Renault 12 Gordini: Front paws in need of lion claws

Image: The Shannons Club

Renault’s mighty R8 Gordini powered through the 1970 Australian Rally season to take the championship, giving Renault a huge boost in sales and branding.

So they brought their R12 Gordini back in 1972, hoping to bring the fight again in the rugged Australian series. Two years had passed, however, and competition was tougher and faster than ever.

Holden had been hard at work in the interim, developing their LC Torana GTR-XU-1 into a fierce, fast and rugged competition beast. And for 1972 they had upgraded it to the LJ, with a larger and more potent 3.3-litre hot six.

Renault had the commitment and motorsport prodigy, but their front-engined, front wheel drive 12 Gordini was in for a rough season. Enjoy its story in Renault 12 Gordini: Front paws in need of lion claws at the Shannons Club.

Via the Shannons Club

Image via the Shannons Club