IKA Renault Turin
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IKA Torino: A symbol of Argentine industry

By Costanza Martín de Compare at Casa Seguros

In the mid-60s - the story goes - the Kaiser Corporation of the United States no longer wanted to produce vehicles, leaving its South American subsidiary orphaned: Industrias Kaiser Argentina, better known as ika. This fact, together with a protectionist policy that prevented imports, put in check the mode of production of the company, already associated with Renault and American Motors.

The need arose then to develop a model that could be produced entirely in Argentina and that could compete commercially with the successful Ford Falcon and Chevrolet 400. Thus was born the legendary IKA Turin (1966-1982), beginning a story that up to the present time prints it as 'the great Argentine car' y 'the bull of the pampas'.

The before: three years of working with Fangio as a luxury godfather

From the beginning ika renault decided to take as its base the matrix of the Rambler American Rogue, a model of American Motors (AMC). To differentiate itself from its competitors, it was necessary to detach it from its distinctly American style, giving it a touch more 'Latin'.

For this, IKA relied on the work of none other than Batista 'Pinin' Farina, the iconic Italian designer. It was Juan Manuel Fangio -Family of Farina- who entrusted him with the task, carried out in just six days in the city of Torino, which would give the name and symbol to the new model.

The technical development of the engine was led by a young but already renowned Oreste Berta, who modified and adapted the Tornado engine of six cylinders (also of AMC), whose displacement varied between 3.000 and 3.800 cm3. The advanced developments that were made in the engine and the bodywork were presented as a guarantee of power and stability, surpassing the popular models of that time and allowing it to be thought of as a racing car.

IKA Torino's successful debut and initial low acceptance

The commercial launch of the car was at the end of 1966 at the Autódromo Municipal de Buenos Aires, where they were presented three models: a sedan, a coupe (with a 3.800cm3 engine) and a high-performance version (the Torino 380W) with three Weber DCOE 17 carburettors, which promised 210 km / h of top speed. The initial impact on sales and general public acceptance was quite positive.

Three months later (in February 1967) came the debut in competition, specifically in the Road Tourism category in a race called Vuelta de San Pedro. The official team consisted of three drivers: Eduardo Copello, Héctor Gradassi and Jorge Ternengo. To everyone's surprise, the trio of drivers took the podium, leaving IKA Torino in the first three places of the race. A more than promising start across the board.

However, despite its good performance, the Argentine fanaticism for the Ford and Chevrolet made, despite its results, IKA Torino was slow to win the affection of motorsport fans.

In fact, in their early races the spectators used to attack the runners of the 'bull of the pampas' throwing rocks and smashing their windshields. Sales of the urban models also did not hold up as in the beginning, so the team that developed the Torino found it necessary to give a international push to the brand. And again it was Juan Manuel Fangio who contributed his intelligence and practicality to even take it to Europe.

The 84 hours of the Nürburgring: a historic feat for fans of the country

Knowledgeable about the Nürburgring endurance race in Germany, Juan Manuel Fangio proposed to the IKA Renault team to enlist the Torino to compete and show your power. The team, also technically commanded by Oreste Berta, launched what was called “Misión Argentina”, which took three Torino 380W coupes to the famous and difficult 84-hour straight race held in August 1969.

And although having a good career and being at the height of the great international firms was already a success, Torino surprised again to competitors, technicians and organizers. The team remained in the lead for the first 56 hours and one of the three specimens was the one that made the most laps. Several penalties subtracted laps and he finished in fourth place, but this did not prevent Argentina from being perceived as a historic feat. The three 380W Torinos were received as 'heroes' and remained in the memory of many.

Prosperous years, decline and myth: the birth of the legend

After the 'heroic' return, Torino had several years of boom in sales and in the affection and acceptance of the public. Clubs of fans and supporters of the team proliferated throughout the country, filling the Argentine streets with the different models of Torino with varied equipment. But as symbolic power grew, the energy crisis and the rise of smaller-engined midsize cars (which didn't burn as much fuel) meant that lose commercial strength.

The last model (Torino ZX) was launched in 1979, already without the characteristic torus of the horn (replaced by the Renault rhombus) and with many modifications. Its production was discontinued three years later and Renault then turned to the development of the R-18.

IKA Renault Turin

But as with the great idols, the passing of the years only reinforced the myth and the cult of his unforgettable participation in the life and sport of the country. To this day, copies continue to circulate on the streets and highways. And beyond the detractors - which always exist - it is still revered by people of all ages. Everything seems to indicate that, as with great idols, Torino will never die.

Photography Credits: Author, Serge Miller, Diego Dacal, CDF94, Robert Fiadone, John Lloyd, CDF94,  John Lloyd, John lloyd

What do you think?

Written by Costanza Martin

I am Argentine, I am 28 years old and I am fond of the history of automobiles, especially when they acquire cultural and historical importance. I am the daughter of a true 'iron man', which is what we call car lovers here. I currently write for CompareInHome and I learn a little more about the wonderful world every day ...

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