Renault Dauphine History
Catalog record
This is a brief catalog introduction with limited source documentation. A licensed, identity-checked lead photograph has not yet been added for this page. Detailed year, configuration and ownership coverage must be identified separately; this page is not a complete vehicle catalog.
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Model history available. Detailed year guides are not published for this model.
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Unveiled at the 1956 Geneva Motor Show, the Dauphine was the Renault 4CV's larger, more refined successor, still rear-engined but offered in a wider range of variants including the sporting Dauphine Gordini and the upscale Ondine.
The Dauphine became one of France's most exported cars of the late 1950s, achieving surprising popularity in the United States before reliability concerns and competition from the Volkswagen Beetle cooled American interest. Over 2.15 million Dauphines were built in France and under license abroad through 1967.
Its derivatives included the Caravelle/Floride, a Dauphine-based two-door coupé and convertible that later became a collectible of its era.
Body styles
- Sedan
Notable special editions & performance variants
Dauphine Gordini
Sportier Gordini-tuned variant with more power and firmer suspension — an early precursor to Renault's performance sub-brand.
Related models
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