 |
Dauphine played its successor’s role to the full, boasting all the latest features of the epoch, such as adjustable seats, heating, and an automatic gearbox. The finish was very smart, with a red and black steering wheel and matching seats. The dashboard layout was uncluttered, and the interior roomy.
Dauphine was a four-seater, with rear bench and two separate seats at the
front. In January 1957, the US motoring weekly The Motor crowned it the
“prettiest little four-seater in the world”. Sure, it was beautiful,
elegant and shapely, totally in keeping with spirit of the 1960s.
Precision engineering
For stability and roadholding,
Dauphine was impeccable, with Aérostable spring suspension keeping the
wheels exactly where they belonged, and precise, supple steering giving
the driver total control over the car at all times. Then the aerodynamic
styling and low weight kept fuel consumption down.
Quite aside from its economical
qualities, Dauphine also proved superbly maneuverable, fast and efficient.
Stupendous results were achieved right from the start of Dauphine’s
sporting career, with victories in the Tour de Corse, Mille Miglia and
Monte Carlo Rallies in 1958 and the Ivory Coast Rally in 1959.
This international tourer held
irresistible appeal for sports-minded drivers, with its slick four-speed
gearbox, a 845cc engine rated at 55hp, symmetrical-expansion brakes, and a
top speed approaching 115kph. Dauphine did, indeed, “leave the others
standing”!
Resounding success worldwide
Dauphine met with all the success
expected of such a fun, friendly, reliable, efficient little car. A
Dauphine rolled off the Flins assembly plant every 20 to 30 seconds, as
motoring for pleasure became accessible across the French population of
the 1960s. Everyone was driving Dauphines, even Princess Grace of Monaco!
Dauphine was a big hit outside
France too, with export sales accounting for 43% of production. Dauphine
was made in Italy, Spain, Brazil and Africa, becoming a worldwide
ambassador not only for Renault but for the French automotive industry as
a whole.
By the time it was discontinued in late 1967 Dauphine had broken the
French motorcar production record, with 2,150,738 units made in just under
11 years.