions like the Gordini and 1093 allowed it to compete effectively on difficult rally stages, earning a place in rally history.