1961 Renault Dauphine (Ondine)

Highlights

• Rare upmarket Ondine version (R1090a)
• Engine upgraded to 904cc with Gordini specification components
• Comprehensive documentation including original manuals and brochures
• Purchased from the Renault Classic Car Club Dauphine Registrar
• Recently recommissioned with engine rebuild

The Appeal

The Ondine was effectively the more luxurious variant of Renault's popular rear-engined mid-century economy car. Where the cute little Dauphine excelled, it only excelled further - boasting adjustable front seats, door pockets, sun visors, and a distinctive black dashboard. It wasn't a revolutionary retrim, but for a car so focused on economy, it was a much-needed upgrade, and proved to open up the already very well-loved Dauphine to an executive audience.
This 1961 left-hand drive example boasts a sympathetically upgraded engine, which has been increased from 845cc to 904cc and enhanced with Gordini specification components, adding more pep to its step and making modern road conditions a breeze.

History and Paperwork

• Manufactured on September 28, 1961
• Current owner purchased the car in February 2024
• Bought from the secretary of the Renault Classic Car Club (Dauphine Registrar)
• Recommissioned by Duncan Topliss, who runs Retro Renault Services
• Photos from recommissioning stage available
• Current mileage: 79,111 km (77,785 km at last MOT)
• 824 miles driven since recommissioning and engine rebuild
• Registered as a historic vehicle
• MOT exempt and last tested December 8, 2023
• Complete with:
  • Renault Dauphine Service Manual
  • Workshop Manual
  • Parts Catalogue
  • Owner's Handbook in English
  • Owner's Handbook in French
  • Period sales brochures

The Condition

• Bodywork is nicely presented with the car's distinctive styling proudly on display
• Car was resprayed before current owner purchased it
• Some imperfections in paintwork including:
  • Chips above the headlamp
  • Chips ahead of the rear air intake
  • Paint runs beneath the windows
• Underside appears in good order
• Interior is in good condition
• Genuine rubber rear floor covering
• Front floor has non-original carpet fitted
• Everything else looks very original or period-accurate
• Speedometer needle occasionally sticks before springing back to life

The Mechanics

• 904cc 4-cylinder engine
  • Engine was rebuilt and upgraded from 845cc to 904cc by Duncan Topliss
  • Uses a Gordini cylinder head, new road camshaft, and Gordini spec carb and manifolds
• Four-speed manual gearbox
• Drum brakes on all wheels
• Has been driven on A roads and motorways (M42/M40/M5)
• The vendor reports that it performs well and can keep up with town traffic
• Float occasionally sticks in carb (lack of use)
• We've no reports of any significant mechanical issues

BEFORE YOU BUY

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