Gordini Logo

Founded in Paris in 1946 under the leadership of Italian engineer Amedeo Gordini, the company originally specialized in optimizing engines and creating additional equipment for racing cars. This earned Gordini a reputation as a leader in automotive tuning. In the 1950s, the company began building a line of sports cars, such as the Type 11 and Type 17 and quickly gained prominence on the motorsports circuit.

In 1957, Gordini joined forces with Renault to produce improved versions of Renault consumer cars under the Gordini brand. This partnership continued throughout the 1960s when Gordini continued to improve engines, took an active part in the development of cars for Renault’s Alpine sub-brand, and even participated in Formula 1 racing.

The relationship between the two companies was strengthened in 1968 when Renault acquired a controlling interest in Gordini, turning it into a fully-fledged subsidiary. From that point on, the focus began to be on improving Renault’s sports car lineup. By the mid-1970s, Gordini was fully integrated into Renault’s motorsport wing and renamed Renault Sport in 1976.

Although the company no longer exists as an independent entity, the Gordini name continues to be a hallmark of the Renault sports car brand. To this day, it is a reminder of Renault’s rich racing tradition and its commitment to creating high-speed and exciting French cars.