The Renault Dauphine, specifically the 0.8-liter (30 hp) variant, represents a pivotal moment in post-war automotive history. Produced from 1956 to 1967, the Dauphine was intended as a modern, affordable family car for the burgeoning middle class, initially in Europe and later exported globally. This particular engine and transmission configuration – the base model – served as the entry point into the Dauphine range, offering basic transportation with Renault’s reputation for reliability. It was a key component of Renault’s strategy to offer a car that was more spacious and comfortable than the earlier 4CV, while remaining accessible in price.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Renault |
| Model | Dauphine |
| Generation | Dauphine |
| Type (Engine) | 0.8 (30 Hp) |
| Start of production | 1956 |
| End of production | 1967 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Sedan |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 6.5 l/100 km (36.2 US mpg, 43.5 UK mpg, 15.4 km/l) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Maximum speed | 115 km/h (71.46 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 21.2 kg/Hp, 47.2 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 9.6 kg/Nm, 103.9 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 30 Hp @ 4250 rpm |
| Power per litre | 35.5 Hp/l |
| Torque | 66 Nm @ 2000 rpm (48.68 lb.-ft. @ 2000 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Rear, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | Ventoux 670 |
| Engine displacement | 845 cm3 (51.57 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 58 mm (2.28 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 80 mm (3.15 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 7.25:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 2 |
| Fuel injection system | Carburettor |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | OHV |
| Engine oil capacity | 2.5 l (2.64 US qt | 2.2 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 4.6 l (4.86 US qt | 4.05 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 635 kg (1399.94 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 198 l (6.99 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 32 l (8.45 US gal | 7.04 UK gal) |
| Length | 3937 mm (155 in.) |
| Width | 1524 mm (60 in.) |
| Height | 1448 mm (57.01 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2261 mm (89.02 in.) |
| Front track | 1245 mm (49.02 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1219 mm (47.99 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 152 mm (5.98 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) | 8.9 m (29.2 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 3 gears, manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Independent coil spring, Transverse stabilizer |
| Rear suspension | Independent coil spring |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the base Dauphine was the Renault Ventoux 670 engine, an 845cc inline-four cylinder unit. This engine utilized a conventional overhead valve (OHV) configuration and was fed by a single carburetor. The 7.25:1 compression ratio was typical for the era, prioritizing reliability and fuel economy over outright performance. The engine’s longitudinal rear-engine placement was a defining characteristic of the Dauphine, influencing its handling characteristics. The three-speed manual transmission was a standard feature, providing relatively simple and robust gear changes. This transmission was not known for its precision, but it was durable and well-suited to the engine’s modest power output.
Driving Characteristics
The 30 hp output of the base Dauphine resulted in modest, but adequate, performance. Acceleration was slow by modern standards, and highway cruising required careful planning, especially on inclines. The three-speed gearbox meant relatively large gaps between gears, and the engine needed to be revved to extract the most performance. Compared to later Dauphine variants with larger engines (like the 1.1-liter), the 0.8-liter felt significantly underpowered. However, the light weight of the car (635 kg) helped to mitigate the lack of horsepower. The rear-engine layout contributed to a distinctive driving experience, with noticeable rear weight bias and a tendency towards oversteer if pushed hard.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The base Dauphine 0.8 was purposefully spartan in its equipment levels. It was designed to be an affordable car, and as such, luxuries were kept to a minimum. Standard features included basic cloth upholstery, a simple dashboard with minimal instrumentation, and manually operated windows and locks. Optional extras, such as a radio, heater, and whitewall tires, were available, but added to the overall cost. The interior was functional rather than stylish, prioritizing practicality and durability. The exterior typically featured minimal chrome trim, further emphasizing the car’s utilitarian nature.
Chassis & Braking
The Dauphine featured an independent coil spring suspension at both the front and rear, a relatively sophisticated setup for a car of its price point in the 1950s. A transverse stabilizer bar was included at the front to reduce body roll. Braking was accomplished via drum brakes on all four wheels, which were adequate for the car’s weight and performance. Steering was via a rack and pinion system, providing reasonably precise control. The relatively narrow tires of the era contributed to a modest grip level, and the car’s handling was best described as predictable rather than sporty.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Dauphine 0.8 was generally well-received as an affordable and reliable family car. Critics praised its spacious interior and comfortable ride, but noted its lack of power and somewhat quirky handling. Compared to other cars in its class, such as the Volkswagen Beetle and the Fiat 600, the Dauphine offered a more modern design and a slightly more refined driving experience. However, the Beetle’s reputation for robustness and the Fiat’s nimble handling gave those cars a competitive edge. The 0.8-liter version was often seen as the “sensible” choice, appealing to buyers who prioritized economy and practicality over performance. Later Dauphine variants, with larger engines and improved equipment levels, catered to a more discerning clientele.
Legacy
The Renault Dauphine played a significant role in democratizing automobile ownership in post-war Europe. Its affordability and reliability made it a popular choice for families, and it helped to establish Renault as a major player in the automotive industry. While the base 0.8-liter variant is not particularly sought after by collectors today, it remains a historically important model. The Ventoux 670 engine proved to be remarkably durable, and many examples are still running today. The Dauphine’s legacy extends beyond its mechanical attributes; it represents a pivotal moment in automotive design and manufacturing, paving the way for the modern family car.
