Dardo (automobile)
The Dardo was an Argentinian automobile manufactured by Industrias Kaiser Argentina (IKA) in Córdoba. Production occurred in the late 1960s and early 1970s. The Dardo was essentially a modified and restyled Renault Dauphine, retaining the Dauphine's mechanical components and rear-engine configuration. IKA aimed to create a more modern and appealing aesthetic compared to the Dauphine, which was already an older design by that point.
The restyling involved a redesigned front and rear, with a focus on cleaner lines and a less rounded appearance. While the underlying chassis and engine remained the same, the Dardo offered a different visual experience. The car was marketed as a more contemporary and budget-friendly option within IKA's product range.
Despite the updated styling, the Dardo did not achieve widespread commercial success and production numbers were relatively low. It is considered a noteworthy example of IKA's efforts to adapt and localize existing European car designs for the Argentinian market.