Gordini Formula 1 Engines
Founder: Amédée Gordini (1899-1979)
Nation: France
First GP: Monaco 1950
Last GP: Italy 1956
Best Result: 3rd (1952 Dutch GP)
Best Grid Position: 3rd
Championship Performance
1952 Season
Highlight: Robert Manzon 6th in championship
Best Result: 3rd (Dutch GP)
1956 Season
Final Year: 5 entries
Best Result: 7th (Argentine GP)
Note: No Constructors’ Championship existed during Gordini’s F1 participation
Technical Evolution
Simca Gordini 15C (1950-1952)
Type: Inline-4
Displacement: 1,491 cm³
Power: 195 hp @ 6,500 rpm
Notable: First French post-war F1 engine
Gordini 20 (1952-1953)
Type: Inline-6
Displacement: 1,988 cm³
Power: 160 hp @ 7,000 rpm
Weight: Heavy for 2L formula
Gordini 25 (1955-1956)
Type: Inline-8
Displacement: 2,474 cm³
Power: 260 hp @ 7,500 rpm
Legacy: Most powerful French engine of its era
Notable Drivers
Historical Significance
Post-War French Pride
Represented France’s automotive resurgence after WWII
Technical Innovation
Pioneered multi-cylinder configurations in F1
Key Achievements
- First French constructor to score F1 points (1950 Swiss GP)
- Only French engine manufacturer in early F1 years
- Developed France’s first 8-cylinder racing engine
- Trained generation of French drivers and engineers
Legacy
Renault Connection
Gordini became Renault’s performance division in 1968
Technical Influence
Inline-8 design influenced later French engines
“We were racing with our hearts, not with our budgets. Every finish felt like a victory against the giants.” – Robert Manzon
Challenges Faced
Limited Resources
Small workshop vs factory teams like Ferrari/Alfa Romeo
Reliability Issues
Only 17 finishes from 40 entries (42.5% completion rate)
Power Deficit
Gordini 260hp vs Ferrari’s 300+hp in same era
Final Race: 1956 Italian GP
Driver: Robert Manzon
Car: Gordini Type 32
Engine: Gordini 25 2.5L I8
Result: Retired (Engine failure)
