In the past, classic cars were restored to almost exactly how they looked when they rolled out of the showroom. But somewhere along the way, some owners wanted more. They wanted more than just restoration; they wanted an old concept reimagined for the modern world. The Renault 8 Gordini Concept Car takes that desire to modernize a classic even further—much like the automaker’s 5 E-Tech.
The little four-door that helped make performance accessible in the 1960s has been reimagined as a low, wide electric coupe. The aesthetic may have been overhauled, but thankfully, Renault remembered the blue paint and double white stripes that made the car so recognizable.
The original arrived in 1964 with a rear-mounted 95 hp engine and rear-wheel drive. This reboot brings 270 hp of electric propulsion, carbon bodywork, and straight-up fewer places for passengers. It has just two seats, which means you can bring a friend along while the rest will have to take a number.
Measuring 4.12 meters (13.5 feet) long, 1.88 meters (6.2 feet) wide, and just 1.27 meters (4.2 feet) tall, it rolls on staggered 19-inch front and 20-inch rear wheels. Squared-off arches, muscular rear fenders, and six round headlights give it the look of something ready for a rally stage.
Renault borrowed the stripping-back philosophy of custom café racer motorcycles, removing unnecessary trim and panel lines. Even the hood lifts off in one piece. The familiar stripes now help organize the design, continuing into the cabin and turning blue across the dashboard.
Inside, brushed aluminum, Alcantara, blue corduroy bucket-seat inserts, and round digital instruments keep things interesting without turning the dashboard into a television showroom. There’s even a stopwatch button with a red dot. Priorities.
Designed entirely in-house from a competition that attracted over 300 sketches, this is a one-off heritage project. No showroom price or production announcement, unfortunately. It is destined for the future Renault Collections museum in Flins, where you can admire it without having to explain another car purchase to anyone.
Images: Renault.
