Corcel Bino: A Ford with a Renault Engine

O Bino Steed is one of the most interesting examples of Brazilian automotive history, a true fusion between the classic design of Ford and the technology from the Renault, offering a unique driving experience and exceptional performance for its time. To understand how this model stood out, we need to go back in time a little, to the 1960s, when the Brazilian automotive scene was undergoing a revolution.

The Historical Context

The year 1967 was a landmark for the national automobile industry, not only because of the Corcel, but also because of technological advances and growing competitiveness in the market. Christian Heins, better known as Bino, was one of the names that remained engraved in the history of Brazilian motorsports. Born in São Paulo in 1935, Bino was a driver who, even at a young age, gained enormous admiration in the racing world, especially for his courage and skills behind the wheel.

Bino had the chance to race with several cars, including the famous Dauphine Gordini 1093 and Interlagos, both with strong links to the French brand Renault. But his greatest legacy was in long-lasting competitions, such as the 24 Hours of Le Mans, where, unfortunately, he lost his life in a tragic accident in 1963. However, his name continued to reverberate in Brazil, especially with the creation of the Bino Mark I, a prototype developed by the team Willys.

The Development of the Bino Corcel

After the successes in the racing prototypes, the team Willys decided to develop a production model inspired by the Steed, as the car was gaining popularity on the streets and needed a sportier version. The Ford Corcel had been launched in 1968 as a compact sedan, but its performance was not up to par with sports models of the time, such as the Porsche 911 or the Alfa Romeo GTA. And that's where the brilliant idea of Bino Steed.

A Bino-Samdaco, the company responsible for preparing cars, realized that the engine Renault could be the key to increasing the Corcel's performance. The engine Sierra, also known as Cleon-Fonte, was an adaptation of the engine of the Renault 12, which made the Corcel Bino become a kind of hybrid between the two brands. The engine 1,300 cm³ of the Corcel was exchanged for a model of 1,440 cm³, which resulted in a power of about 125 horses – more than enough to put the Corcel Bino in a new league of sportsmanship.

Modifications and Performance

Visually, the Bino Steed was unmistakable. The main feature was the fake air intake on the hood, painted with matte black, a detail that caught attention at first sight. The wheels of magnesium were very wide, with three different design patterns, and the tires Pirelli Cinturato or Maggion gave a feeling of stability and superior grip. The auxiliary headlights and exclusively designed taillights completed the bold look.

But what really stood out was the engine. In addition to the larger displacement, the Bino Steed received new pistons it is a intake manifold adapted for two Solex 32 carburetors, components that made it much more efficient and faster. The valve cover and crankcase made of magnesium not only improved performance, but also gave the car a sporty and modern aesthetic for the time.

With these modifications, the Bino Steed could accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 15.5 seconds and reached a maximum speed of about 146 km/h. These numbers, for a Brazilian car of 1970, were impressive, especially when compared to models like the Chevrolet Opala or the VW Beetle, which were more common on the streets at the time.

The Interior and Driving

Inside Bino Steed, the interior also did not disappoint. The instrument panel was completely modified to offer a sportier and more complete look. The speedometer reached 200km/h, while the rev counter had an appointment until 8,000 rpm, providing the driver with the information needed to extract maximum performance from the car. Other details, such as the water and oil thermometer, O pressure gauge and fuel gauge, indicated that the Corcel Bino was designed for pilots and enthusiasts.

The steering wheel sporty, which was also a common feature in high-performance cars of the time, was positioned to ensure the best driving experience, allowing the driver to have full control over the car, especially in sharp turns and in straight lines that required maximum acceleration.

Preparation Kit

Until 1972, the Bino-Samdaco continued to offer various modifications and special parts for the Corcel, as valve commands, heads prepared, dual Weber carburetors, longer stroke crankshafts and even lubrication systems with radiator It is higher flow pump. With these changes, the Bino Steed arrived at 120 horsepower and reached 185 km/h – an impressive mark for a national car.

Beyond the version silk, the Corcel Bino was also offered in the version coupe, which was even more sporty and visually striking. The preparation in kit was offered for other models in the line Steed, allowing owners of different versions to customize their vehicles with components from Bino-Samdaco. O Iskenderian valve control (of American origin), the modified intake manifold and the higher compression ratio were just some of the improvements available to those who wanted to transform the Corcel into an even more powerful machine.

The Legacy of the Corcel Bino

O Bino Steed not only stood out for his performance, but also for his exclusivity and the impact it had on the national automobile industry. It was one of the first sports models manufactured in Brazil that really offered a differentiated driving experience. Many of the cars of the time, with smaller and less powerful engines, could not even come close to the performance of the Corcel Bino.

Although the Bino Steed was produced in limited numbers, its history has not been forgotten. Restored and preserved models to this day are genuine treasures of Brazilian motorsport, being valued at events and exhibitions of old cars. And, for those who like history, the Bino Steed is a symbol of Brazil in the 60s and 70s, a time of great transformations in the automotive market.

Conclusion

O Bino Steed is an example of how the Brazilian automobile industry knew how to combine international technology with local talent to create something single. When integrating an engine Renault to the design of the Ford, the Corcel Bino not only became faster and more powerful, but also made history in Brazil. Even with time, it continues to be remembered as one of the greatest landmarks of our automotive industry.

If you are an enthusiast of old cars, you will certainly be delighted with the Bino Steed. With unique features and a performance that was pioneering for its time, this model continues to be a reference of style and innovation for car lovers.