Renault Model 8 & 10 Alconi
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The Renault Alconi was a performance version of the Renault 8 and 10 (1108cc) model vehicles, sold by Renault (Africa) Ltd, a subsidiary of the French Regie Renault Factory.
It was sold new through their dealer network in South Africa, during the years 1965-1969, and covered by their factory warranty.[1] The local concept was intended to increase vehicle sales to a racing mad South African public by taking advantage of their race-track successes in local "Sprint" and "Endurance" races.
Production
About 400-500 vehicles seem to have been sold. As well, many hundreds of performance kits to upgrade the standard vehicles were sold over their parts counters.
Performance
These Alconis produced 68 bhp (net), offered 0-60 mph in 11.9sec, top speed of 97 mph,[2] (according to "Car" magazine road test) and sold for about 10% over the standard car.
South African Motorsport
Renault (Africa) managed good sales penetration increases amongst the madly motor sport minded South African public with their active racing and ralling participation and sponsorship program, offering a multitude of Gordini and Alconi race components. During the years 1963-69 when the R8 model was sold, they won seven overall 1st Saloon car to finish trophies in the annual Kyalami International 9 hour Endurance Races (3 x 4th overall, 1 x 5th overall, 3 x 9th overall). The competition included many international purpose built sports cars (Ferraris, Jaguars, Porsches, Cobras). Also three overall wins in the annual International Total Lourenco Marques Rallies.[3]
The name
The name "Alconi" was obtained by combining the names of the developers, John Conchie and Eric 'Puddles' Adler, who traded as "Alconi Developments". At present these cars are quite popular with collector car enthusiasts.
Additional Information
- The Renault Alconi story[4]
- (South African) "Car" magazine 1967 road tests the 'new' Renault 10 Alconi[5]
- "Cars in Action" Magazine, August 2010: ...Renaults answer was to team up and produce the highly successful Alconi...the South African homologated Alconi was winning some races outright...[6]
- "Shell" bulletin on the contents of the R8 Alconi kit, with fitting instructions[7]
- Photographs of Renault 8 & 10s, Alconis and Gordinis[8]
- "Cars in Action" Magazine, August 2010: History of Saloon Car Racing in South Africa[9]
- "Cars in Action" Magazine, December, 2010: Alconi, the supercharged sensation[10]
- Renault classic cars discussion forum[11]
- Renault Alconi Collector cars for sale & wanted in South Africa[12]
References
- ^ The Renault Alconi Story
- ^ Comparison tests of R8, R10, Alconi, Gordini 1100 and Gordini 1255 w 5 speed
- ^ Renault R8 motorsport achievements in South Africa
- ^ The Renault Alconi Story
- ^ The 'new' R10 Alconi Road Test by South African "Car" Magazine, 1967, describing performance, production and availability. See "This special South African model has made its mark since the original Renault 8 Alconi was launched....and hundreds have been built.....new performance model was developed by Adler and Conchie... in consultation with Renault Africa....an official Renault Africa production model coming from the assembly line complete...."
- ^ "Cars in Action" Magazine, August 2010 (page of article) references Renault Africa's answer was producing the homologated Renault Alconi, and some of the successes obtained
- ^ "Shell" bulletin 43 with Components of the Alconi Kit
- ^ Photographs of various Alconis and Gordinis
- ^ History of Renault Alconi and Gordini Racing in SA, "Cars in Action" Magazine, August2010(Page of article)
- ^ Supercharged Alconi and Gordini joins Racing in SA, "Cars in Action" Magazine, December 2010 (Page of article)
- ^ Discussion forum on Historic Renaults and their Racing in South Africa
- ^ Alconi collector cars for sale and wanted