Blue Renault 8 Gordini - Pau 1968 Race Number 33 (blister pack)
Scale: 1/43
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 die-cast faithfully recreates one of the most iconic cars of 1960s French motorsport. Wearing the legendary number 33 and the livery that made its mark at the 1968 Pau Grand Prix, this 1:43 scale replica is a true treasure for any car enthusiast and collector.
Beyond its decorative appeal, this miniature is a piece of automotive history that speaks to the golden age of French competition. Kept in its original blister pack, it retains all of its authenticity and heritage value.
Launched in 1964, the Renault 8 Gordini was born from the partnership between Renault and Amédée Gordini, the "Wizard of Vincennes". This sporty saloon transformed Renault's approach to performance, marking the French manufacturer's official entry into high-level motor racing.
Powered by a 1,108 cc engine producing 95 horsepower, the R8 Gordini stands out with its signature blue stripes and impressive performance for its time. Its design favoured agility and handling, making it a formidable contender on twisting circuits such as Pau.
The model's commercial success far exceeded Renault's expectations. With more than 2,100 units produced, the R8 Gordini became the benchmark for French sports saloons of the 1960s, paving the way for the future Alpine and foreshadowing the sporting DNA of the diamond-badged brand.
When the R8 Gordini was created, Renault was going through a period of major transformation. Under the leadership of Pierre Dreyfus, the French state-owned company gradually shed its conservative image and embraced innovation and performance. This decade marked the start of Renault's modern sporting adventure.
Renault's history, from its founding by Louis Renault in 1898, shows a constant ability to adapt. From the first motor racing victories at the start of the 20th century to the front-wheel-drive revolution of the 4CV, the French marque never stopped innovating. The partnership with Gordini represented a decisive turning point, permanently changing Renault's image.
This strategy paid off: victories piled up in rallying and racing, building a reputation that endures today. The R8 Gordini thus became the ambassador of this new philosophy, proving that performance and accessibility could coexist.
The 1968 Pau Grand Prix remains etched in memory as one of the most thrilling races in the history of the Béarn circuit. That year, the Renault 8 Gordini No. 33 competed against the most prestigious European sports cars on a demanding street circuit.
The most colourful story from that race concerns the bold strategy adopted by the Renault team. Facing the powerful Porsches and Ferraris, the French engineers bet on the agility of their saloon through the tight hairpins of the Pau circuit. This David-versus-Goliath approach immediately captured the French public, who saw in this blue R8 the embodiment of national ingenuity.
The race itself became legendary when the Gordini No. 33 held off the attacks of the foreign machines for nearly half the event. Although this performance did not lead to outright victory, it left a lasting impression and helped forge the legend of the R8 Gordini.
More than just a motor race, the event embodies the French spirit of the 1960s: an era when audacity and innovation often made up for limited resources. The R8 Gordini No. 33 from Pau perfectly captures this philosophy, turning a family saloon into a heroine of the asphalt.
This Renault 8 Gordini holds a prized place in the world of French miniatures. It fits naturally alongside collections dedicated to Renault die-cast cars and complements series devoted to racing and competition cars.
For collectors passionate about French motoring, this miniature pairs beautifully with other iconic models such as the Alpine Renault or the Renault Gordini. It also has its place alongside 1960s miniatures, a golden period of French automotive innovation.
This replica is especially suited to automotive history enthusiasts, collectors of French miniatures and motorsport fans. Its 1:43 scale, the standard in the collecting world, makes it easy to display alongside existing cabinet pieces. 1:43 scale miniatures strike the perfect balance between detail and footprint, letting you build coherent and eye-catching collections.
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.
Christian Frassinetti
11 November 2026
High-quality products, top-level shipping, we care about the customer in this house, I am more than satisfied with my purchases. There will be more...
Herve
11 November 2026
Perfectly packaged product, arrived well and completely matches the description, I highly recommend! Thank you!
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.