The Renault Dauphine Ondine Gordini miniature from the Nostalgie collection (reference NO040B) captures the essence of an era when French automobiles combined elegance and sporting performance. This faithful reproduction in brown perfectly reflects the refined spirit of the 1960s, when Renault combined its popular craftsmanship with the sporting innovations of Amédée Gordini.
This miniature is a must-have piece for any fan of French automobiles, showcasing the richness of Renault's heritage and the exceptional legacy of Gordini preparations that marked the history of French motorsport.
Miniature Features
- Model: Renault Dauphine Ondine Gordini
- Brand: Renault
- Year: 1961-1967
- Scale: 1/43
- Color: Brown
- Manufacturer: Nostalgie
- Protective case included: Yes
Description of the real model
The Renault Dauphine Ondine Gordini was born in 1961 from the collaboration between Régie Renault and Amédée Gordini, the "wizard" of Billancourt. This sporty version of the Dauphine Ondine stands out with its 845 cm³ engine developing 32 horsepower, which is 5 horsepower more than the standard Dauphine. This Gordini preparation transforms a family sedan into a true accessible small sports car.
The vehicle is characterized by its blue decorative stripes, specific grille, and sport seats. Its improved handling and enhanced performance make it an appealing alternative to foreign sports cars of the time, while retaining the practicality and economical use typical of Renault productions.
Produced until 1967, this Dauphine Ondine Gordini enjoys a cult following among sport driving enthusiasts, anticipating future Renault Sport models that would dominate the following decades.
Description of the brand
In the early 1960s, Renault was going through a consolidation period following the successes of the 4CV and the Dauphine. The Régie, led by Pierre Dreyfus, sought to diversify its range while maintaining its image as a popular manufacturer. The partnership with Amédée Gordini aligns with this strategy of controlled upward market growth.
Founded in 1899 by Louis Renault, Marcel Renault, and Fernand Renault, the diamond brand became Régie nationale in 1945. This nationalization allowed for massive investments in research and development, leading to revolutionary models like the 4CV. The 1960s marked the peak of this ambitious industrial policy, with constant technical innovations and an increasing international presence positioning Renault among the world’s leading automotive manufacturers.
Anecdote of the real vehicle
The story of the Dauphine Ondine Gordini is inseparable from a humorous anecdote involving Amédée Gordini himself. During preliminary tests in 1960, the "wizard" of Billancourt insisted on personally testing each prototype on the winding roads around Paris. One day, caught by a police patrol while he was "testing" the performance of his creation, Gordini was issued a ticket for speeding.
The policeman, unimpressed by the engineer's technical explanations, replied with a smile: "Mr. Gordini, your cars are too fast for our roads!" This remark, reported back to Renault’s offices, quickly became the unofficial slogan of the Dauphine Ondine Gordini, demonstrating that even law enforcement implicitly recognized the sporting qualities of this small French sedan.
Later, this same Dauphine Ondine Gordini became the emblem of the golden youth of the 1960s. It appeared in many films of the Nouvelle Vague, notably in the hands of young Parisian actors who appreciated its modern look and sufficient performance for Sunday escapes on country roads, perfectly embodying the carefree and optimistic spirit of this revolutionary decade.
An urban legend even claims that Amédée Gordini kept a personal brown Dauphine Ondine Gordini, identical to our miniature, which he used for his daily commutes, preferring the discretion of this shade over the ostentation of the versions with more noticeable blue stripes.
Complete your miniature collection
This brown Renault Dauphine Ondine Gordini naturally finds its place alongside other Gordini miniatures and is an ideal complement to the Renault vehicles in your collection. It pairs perfectly with 1960s cars, a prosperous period for the French automotive industry.
Collectors passionate about race cars will appreciate this civilian version that anticipates future French sports cars. This Nostalgie miniature harmoniously integrates into collections dedicated to French cars or historic sedans.
Whether you are a seasoned collector or an enlightened amateur, this Dauphine Ondine Gordini represents an authentic testimony to French automotive innovation of the 1960s, appealing to both nostalgics of that era and young enthusiasts eager to discover the sporting roots of Hexagonal automobiles through 1/43 scale miniatures.
