Looking for a Beetle, with a better taste for cheese and wines? Dauphine is happy to help.
The Renault Dauphine was the answer from France, which in the 50s and 60s was still very reluctant to respond to German competition. An air-cooled two-door car with the engine in the back? Monsieur, we can do it! The end result? An 845 cc four-cylinder engine that was also in the back, but water-cooled. Up jeurs, voisin’! They also immediately added two doors, making it a very practical family sedan. So practical, in fact, that in a short space of time more than 2 million were born.
The Dauphine was the entry-level model, for the enthusiasts and luxury cars among us there was the Renault Ondine. The difference? You got a fourth gear, a more luxurious interior and a recoil pad on your crank. As long as it’s clear that this is the Ondine, neighbour!
Now we hear you think; with such a production number, why don’t I see them anymore? They’re on the endangered species list these days because the steel had the average shelf life of a fresh Baguette. Chronically clogged A-pillars, to name but a few! Ours comes from a typical Ondine family; well pampered and she has spent most of her life inside. Now, this original Dutch delivered Renault is looking for her next Ondine worthy nest, to cheer a lot of people up again. Besides miles, also a lot of smiles a litre guaranteed! See you soon?
