The exhibition not to be missed during your visit to Rétromobile is that of the Gordini saga. Some of the racing cars produced between 1937 and 1971 by the brilliant Franco-Italian engineer are honored in an exceptional retrospective.
One of the star attractions of this 46th edition of Rétromobile is “The fabulous Gordini saga”. Thanks to the National Automobile Museum, the Schlumpf Collection and the historian Christian Huet, discover a retrospective of all the works designed by the engineer Amédée Gordini between 1937 and 1971.
>> The Gordini saga at Rétromobile in pictures <<
Racing models…
Gordini Type Simca Five (1937).
Freshly arrived from Italy in 1925, the brilliant Amédée Gordini cut his teeth in France in a Bugatti and Hispano-Suiza garage in Saint-Cloud (92). It was only 12 years later, in 1937, that the Gordini saga began with the collaboration of Simca. His first creation, based on Simca Cinq, notably won the same year, as well as the following, the 24 Hours of Le Mans in the 750cc category.3. For this feat, Gordini is given the nickname “Sorcerer”.
In addition to endurance races, Amédée is interested in the Formula 1 Grand Prix, putting an end to the partnership with Simca. From 1951, Amédée Gordini therefore became independent. Two single-seaters are to be found at the exhibition. A 1952 Gordini Type 16 with a 228 hp 2.5 straight-six and a 1956 Type 32 with a 250 hp 2.5 straight-eight. Apart from a 3th place in the Grand Prix des Frontières (Belgium) in 1953 for the Type 16, the two single-seaters did not meet with as much success as their counterparts in endurance.
Gordini Type 16/24 (1952/1954). The “Sorcerer” Gordini started in Formula 1 in 1950 after becoming independent from Simca.
…to those on the road
Renault Dauphine Gordini (1957).
Faced with fierce competition from Ferrari and Mercedes in Formula 1, and due to a lack of financial resources, Gordini was forced to give up motor racing in 1957, after more than 600 events. A year earlier, Renault miraculously opened its doors to the magician with the aim of bewitching the engine of the cars at the Losange. This new adventure begins with the Dauphine Gordini, exhibited on the stand at Retromobile 2022. As one could read on an advertisement at the time, the small sedan is ” a car with dizzying brilliance, which puts motorsport within the reach of all enthusiasts “.
Then came in 1964, one of his most famous creations, the R8 Gordini. The sports car with two white stripes has become a rallying icon and distinguished itself countless times between 1964 and 1970. Its descendant, the R12 Gordini, was the last car to pass under the engineer’s magic wand. The stand of the Gordini saga also exhibits a truck from the Gordini team. This is a replica of the Lancia Type 3 RO mil. 564B from 1943, used by the Franco-Italian engineer for his trips to sporting events. The utility could carry two cars in the back plus a third in a trailer. The engine had obviously not remained original and had been pushed to 100 hp instead of 91. This allowed it to be able to spin up to 110 km/h.
Lancia Type 3 RO mil. 564B (1943).
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