Renault Dauphine
The 'Sorcerer's' touch: Amédée Gordini's first performance collaboration with Renault.
- Power
- 40 bhp
- 0–60 mph
- 22.3 s
- Top speed
- 81 mph
- Est. value
- $6k–$22k
About the Renault Dauphine
The Dauphine Gordini was the first fruit of the legendary partnership between Renault and engine wizard Amédée Gordini. By reworking the cylinder head and adding a four-speed gearbox, Gordini transformed the humble rear-engined economy car into a competitive rally machine, famously winning the 1958 Monte Carlo Rally and Tour de Corse. While it retained the standard car's tendency for pendulum-like oversteer and sensitivity to crosswinds, the Gordini offered a significant power boost and four-wheel disc brakes on later models. It remains a charming entry point into French classic car ownership, celebrated for its elegant 'ponton' styling and motorsport pedigree.
Renault Dauphine specs
The Renault Dauphine produces 40 bhp (30 kW) and 65 Nm (48 lb-ft) of torque. It reaches 60 mph in 22.3 seconds and has a top speed of 81 mph (130 km/h).
| Make | Renault |
|---|---|
| Model | Dauphine |
| Trim | Gordini |
| Years | 1957–1967 |
| Type | Classic |
| Body style | Saloon |
| Country | France |
| Original price | About $1,600 when new |
| Engine | 845cc Gordini-tuned inline-four |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 845 cc (0.8 litres) |
| Induction | Naturally aspirated |
| Power | 40 bhp (30 kW) at 5,000 rpm |
| Torque | 65 Nm (48 lb-ft) |
| Redline | 5,600 rpm |
| 0–60 mph | 22.3 s |
| Top speed | 81 mph (130 km/h) |
| Transmission | 4-speed manual |
| Drivetrain | Rear-wheel drive |
| Weight | 668 kg (1,473 lb) |
| Power-to-weight | 60 bhp per tonne |
Typical figures for the standard car; options, markets and model years vary. Where our specs come from
How much is a Renault Dauphine worth?
A typical Renault Dauphine is estimated to be worth $6,000 – $22,000 (about £4,500 – £16,000).
Its original price when new was about $1,600.
Values are directional estimates for a typical example, not appraisals. Condition, mileage, history and specification all change what a real car is worth. Pound figures use the exchange rate of 3 November 2026. How values are estimated
Renault Dauphine rarity in CarSpot
The Renault Dauphine is an Uncommon card in CarSpot, with a rarity score of 25 out of 100. Hot hatches and premium sporty cars. An Uncommon card is worth 20 XP.
Each model's tier starts from a 0–100 score based on its value plus its power or production numbers. Once enough players have spotted a model, how often it is spotted can move it up or down one tier. How CarSpot rarity works
Rarity is a collectible game mechanic, not an assessment of real-world scarcity or value.
Renault Dauphine fun facts
- Amédée Gordini was nicknamed 'Le Sorcier' (The Sorcerer) for his ability to extract surprising performance from small-capacity engines.
- The Dauphine was the first French car to surpass two million units produced, though the Gordini variant accounted for only a small fraction of that total.
- Early American road tests were less than kind, with Road & Track describing the Gordini's performance as 'peevish' despite its rally success.