A Retro Rally Heirloom / Renault 8 Gordini R1134

A genuine RHD Renault 8 Gordini R1134 with racing pedigree




EQUIPMENT 
Reinforced seam welded Gordini R8 body, GRP Group 2 wings, front number plate cooling conversion, rear LED wet weather light, front and rear tow hooks, Safety Devices roll cage, Sparco Pro2000 race seat, Sabelt harnesses, side protection bars, Elliot Design electronic tachometer, FIA battery master switch, electric cooling fan with manual override and LED ‘on’ light, plumbed in fire extinguisher system, oil pressure gauge, water temperature gauge X2, Motolita steering wheel.

EXTERIOR
This very rare and immaculate car is well known in Classic Renault circles and is finished in the only colour available for the R8 Gordini, Bleu de France, (Code 418). Acquired by respected R8 guru, Steve Swan in 2001 this genuine Gordini was fully restored in 2002 with photos revealing the incredible attention to detail. Such is the quality of this example and the subsequent development work that it is used as a platform by which others attempt to mimic. Structural integrity and weight saving measures are displayed throughout every inch of this car without detracting from the original R8 Gordini design. Epic and immense fun. 

INTERIOR
Being suitable for a range of competition events from reliability trials to hillclimbs the cockpit of this successful machine is focused completely on the driver. Race proven technology in the form of seating, safety, controls and gauges all make reassuring assertions that should the pilote wish, driving at speed and on the limit will be rewarding rather than daring. The factory Renault Gordini seating has been retained and fully upholstered to original specification should a more passenger friendly environment be required. Even unique Gordini items such as the passenger grab handle have been kept. Previous MSA scrutineer pass cards are a testament to the quality of workmanship. Utterly exhilarating.

ENGINE & TRANSMISSION 
The Cleon based full race spec engine has a displacement of 1550cc and was dyno tested by Agra in Dundee producing 169bhp at 7500rpm. A brief outline of the engine specification: Tufftrided shot peened balanced crank, lightened and balanced Cat Cam, Arrows steel Followers, forged pistons, steel liners, Salv Sacco big valve head and manifold, Twin Weber 45 DCOE with Lumenition ignition, pressurised engine pre-lube system. This vehicle is fitted with Steve Swan’s own Big Box 16TX CWP Big Box conversion featuring close ratio 365 gears which have been Tufftrided. 4th gear runs on needle rollers for continuous high speed operation. An internal gearstick bracket copied from works cars can be adjusted so that on certain events when fifth gear is not needed it prevents the driver getting top gear by accident in the heat of battle. An uprated Sachs Group 2 clutch is fitted and a Quaife ATB differential and competition type solid centre universal joints.

WHEELS, TYRES, BRAKES & SUSPENSION
Mad’in Modele 1C Renault Alpine Wheels 6X13 are unmarked with a mirror polished edge and are shod in Yokohama Advan AO48 185/60 R13 rear and 175/60/R13 front tyres. Powerful 254mm vented discs front and rear with AP Racing brake proportioning valve fully adjustable and aeroquipped front to rear. Fully adjustable front and rear suspension with Koni and Leda dampers. The front anti roll bar and rear Z bar is adjustable with 2.5” coil spring conversion plates with both cross members reinforced to Gordini specification. 

HISTORY FILE
This Renault 8 Gordini was registered new on 22nd May 1965 by Renault Main Dealers, Harrowside Motors of Blackpool. Used by the Managing Director until Mr John Woodward Clarke purchased the car from them on the 14th September 1966. The accompanying invoice reveals the details of the vehicle and the total purchase price being £700. The buff green card log book combined with every subsequent V5 issued reveals the total number of owners being just five including the Dealer. Correspondence between Mr Clarkes son and the third owner, Mr Paul Fraser Sage, reveals a fascinating history of care and devotion until relinquishing ownership in 1989. The current long term custodian since 2001, Mr Steven Swan, is highly respected in the Classic Renault Owners Club and is responsible for this amazing R1134 transformation with noteworthy success in circuit racing, sprints and hillclimbs with the added benefit of being completely road legal too! Footage of the car Knockhill Racing Circuit can be seen here: https://youtu.be/qknU71E4Yms and at Forrestburn Hillclimb here: https://youtu.be/cGt6ow10hnw An immense history file reveals the colossal spend in creating one of the most sought after R8 Gordinis and now available on the open market for a very lucky individual.