R1132 1108cc R8. I have owned this car for 32 years and conducted a 10yr Bare Metal, ground up restoration in late 90's/early 2000's. All mechanicals (engine, gearbox and suspension renewed); painted in its' current Neo Green paintwork and trim professionally restored - seats, carpet, headlining all renewed. The car was put back on the road in 2004 and has been a regular participant in club events, drives, display days both in NSW and interstate.
Car has one major awards at annual concours events held by the French car club community. Regularly driven hence the bodywork is starting to show its' age with minor stone chips on front panel and/or the odd "car park" dent from regular use although the car still presents well for the age of the restoration as can be seen by the photos.
Inspections welcome. Full folder of receipts during my ownership, workshop manuals (factory and aftermarket) come with the car.
Car sits on brand new Michelin ZX tyres and tubes (May 2026 at a cost of $1600) and is ready to drive away and create your own adventures. Car is on Club plates presently (non-transferable) and will come with a hard copy pink Slip to either fully register or put onto club plates with your club (NSW).
R8's a charming example of character-full rear-engined classic sedans representing the quirky appeal of French motoring in the 1960's. Better appointed than most of the Australian "Big three" of the era and its direct competitors in the market at that time. Originally built in Melbourne from an imported kit. Odometer states 89600 miles (not warranted due to lack of prior history when purchased).
Inside, the luxurious seats were completely rebuilt and reupholstered during the restoration in 2004 along with new carpet, headlining. The original door cards were symphatically renewed with new door card backing; the original embossed material reglued to new backing, and then sprayed with tan vinyl paint to match the new seat trim. The dash padding was restored as was the dash panel and instruments. The drivers seat has minor wear from use since 2004 but is still in good condition.
Please refer to photo gallery to assess the exterior and interior condition. Vehicle has been either self-serviced or performed by Colliers Automotive in Granville during my ownership. Extensive receipt history comes with car.
The most recent Pink Slip inspection was completed on 05/06/2026 with no issues reported.
Renault R8 is a distinctive and characterful rear-engined classic French joy offering engaging driving characteristics and charm. Timeless colour scheme of dark green and tan interior, with black carpeting throughout. All rust present at time of restoration was cut out and professionally repaired and the bodywork prepared to what is known as "file finish" meaning any body filler used was for a light skim to cover file marks only. The car has had one minor accident in my ownership when it was parked at a repairers and was reversed into (LHS rear). This was professionally repaired under insurance (circa 2009). It has a few modern upgrades (such as hazard lights, two speed wipers and electronic windscreen washers) all tastefully made whilst keeping the originality wherever possible.
Would make an enjoyable addition to a classic collection oe an endearing companion for relaxed weekend drives and car shows; or do a light makeover and be a concours winner again.