At a glance. To distinguish the Renault 8 Gordini 1100 from the 1300, start with the type code and engine capacity: R1134 and 1,108 cc for the former, R1135 and 1,255 cc for the latter. Then compare those references with the car you are examining.

A version name describes the model. Understanding an individual car also requires evidence of its current specification and history. A listing gives you a starting point for questions to the seller.

1100 and 1300: the essential comparison

The FIA Historic Database associates the Renault 8 Gordini R1134 with 1,108 cc and the 1300 R1135 with 1,255 cc. The names 1100 and 1300 are therefore not exact engine capacities.

  • 1100: R1134 type, 1,108 cc.
  • 1300: R1135 type, 1,255 cc.

Renault dates the Gordini's introduction to 1964 and its 1300 evolution to 1966 in The Originals museum. Its La Saga Gordini dossier, printed pages 9 and 11, specifies October 1966 for the 1300 and describes four headlamps and a five-speed gearbox. These are production-model references to guide your comparison with the car, rather than proof of identity from an isolated detail.

Three steps before arranging a viewing

  1. Ask which type is being described. Establish whether the seller means R1134 or R1135 and ask which documents or other evidence support that description. If the code is missing, add it to your questions.
  2. Collect the current specification. Ask for the stated engine capacity, engine identification and gearbox information. Request clear photographs of the relevant details; a person examining the car should interpret the technical evidence.
  3. Trace the work carried out. Look for invoices, photographs taken before restoration and a description of modifications. If supporting material is unavailable, record the answer as the seller's statement.

The useful result is a short list: what you could read in a document, what the seller says and what still needs checking. It helps you plan a focused viewing without attempting a remote diagnosis.

Year, appearance and version answer different questions

A year in a title does not explain the car's history on its own. Ask what the stated year refers to and compare it with the documents available. Keep the model range's chronology separate from the history of the individual car.

Read the front-end appearance alongside the other evidence. Renault describes four headlamps on the 1300; a photograph alone does not document every change made over the years. The next question is practical: which components are fitted today, and what information traces their installation?

Use a listing to ask questions

The Renault R8 Gordini listing stating a 1967 year is a real example to start from. Its published information remains listing information: being online does not establish that the car's identity or condition has been checked by the editorial team.

Before comparing two asking prices, clarify at least the stated version, current specification and available supporting evidence. This guide does not provide a valuation. An asking price for one car does not establish another car's value.

Frequently asked questions

Does 1100 mean exactly 1,100 cc?

No. The FIA entry for R1134 lists 1,108 cc, while its entry for the 1300 R1135 lists 1,255 cc.

Are four headlamps enough to identify a 1300?

They are consistent with Renault's description of the 1300. To assess an individual car, compare them with the other details and its available history of work.

Are the online FIA forms documents for the car on sale?

No. They describe the homologated model and do not establish an individual car's history. The FIA website also states that the online copies are for consultation and are not valid for use at an event.

Continue with the Renault listings on OldCar24, noting questions about missing details before contacting a seller. For more reading, visit the magazine's Cars section.

Comparison diagram: OldLuxury24, original editorial artwork. It is not a photograph or a vehicle document.