| Production | |
|---|---|
| Model Year: | 1956 |
| Production Years: | 1956 - 1967 discontinued in 1967 |
Precise measurements of the 1956 Renault Dauphine, engineered for optimal performance and comfort
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 3937 mm155.0 in12.9 ft |
| Width: | 1524 mm60.0 in5.0 ft |
| Height: | 1448 mm57.0 in4.8 ft |
| Ground Clearance: | 152 mm6.0 in0.5 ft |
| Trunk Capacity: | 198 liter7.0 cu ft |
| Weight Specifications | |
| Curb Weight: | 635 kg1400 lbs |
The Renault Dauphine, produced between 1956 and 1967, is a classic French compact sedan known for its small yet practical design. Measuring 3937 mm (154.9 inches) in length, 1524 mm (60 inches) in width, and 1448 mm (57 inches) in height, the Dauphine offered a compact footprint ideal for urban driving and easy parking. Despite its modest size, it featured a luggage capacity of 198 liters (approximately 7 cubic feet), making it practical for daily use and light travel. Weighing just 635 kg (about 1,400 lbs), the Dauphine was light, contributing to its fuel efficiency and nimble handling. Its ride height, or ground clearance, was 152 mm (6 inches), sufficient for the road conditions of its era. The Renault Dauphine remains a beloved example of post-war European automotive design, valued for its economical size and charming styling. Perfect for enthusiasts and collectors, the Dauphine represents an important chapter in Renault's history as a small family car during the mid-20th century.
Discover the standout features that make the 1956 Renault Dauphine a leader in its class
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The Renault Dauphine sedan produced between 1956 and 1967 has a compact and efficient size suitable for urban driving. The car's length measures 3,937 mm (approximately 155 inches or 13 feet), its width is 1,524 mm (about 60 inches or 5 feet), and the height stands at 1,448 mm (roughly 57 inches or 4 feet 9 inches). These dimensions make it a small car by modern standards, designed primarily for maneuverability and ease of parking in crowded city environments.
The Renault Dauphine weighs in at just 635 kg (approximately 1,399 pounds). This relatively low curb weight contributes to the car's nimble and light handling characteristics, making it responsive on the road despite its modest engine power. The lightweight nature of the Dauphine also helps improve fuel efficiency and ease of maneuvering, particularly important for a small city car from the mid-20th century.
The luggage capacity of the Renault Dauphine is 198 liters (around 7 cubic feet). While not large by today's standards, this trunk space is adequate for small grocery trips or light luggage, consistent with the car's role as a compact urban sedan. Its rear-engine layout may influence internal space usability, but overall, the luggage room meets the basic needs of daily commuting and short trips.
The Renault Dauphine features a ground clearance of 152 mm (about 6 inches), which is typical for small cars of its era. This ride height allows the vehicle to handle standard road imperfections and urban street conditions reasonably well, though it may not be suitable for rough or off-road terrain. The balance between a low center of gravity and adequate clearance contributes to stable handling and comfort during everyday driving.
Yes, the Renault Dauphine's compact dimensions ensure that it fits comfortably into a typical residential garage. With a length of 3,937 mm (155 inches) and a width of 1,524 mm (60 inches), it occupies less space than many modern sedans, making parking and storage convenient. Most standard garages, which usually accommodate vehicles up to about 5,000 mm in length and 2,400 mm in width, will easily house the Dauphine with ample clearance around it.
Compared to its predecessor, the Renault 4CV, the Dauphine is slightly larger in all major dimensions, providing a bit more interior space and comfort. The 4CV measured around 3,670 mm in length, whereas the Dauphine extends to 3,937 mm. Its width and height are also greater, contributing to a more spacious cabin experience and improved passenger comfort. This increase was an important evolution aimed at catering to growing demand for slightly more room in compact cars.
When compared to similar compact sedans from the 1950s, such as the Volkswagen Beetle or Fiat 500, the Renault Dauphine sits in a comparable size and weight class. For instance, the classic Beetle was roughly 4,079 mm in length and weighed about 840 kg, making the Dauphine a bit shorter and lighter. This lower weight and smaller footprint gave the Dauphine an advantage in city maneuverability and fuel economy, competing well in the small car market of its time.
The Renault Dauphine was designed as a rear-engined compact sedan, which heavily influenced its external and internal dimensions. Its small size was optimized for city driving, while the rear-engine allowed more interior space relative to overall length. The modest height and width contribute to its aerodynamic profile and ease of handling. The design prioritized efficient use of space, compactness, and simplicity, ensuring it could meet the transportation needs of post-war European markets.
Despite its compact exterior dimensions—length of 3,937 mm, width of 1,524 mm, and height of 1,448 mm—the Renault Dauphine offers a surprisingly practical interior space for its size. The car was designed to comfortably accommodate four adults, with seating optimized given the vehicle's proportions. However, rear legroom and headroom are modest, reflecting the period's design priorities. Its efficient packaging balances the need for comfort within a tight urban-friendly footprint.
The Renault Dauphine's small dimensions and light curb weight of 635 kg contribute to nimble and responsive handling, with the rear-engine layout providing decent traction under normal driving conditions. While not a sports car by any means, its compact size allows easy maneuvering through narrow streets and tight parking spots. The modest engine power delivered adequate performance for city commuting and light highway driving, consistent with the car's intended use in its era.
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