Renault Dauphine: The French Compact That Conquered Brazil

A History of the Renault Dauphine is a fascinating narrative that intertwines with the industrial and cultural development of Brazil in the 1950s and 1960s. As the first Renault model to be manufactured on Brazilian soil, the Dauphine not only marked the brand's entry into the country, but also played a significant role in the evolution of the national automotive sector.

The Historical Context

In the post-World War II period, Europe was in the process of reconstruction. France, in particular, sought to revitalize its economy and automotive industry. Renault, under the leadership of Pierre Lefaucheux, president of the company, and Fernand Picard, design director, had achieved success with the Renault 4CV. Known in Brazil as “Rabo Quente” due to the rear position of the engine and gearbox, the 4CV was a compact vehicle that met the mobility needs of the time.

However, Lefaucheux and Picard realized that with the economic improvement, French and European consumers would want a car that was a little larger and more sophisticated than the 4CV. So in 1949, they began developing a new model that could meet this emerging demand. The name chosen for this project was Dauphine, the feminine form of “Dauphin”, which means “heir to the throne” in French, symbolizing the expectation that this new car would succeed the 4CV in popularity.

Development and Release

Renault's engineers and designers worked hard on the Dauphine project. By 1952, the first prototypes were already in circulation for testing. Initially, the Dauphine used the same engine/gearbox as the 4CV. However, after extensive testing, it was concluded that more power was needed. As a result, the original 747 cc engine was replaced by an 845 cc engine, capable of generating 26 horsepower. Combined with a three-speed manual transmission, with second and third gears synchronized, the Dauphine reached a top speed of 110 km/h and had efficient fuel consumption, reaching an average of 14 km/l.

O Renault Dauphine The Dauphine was officially presented to the world in 1956, first in Paris and later at the Geneva Motor Show. The reception was extremely positive, and the model quickly conquered international markets. In addition to France, the Dauphine was produced in countries such as Spain, Argentina, Australia, New Zealand, Italy, Belgium, Algeria, the United Kingdom, Israel and Mexico. In total, more than 2 million units were sold worldwide over the 11 years of production.

Arrival in Brazil

In Brazil, the automotive industry was on the rise in the late 1950s. Willys-Overland of Brazil, established in the country since 1952, sought to diversify its product line beyond the Jeep family of utility vehicles. Negotiations between Renault and Willys-Overland began shortly after the launch of the Dauphine in France. In 1957 and 1958, the engineering teams of both companies collaborated to make the production of the Dauphine viable in Brazil. The goal was to begin production in the second half of 1959.

In December 1959, the Renault Dauphine was officially launched in Brazil as a national model, manufactured by Willys under license and technical supervision from Renault. Sales began in January 1960. The Brazilian Dauphine maintained the technical characteristics of the French model, including the 845 cm³ engine and 26 horsepower. The vehicle comfortably accommodated a family of up to four people and had a front trunk suitable for the necessary luggage. Between 1960 and 1965, approximately 24 thousand units of the Dauphine were produced in Brazil.

Line Expansion: Gordini

Seeking to serve different market segments, Willys-Overland introduced new versions of the Dauphine in Brazil. In July 1962, the Renault Gordini, a more powerful version equipped with an improved 845 cc engine capable of generating 32 horsepower, and a four-speed manual transmission. The Gordini offered superior performance and some improvements over the original Dauphine. By 1968, around 41,000 Gordini units had been produced in the country.

For performance enthusiasts, Willys has launched the Renault 1093 in 1964. This sporty version featured an engine tuned to produce 42 horsepower, lowered rear suspension for better stability and special tires. The interior stood out for the inclusion of a tachometer, a differential for the standards of the time. Only 721 units of the 1093 were produced, making it a rare model and coveted by collectors.

The Dauphine in the Classics Market in 2025

Today, in 2025, the Renault Dauphine is a highly valued classic car in Brazil. Well-preserved models can cost between R$ 40,000 and R$ 80,000, depending on their condition and originality. Versions such as the Gordini and the 1093, which are rarer, can cost more than R$ 100,000.

The Dauphine has established itself as a landmark in the history of Renault in Brazil, being one of the first models of the brand to be manufactured here. It represents an era of innovation and accessibility in the automotive sector and continues to be remembered and admired by classic car enthusiasts.