Renault 8 Gordini Blue No. 1 - 1969 Rally du Maroc
Scale: 1/43rd
PLEASE NOTE: the first image is a computer-generated render and may not exactly match the vehicle in this listing, so please check the photos that follow it.
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Get it between Tuesday 17 and Wednesday 18 November
This blue Renault 8 Gordini in 1:43 scale faithfully recreates the race car that left its mark on the history of the Moroccan rally in 1969. Proudly wearing the number 1 on its flanks, this miniature captures the sporting spirit of this French saloon turned formidable competition machine. It is a precious testimony to the golden age of French motorsport and has a natural place in any collection dedicated to Renault model cars.
A true collector's item, this meticulous replica will appeal as much to car enthusiasts as to lovers of motorsport, offering a journey back in time to an era when African rallies were among the most demanding challenges on the international calendar.
Launched in 1964, the Renault 8 Gordini was born from the collaboration between Renault and Amédée Gordini, the legendary tuner nicknamed "the wizard". This sporty version of the standard R8 stands out with its 1.1-litre engine producing 95 horsepower, its characteristic blue side stripes and its aluminium wheels. The car shook up the accessible sports saloon segment in France.
Designed for competition as much as for the road, the R8 Gordini featured an advanced technical layout for its time: rear-mounted engine, air cooling, a 4-speed gearbox and front disc brakes. These features gave it distinctive handling, particularly prized in rallying, where its traction and agility excelled on all types of terrain.
Commercial success was immediate: more than 2,600 units were built between 1964 and 1967, establishing Renault's sporting reputation and paving the way for the future Alpine and other high-performance models from the diamond-badged brand.
In 1969, Renault was going through a period of sporting excitement. The brand, founded in 1898 by Louis Renault, was enjoying a competitive revival after the successes of the Alpine A110 and was looking to expand its presence in motorsport. The R8 Gordini became the ambassador of this strategy, carrying French colours over some of the toughest roads in the world.
This era marked the peak of the Renault-Gordini partnership, which began in the 1950s. Amédée Gordini brought his engine tuning expertise while Renault supplied the chassis and logistics. This synergy gave rise to revolutionary cars that dominated European and African rallies, forging the legend of French motorsport.
The 1969 Rally of Morocco remains one of the most memorable events in the history of the R8 Gordini. Run over more than 2,000 kilometres across Saharan tracks and the mountain roads of the Atlas, the event was a real ordeal for the machinery. Extreme temperatures, omnipresent dust and steep gradients put both men and machines to the test.
The Gordini No. 1, driven by a Franco-Moroccan crew, quickly became the star of the event. Its distinctive blue livery stood out against the desert landscape, while the hum of its air-cooled engine echoed through the wadis and across the stony plateaus. Local spectators soon embraced this "little blue car" that braved the elements with pure French determination.
The R8 Gordini's Moroccan adventure went beyond the sporting arena to become a cultural icon. It embodied French audacity in the face of African challenges, and the ability to turn a family saloon into a war machine capable of rivalling desert specialists. Images of this Gordini tearing through the dunes remain engraved in the collective memory of motorsport.
This Moroccan epic had a lasting influence on Renault's image in North Africa, where the brand built a loyal following won over by this demonstration of toughness and performance. To this day, older enthusiasts remember the little blue car that won hearts as much as it posted fast lap times.
This Renault 8 Gordini holds a special place in the world of motorsport model cars. It fits perfectly alongside other iconic models from the heroic age of rallying, creating thematic links with rally model cars and racing model cars.
Collectors will especially appreciate its complementary relationship with other sporty Renaults such as the Alpine Renault, forming a cohesive set that traces the brand's sporting evolution. It also sits well alongside French model cars from the 1960s and 1970s, a golden era for the French automotive industry.
This miniature is aimed at lovers of authenticity: Renault sport collectors, historic rally fans, or simply enthusiasts of fine French machinery. It also finds its place in thematic collections dedicated to the 1960s, a pivotal decade for modern motorsport.
Stephane Bazille
14 November 2026
Always delivered within the agreed deadlines, well-packaged and protected materials. Nothing negative to report. A constantly renewed range that, despite the intention to remain cautious, always finds new temptations...
Claude Lang
13 November 2026
I placed my second order and everything went smoothly, delivery without issues, items in good condition, and delivered on time. After this second order, I can only recommend the site to Bernardminiature, a serious person. Top delivery, thanks again to him and good for a next order.
Serge PINSON
12 November 2026
In addition to the fact that the 1/43 miniatures received are perfectly in line with the photographs and my expectations and are of great finesse, they arrived very quickly (I was even informed of the shipment) and very carefully packaged. Very satisfied, I placed a new order with Bernard Miniatures, a seller I recommend for their selection and reliability.
The scale is the reduction ratio between the real car and the model. At 1:43 scale, for example, every centimetre of the model represents 43 centimetres of the real vehicle.
In practice, a 1:18 Ferrari model is about 25–30 cm long, while at 1:43 it measures roughly 10 cm.
Our model cars mainly come in 1:43, 1:24, 1:18 and 1:87 (HO) scale. The scale is always listed on the product page.
The smaller the second number, the bigger the model (e.g. 1:18 is larger than 1:43).
Yes, every model car ships in its protective box. The box preserves its collector value and protects your model from dust and knocks.
We pack every order with great care: bubble wrap, snug padding and polystyrene. Your model car is fully secured on its way to you.
In-stock items ship within 24–48h. Allow 2–3 business days for mainland France with Colissimo, or 4–5 days with Mondial Relay.
I can't say exactly when new stock will arrive, as it comes in a trickle. Feel free to contact me and I'll let you know as soon as it's available.