On the road
Launching a new wet-liner engine with aluminium head in the R8 gave Renault a power advantage over rivals, aided by low overall weight. Check the engine starts easily from cold, because the automatic choke can be unreliable; carb specialists can help. The ‘sealed’ cooling system was an innovation shared with the R4, featuring a separate expansion tank for top-up hidden under a removable grommet. It certainly needs checking for level and signs of oil getting in or overheating. Confirm the specification of the unit fitted: later transplants are common and likely to give more performance, though sacrificing originality. Gordini engine parts are more highly strung – check for condition and spec.
The rare automatic, with an electro-magnetic clutch operating an all-synchro three-speed ’box, is jerky in operation with quite slow changes.
Light weight meant little self-centring on the steering, so Renault added springs to help, which takes acclimatisation. Inspect the rack for wear, and dampers for weakness. Cars showing negative camber at the back may not have been lowered: the gearbox mountings are in shear and the wheels splay out when they fail.
Both brakes and clutch were quite heavy when new and, even with the limiting valve operating correctly, the overly powerful front discs can lock – beware a faulty or missing valve, or poor tyres. New Michelins are available, but Cinturatos were preferred in period; fitting 13in alloys widens tyre choice. The handbrake linkage is prone to seizing, as are the Bendix calipers (£200 exchange), though rebuild kits are available.