Alfa Romeo Ondine

Category:

Description

The Alfa Romeo Ondine was a unique version of the Renault Dauphine, rebadged and sold by Alfa Romeo in Italy during the early 1960s. At the time, Alfa Romeo was primarily known for producing sporty and high-performance cars, but the Ondine was part of a strategy to expand the brand’s offerings into the economy car market.

Mechanically, the Alfa Romeo Ondine remained nearly identical to the Renault Dauphine. It featured a rear-mounted 845 cc inline-four engine, producing around 32 horsepower, paired with a four-speed manual transmission. This setup allowed for modest performance, with a top speed of approximately 120 km/h (75 mph), making it suitable for urban commuting and everyday driving.

Visually, the car retained the Dauphine’s rounded, compact bodywork, which was known for its clean lines and simple elegance. Some subtle Alfa Romeo badging and trim details distinguished it from the standard Renault model. The interior was designed for practicality, offering seating for four and a minimalist dashboard layout.

The Alfa Romeo Ondine was a rare departure from the company’s traditional focus on performance cars, and it remains a little-known chapter in Alfa Romeo’s history. While it never achieved the same level of enthusiasm as Alfa Romeo’s sports cars, it served as an interesting example of the brand’s brief venture into more affordable, everyday vehicles.

Additional information

Manufacturer

Alfa Romeo

Country

Italy

Production Started

1961

Production Stopped

1963

Vehicle Type

Bodystyle

Sedan

Number of Doors

4

Number of Seats

4

Top Speed

72 mph (116 kph)

0-60 mph (0-100 kph)

38.5 s

Power

21 / 28 / 28 @ 4500 rpm

Torque

58 / 43 @ 2000 rpm

Engine Manufacturer

Alfa Romeo

Engine

Inline 4

Engine Location

Front

Engine Displacement

845 cc (51.3 cu in)

Valvetrain

DOHC

Valves per Cylinder

2

Bore / Stroke

58 x 80 mm (2.283 x 3.15 in)

Compression Ratio

8:1

Cooling System

Water

Charging System

Fuel Type

Petrol

Fuel System

Carburator, 1 x Solex

Aspiration

Normal

Fuel Capacity

Drive

Rear

Transmission

M4

Steering

Front Brakes

Rear Brakes

Front Suspension

Rear Suspension

Tyre Dimensions

Chassis

Weight

670 kg (1477 lb)

Length

3960 mm (155.9 in)

Width

1520 mm (59.8 in)

Height

1435 mm (56.5 in)

Wheelbase

2270 mm (89.4 in)