The Donkervoort S8 was the second model from the Dutch firm, introduced in late 1983 to replace the S7. With the same dimensions as the Donkervoort Super Seven and a two-litre Ford engine, it was the first Donkervoort of real notice, the “Eight” implying an improvement on the Lotus Seven. Three versions were made – the S8, the S8A and the turbocharged S8AT – and production ran, model by model, until 1994.
Donkervoort S8 at a glance
| Maker | Donkervoort Automobielen, Loosdrecht, Netherlands |
|---|---|
| Production | 1983–1989 (S8); S8A to 1993; S8AT to 1994 |
| Predecessor | Donkervoort S7 |
| Engine | 2.0 L Ford of Europe inline-four |
| Gearbox | four-speed, five-speed from 1985 |
| Front axle | Donkervoort design from 1985 |
| Rear axle | Ford Capri from 1985 |
| Turbo version | S8AT, 170 hp (127 kW), from 1986 |
| Dimensions | the same as the Donkervoort Super Seven |
| S8A | wider front track and independent rear suspension |
| Succeeded by | Donkervoort D8 in 1993 |
The article on the S8 is short; most of the technical detail comes from the S7/S8 section of the company article.
History of the Donkervoort S8
Introduced in late 1983
The S8 and the later S8A were the first Donkervoorts of notice, with the “Eight” implying an improvement over the Lotus Seven. Of exactly the same dimensions as the Donkervoort Super Seven, these cars originally used a two-litre inline-four engine from Ford of Europe. The company had moved from its Tienhoven shed to a larger factory in Loosdrecht in 1983, the year the S8 appeared.
The 1985 update and the S8A
In 1985 the S8 was upgraded with a five-speed gearbox, a Donkervoort-designed front axle and a rear axle from the Ford Capri. The S8A was introduced that same year with a wider front track and independent rear suspension, distinguished by refreshed styling and new adhesive-based manufacturing. Production of the S8 ended in 1989, and the S8A was discontinued in 1993.
The turbocharged S8AT
Responding to the need for more power, Donkervoort introduced a turbocharged version of the S8A in 1986. The S8AT is identifiable by the profusion of vents and openings used to cool the engine, and its output rose to 170 hp (127 kW). It was improved in 1988, receiving the chassis and the larger engine from the D10, and remained on sale until it was discontinued in 1994. The S8 was replaced in the range by the D10 in 1988, and that model in turn gave way to the D8 in 1993.
Design and features
- Ford two-litre power: an inline-four from Ford of Europe, with a five-speed gearbox added in 1985.
- Upgraded running gear: from 1985 a Donkervoort front axle and a Ford Capri rear axle.
- S8A chassis: a wider front track and independent rear suspension.
- S8AT: turbocharging took output to 170 hp (127 kW), with extra vents and openings for cooling.
- Easy access to more power: the 1988 S8AT took its chassis and larger engine from the D10.
Donkervoort S8 versions
- S8 (1983–1989): the original two-litre car, four-speed gearbox until 1985.
- S8, 1985 specification: five-speed gearbox, Donkervoort front axle, Capri rear axle.
- S8A (1985–1993): wider front track, independent rear suspension, new styling, adhesive-based construction.
- S8AT (1986–1994): turbocharged S8A with 170 hp (127 kW); updated in 1988 with D10 chassis and engine.
The S8 replaced the first Donkervoort, the S7, and the line led on to the Donkervoort D8. More cars are in the Donkervoort collection.
Video: Donkervoort S8 tour from Castellane to the Lac de Castillon
Video on YouTube.
Sources
- Donkervoort S8, English Wikipedia: production years, the three versions, successors
- Donkervoort, English Wikipedia: 1985 update, S8A and S8AT details, factory move
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