Dacia Cars

Automobile Dacia S.A. is a car maker based in Romania; its name comes from the historic moniker of the region. Today, Dacia Cars is a Renault subsidiary, and it is the main exporter of automobiles from Romania. The company was founded in 1966, with the help of Renault. The primary factory was built in Colibasi in 1968, and Dacia bought the basic design and tooling of the Renault 12.

Until the tooling for that vehicle was ready, Dacia built the Renault 8 under a licensing deal; it was rebadged as the Dacia 1100. From 1968-72, there were over 44,000 Dacias produced, only undergoing minor cosmetic changes. The 1100S, with its dual headlights and more powerful motor, was produced in limited numbers; it was used in racing and by police.

In 1969, the first Dacia 1300 was exhibited at Bucharest and Paris shows, and Romanians loved the car's reliability and modern styling. In 1970, there were a few Dacia variants: the 1300, the 1300L, and the 1301 Lux Super, which had a heated rear window, a radio, and mirrors on both doors. However, the Lux was reserved exclusively for the higher-ups of the Communist party.

As the export market opened, changes came. In 1973, the 1300 Break was introduced; it came in various trim models such as the 1300F, the 1300S, and the Dacia 1302 truck. Until 1982, 2,000 examples were made. Dacia also made the D6, which was a version of Renault's Estafette van. In the early 80s, the Renault 20 was rebadged as the Dacia 2000, another vehicle reserved for the Communist party.

Dacia's designers continued to come up with new and innovative ideas, many of which were cloaked in secrecy. Prototype models such as the Mini Dacia 500cc, a 1310 variant, and a 1310 limousine were produced- the limousine remains on the road today. These cars are loved by Dacia aficionados, and the Internet is full of forums concerning the many rare Dacias made during the 1980s.