A '50s Sweetheart: The Renault Dauphine
This ‘50s ride is a true classic. Take a look at the Renault Dauphine, a stylish French import that was an icon of its time.
Written by Hannah DeWitt
Reviewed by Kathleen Flear
The
1950s
were an exciting time for the automotive industry. As many families moved to the suburbs, the need and desire for cars grew. One chic French import
from the time that America still has a soft spot for is the Renault Dauphine. The Renault Dauphine brought 'real Paris elegance' to American families
Hemmings
did a look back at the "cute" foreign car that took the country by storm. The first Renault rolled off the assembly line in 1955, after the French automaker spent four years tinkering with a prototype.The Dauphine's target audience was the budget-minded housewife who wanted their own slice of "real Paris elegance." Print ads featured a high-heeled-clad foot on the accelerator and a group of women chatting outside a grocery store. The average price for a new Renault Dauphine was $1,700, which comes out to approximately $16,500 in today's money.
The Dauphine got 39 mpg and could comfortably fit four people and their luggage. These were major selling points for families who were eager to explore the country's expanding interstate system.
Moms also had peace of mind that the Dauphine came with an early iteration of child safety locks. Adults could engage an on/off switch on the door pillar, which allowed the rear doors to be opened from the outside only.
The Renault Dauphine was a track star, too
Don't let the car's adorable appearance fool you. A Dauphine-Gordini won the 1958 Monte Carlo Rally. But for a little historical perspective, this car's 38 hp engine meant that it left its competitors in the dust at a top speed of 75 mph.
The Dauphine departed from its domestic counterparts and nested the engine in the rear of the car. That meant suitcases and groceries were kept under the hood. And in case you're wondering, the hole in the rear bumper wasn't a design flaw. That was a way for the driver to access and operate a hand crank to start the engine in colder weather.
"Dauphine" is a French term that roughly translates to Crown Princess or female heir apparent to the throne. That royal moniker is fitting, as Queen Elizabeth owned a
Renault
Dauphine, which a young Prince Charles learned how to drive in.Would the Renault Dauphine be a good buy today?
According to
Autoweek
, over 2.1 million Dauphines were sold during the 1950s and 1960s. However, there isn't an abundance of these cars for sale stateside. The steel used by the French automaker didn't hold up to the salt used on America's roads. Many Renaults in this country eventually succumbed to rust. The Dauphines that do come up for sale are reasonably priced. You could make your Parisienne dreams come true for between $10,000 and $20,000.
Anyone who buys a Dauphine today is doing so purely for fun and casual driving. Unless it's a restomod, a Dauphine would struggle to keep up with today's traffic. We've been spoiled with modern amenities and a smooth ride, so the Dauphine is unlikely to be anyone's daily driver. This car also won't be easy or inexpensive to maintain, since you'll most likely have to order parts from France.
Find affordable classic car insurance with Jerry
If you own a Renault Dauphine or other 1950s classic car, you know how important car insurance is. Good coverage is important, but you also want to save money.
Jerry
is an app that allows you to compare quotes from multiple insurers. If you're not already getting the best deal on classic car insurance, you can switch. The average Jerry driver saves $879 a year! Download the app today to see how easy it is to save. Are you overpaying for car insurance?
Compare quotes and find out in 45 seconds.
4.7You might also be interested
