Faults:

The gearbox went, a head gasket, the clutch, and the starter motor; not much else beyond routine issues.

General Comments:

When I bought this car for $650 the seller had had the engine rebuilt, fitted a Renault 10 transaxle, with a 4 speed synchronised gearbox, and disc brakes. Converted to 12 volt.

I drove the Dauphine all over the east coast of Australia; twice from Melbourne to Brisbane and back. With the 10 box, 4th gear was like an overdrive; it would get to 100kph (eventually) and sit there all day (until you hit a hill). When a truck passed in the other direction at speed, you'd grip the wheel tightly, as she's not very heavy. When the starter motor went (turning over at twice the speed with 12 volt), I drove it for about 6 months just roll starting it or using the crank!

Driving the Dauphine was always fun. Super-light steering, funny little front seats which made the car feel bigger inside than it was. The engine was easy to work on. No oil filter, so oil changes every 2-3000km were necessary. Radial tyres are essential; on crossplies it was a pig.

Why did I sell her? No idea.

Faults:

When I first purchased the car (for NZ$750) the fuel was not reaching the engine, so after replacing the fuel line, and spark plugs, she runs again!

General Comments:

With 'exciting' handling on its original tires, we decided to change the tires to new radials that were brought off a friend.

Now the Renault Queen is stable, reliable and with that rear engine, it is really fun to drive.

Faults:

Main problem is the rear end. The cars are very sensitive to rear supension wear. The wear usually causes the rear end to come out of alignment and causes vibration. The car has a 6 volt system, which always needs attention.

General Comments:

It is an old car, but a lot of fun on twisty roads. On the open road it just does not have the power and it is very noisy, with the engine in the rear.