Dacia

Dacia is a Romanian car manufacturer, named after the historic region that constitutes much of present-day Romania. Nowadays it is a subsidiary of the French car maker Renault, that has a stake of over 92% in the Dacia factory.

The Dacia factory started the activity in the 1968 . The factory, located in Pitesti, Arges district, was born by a collaboration with Renault, a Western automotive factory. These Romanian cars are sold in Romania and other Eastern countries (except Russia), as Poland, Czech Republic, Hungary, Bulgaria. Many cars were exported also in Africa and South America.

The first Dacia acquired the tooling and basic designs of the Renault 12. However, until the tooling was ready it was decided to produce the Renault 8 under license; the model was known as the Dacia 1100.

The production of Dacia 1100 motor-car, according to the license contract, actually consisted in painting the bodywork, assembling the bodywork brought from France, general assembling, testing the cars, reception and delivery, as none of the parts were made in Romania. Compared to the Renault 8, Dacia 1100 was almost identical. Between the head-lights, a chrome plated rod containing the mark of Pitesti Automobiles Plant, an eagle, was placed. Type 1100S, was the version of Dacia 1100 made especially for racing, and it was produced in a small series. The engine was prepared for racing, it had a 4 head-lights battery and wider tires.

Dacia 1100 had been produced until the end of 1971, and about 38,000 cars were manufactured in Romania.
After a few years, Dacia 1100 was abandoned to produce a car of higher level: in 1969, the series of Dacia "1210/1310/1410" was launched. The car was the simple copy of the Renault "12", produced also in Turkey (under the name "Toros") and in Argentina. During the time, it was modified with new rear and front lights. Dacia also had a station-wagon (Break) version equipped with the engine of the old VW "Golf", 1.6 turbo diesel, 70 hp.
Starting from August 1969, Dacia 1300 begun to be assembled. The car was simultaneously exhibited , at EREN, in October 1969, Bucharest, and at the Auto Show in Paris (as Renault 12).

At the beginning, this type was produced with French parts, which were due to be implemented in the domestic industry up to 100%. From 1970, Dacia 1300 had three endowment alternatives: 1300-Standard, 1300-Super, and 1301. Type 1301 was especially made for members of the Romanian Communist Party (PCR).

During the Communist era, in the plant where Dacia was made, there were two assembly lines: one line producing Dacia intended for sale in Romania and the other line producing the same car (but with superior materials and parts, and put together with greater care) for export. It is common knowledge that many Romanians living near the Hungarian border purchased their Dacia in Hungary and drove it back home.