The Andino is a significant Argentine automotive brand established in 1967 by the designer Luis M. G. Varela in collaboration with the IKA-Renault dealership, 9 de Julio Automotores S.R.L.. Emerging during a vibrant era of "Sport Nacional" (National Sport) vehicles, the Andino was uniquely positioned as a specialized grand tourer that benefited from official factory backing and a dealership-based distribution network. While many contemporary projects were limited to one-off prototypes, the Andino achieved a structured production run across two distinct series, representing one of the most professional efforts in Argentina’s history of small-scale car manufacturing.

The brand’s design philosophy was heavily inspired by the 1964 Alfa Romeo Canguro, a concept car styled by Giorgetto Giugiaro for Bertone. This influence resulted in an exceptionally low-slung profile, with the vehicle standing only 1.04 meters tall. While the initial prototypes utilized a mix of steel and hand-beaten aluminum bodywork, the production models shifted to PRFV (Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic) mounted on a specialized chassis. The exterior was characterized by its aerodynamic efficiency and sleek, rear-mid-engine proportions, which allowed for a balanced weight distribution essential for a high-performance sports car.

Engineered for agility, the Andino utilized a sophisticated central backbone (tubular) chassis, a design choice that provided high torsional rigidity while maintaining a low curb weight of approximately 620 kg. The mechanical layout was consistently rear-mid-engine with a longitudinal orientation, providing superior handling characteristics on both road and track. The drivetrain featured independent suspension on all four wheels—utilizing torsion bars at the front and helical springs with oscillating semi-axles at the rear—complemented by a rack-and-pinion steering system for precise control.

The brand’s evolution is categorized into two primary technical series. The "Primera Serie" (1967–1970) was powered by the 845cc Renault Gordini "Ventoux" engine, producing roughly 34 HP in its standard form but often tuned for higher output. After a hiatus, the "Segunda Serie" (1976–1978) introduced the more robust 1.4L Renault 12 engine, which increased power to 71 HP and allowed the car to reach top speeds of approximately 180 km/h. Throughout its production, Varela also explored configurations based on Renault Dauphine and Fiat 600/128 mechanics, showcasing the brand's versatility in adapting local mass-market components into a specialized GT format.

Despite its technical success, the Andino remained a limited-production icon, with approximately 100 units manufactured in total. Its legacy persists today as a pinnacle of Argentine industrial ingenuity, celebrated for bridging the gap between artisanal design and commercial viability. Currently, the surviving examples are highly prized by collectors and historians as a testament to a "golden age" where independent designers like Luis Varela could challenge international standards through a combination of visionary styling and meticulous local engineering.