| IKA-Renault Torino | |
|---|---|
 IKA Torino 380 coupé (1966-1970) | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | IKA (1966–1975) Renault Argentina (1975–1981) |
| Production | 1966–1981 |
| Assembly | Santa Isabel,Córdoba Province,Argentina |
| Designer | Dick Teague andPininfarina |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Mid-size |
| Body style | 2-doorhardtopcoupé 4-doorsedan |
| Layout | FR layout |
| Related | Rambler American (third generation) |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine |
|
| Transmission | 4-speedZFmanual |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 107.2 in (2,723 mm) |
| Length | 4,724 mm (186.0 in) |
| Width | 1,798 mm (70.8 in) |
| Height | 1,410 mm (55.5 in) |
| Curb weight | 1,060–1,471 kg (2,337–3,243 lb) |
TheIKA Torino, later renamed asRenault Torino, is amid-sizedautomobile made byIndustrias Kaiser Argentina (IKA) between 1966 and 1981, under an agreement withAmerican Motors Corporation (AMC). The 1966 Torino was IKA's first national product. IKA was eventually bought out byRenault in 1975 to formRenault Argentina S.A.
The Torino was built on the same hybrid AMCplatform through 1981 in both two-doorhardtop and four-doorsedan variants. It has been described as "Argentina's national car".[1]
In 1961, IKA (Industrias Kaiser Argentina) was looking for a car that could break into the Argentinian market, a car that could combine American reliability with European elegance. The automaker provided two1965 Rambler Americans (a coupe hardtop and a sedan) toPininfarina seeking styling updates. The new design largely maintained the general shape of the original Rambler with a completely new interior and facelifted "European" grille and rear end.[2]
The car was presented on 30 November 1966, at theAutódromo Juan y Oscar Gálvez racing circuit, and was marketed as the quintessential Argentinian car. The Torino proved popular throughout the 1960s and the 1970s. It continued to be produced after IKA was bought out by Renault.[3]
Renault continued the production until the early 1980s. In 1978, the Argentinian automobile market began to slow down considerably. This coincided with the relaxation of trade restrictions and the introduction of foreign-made cars. The Torino was unable to compete with the newer, cheaper, more reliable foreign models. Production of the Torino line ended in 1982.[2]
A total of 99,792 two and four-door IKA Torinos were built.[4]
All engines were manufactured in Argentina.
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A marketing effort was established by IKA, known as the "Argentine Mission of 1969" with coordination by engineerOreste Berta and under the leadership ofJuan Manuel Fangio because competing in auto racing was viewed as an investment in brand image.[5]
The IKA Torino's most notable international success was in theMarathon de la Route race of 1969, with a Torino finishing in fourth place.[6]
The factory modified three cars by reducing their weight from 1,407 to 1,365 kg (3,102 to 3,009 lb) and increasing the engine output to 250 hp (186 kW; 253 PS) at 5200 rpm to give them a top speed of 230 km/h (143 mph) as well as suspension adjustments using wider tires.[5] The three cars were shipped to Germany and given numbers 1, 2, and 3 due to Fangio's renown in Europe as well as a special classification due to the car's larger engine displacement.[5]
After the three and a half days of racing, the No. 3 Torino that was driven byEduardo Copello,Alberto Rodriguez Larreta, and Oscar Mauricio Franco, had covered the most laps of all – 334, but lost the top position because they accumulated various penalties during the race.[7] The IKA Torino became "the pride and joy of Argentine car enthusiasts" when their country's team "showed that it could run with the best of Europe on Europe’s toughest circuit."[7] This became "one of the great feats of Argentine motorsport having managed to gather the support of the entire national industry in a feat that showed the world the potential of this model built entirely in the country."[5]
The No. 3 car is displayed in theJuan Manuel Fangio Museum located inBalcarce, Buenos Aires Province, the birthplace of Argentina's Fangio who dominated the first decade ofFormula One racing. When not competing on race tracks, Fangio's daily diver was a 1970 IKA Torino 380S four-door sedan.[8] The car was a gift after the 1969 Nürburgring 84-hour race and Fangio drove it until he became president of Mercedes-Benz Argentina in 1974. the car remained in Fangio's name until his death in 1995 and then kept within his family until 2013.[9] The car was auctioned with no reserve at the Silverstone NEC Classic Motor Show Sale in Birmingham, England for £28,175, or about $45,000.[10]
The IKA Torino won theTurismo Carretera, a popular touring car racing series in Argentina in 1967 withEduardo Copello, 1969 withGastón Perkins, 1970 and 1971 withRubén Luis di Palma and 2022 withJosé Manuel Urcera.
The Torino is still being raced, albeit insilhouette form with Jeep Cherokee engines, in the ArgentinianTurismo Carretera and other series.
By the late 1970s, the Torino was the only non-Renault product manufactured by the French company. It could also be considered the lastfront-engine, rear-wheel drive Renault, a rarity in itself.[11]
Many Argentines think of the Torino as the national car.[12][13] Parts are still available and there are fan clubs.
The appeal of the IKA Torino to collectors outside of Argentina is limited because exporting one is difficult due to numerous registration and ownership regulations.[14]
... from its birth until now, it is the only model that has remained in the memory of Argentines.
Torino 380, a legendary racing car made by Industrias Kaiser Argentina. Some people consider it the country's national car, noted Coelho, adding proudly, 'It represents us.'
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