Renault Dauphine 1956–1967 car dimensions: 3937 mm long, 1524 mm wide and 1441 mm high. Unladen weight is 650 kg. Boot space with the seats up is 200 litres.
The cabin seats four or five with adjustable front buckets and a rear bench. A heater is standard, upgraded over the years for better performance. The dash is simple and painted, with open bins instead of a glovebox, twin courtesy lamps and a white steering wheel on early cars. Higher trims like the Ondine add better seat adjustments, black dash and wheel, plusher fabrics and more chrome. No electronic driver aids appear in any specs.
The boot sits at the front and holds around 200 litres. The spare wheel stores flat underneath, behind a panel below the bumper, leaving the main space clear. Some later or luxury versions line the compartment.
Payload reaches 370 kg on a kerb weight near 630-650 kg and gross weight of 1000 kg. The car suits light family or everyday loads but no towing figures or heavy-duty options show in published specs.
The cabin seats four with adjustable front bucket seats that give adequate support though the seat area feels small. A rear bench completes the layout. Vinyl or cloth upholstery comes in cheerful colours with painted metal surfaces and a simple uncluttered dashboard matching the exterior. Twin open bins replace a glovebox. A heater with demister ducts and fan works well once the engine is warm, and twin courtesy lamps light the space. The large rear window keeps the interior bright while the flat floor and upright driving position add usable room for the car's size.
Petrol engine with reported economy around 6.5 l/100 km or 37-45 mpg.
Fuel tank holds about 32 litres for a range near 300 miles.
Hydraulic drum brakes on all four wheels.
Monocoque body with independent suspension all round.
Steering-column ignition lock standard. childproof door locks from 1961.
Simple mechanics with available workshop manuals and lubrication charts.
The rear-mounted 845 cc petrol engine returns thrifty running in everyday use. Period tests and data sheets list combined figures near 6.5 litres per 100 km, with hard driving still yielding over 40 mpg Imperial. The tank sits under the rear seat and holds roughly seven Imperial gallons, giving a practical cruising range.
Servicing follows a clear lubrication chart and maintenance calendar supplied with the car. Oil, filters, points and chassis greasing form the routine. The engine is accessible under the rear lid and parts remain straightforward. Workshop manuals cover the full generation including later four-speed and Gordini variants.
Safety equipment matches the era. Four-wheel hydraulic drums provide the stopping power. The monocoque structure was crash-tested in development. A steering lock deters theft and later cars gained childproof rear locks. Visibility is good thanks to large glass areas, though swing-axle rear suspension needs care in the wet.
Living with the car means watching for rust, especially on 1959-63 examples, and keeping the simple systems topped up. Regular oil checks, tyre pressures and brake adjustment keep it reliable. Detachable wings ease minor repairs and the light weight helps everyday running costs stay low.
Length 3937 mm, Width 1524 mm, Height 1441 mm, Wheelbase 2267 mm (Dauphine 1956–1967)
Sources: manufacturer data, en.wikipedia.org, auto-data.net, classicandsportscar.com.