An Alpine legend in miniature
This 1965 blue Renault Alpine A106 is one of the most iconic models in French automotive history. This 1:43 scale miniature captures the elegance and sporty spirit of this legendary coupé that defined the 1960s. A true collector's piece, it showcases French sports car craftsmanship and is a must-have for any car enthusiast.
Delivered in its small protective plexi display case, this faithful replica lets you admire the clean, sleek lines of the Alpine A106 from every angle, a symbol of the golden age of French motorsport.
Model specifications
- Model: Alpine A106
- Brand: Renault Alpine
- Year: 1965
- Scale: 1:43
- Color: Blue
- Protective case included: Yes
The Alpine A106, birth of a legend
The Alpine A106 came to life in 1955 in Jean Rédélé's workshops in Dieppe. This first true production Alpine marked the start of an extraordinary automotive adventure. Based on the mechanics of the Renault 4CV, the A106 stood out with its polyester body, a revolutionary material for the time, which gave it remarkable lightness.
With its 747 cc engine producing 35 horsepower, the A106 delivered surprising performance for its displacement. Its fluid, aerodynamic lines, designed by Giovanni Michelotti, made it an instant object of desire. The sportier versions, such as the 1965 model, benefited from mechanical improvements that made them formidable competitors on European circuits.
This 1965 Alpine A106 represents the culmination of the first generation, with its technical and aesthetic refinements that already foreshadowed the future successes of the Dieppe marque in competition.
Alpine, French excellence
Founded in 1955 by Jean Rédélé, Alpine was born from one man's passion for motorsport. A Renault dealer in Dieppe, Rédélé dreamed of building French sports cars capable of rivaling the best Italian and British makes. The Alpine story started modestly, with a clear vision: combine lightness, performance and reliability.
Through the 1960s, Alpine steadily made its mark on the international motorsport scene. The brand developed a unique expertise in building lightweight, high-performance cars using cutting-edge composite materials. This design philosophy, initiated with the A106, would reach its peak with the later Alpine-Renault cars that would go on to dominate world rallying.
1965 was a pivotal year for Alpine, which was already developing the projects that would lead to the famous A110, future rally champion. The A106 was the technical and aesthetic foundation of that evolution, a testament to the creative genius of Jean Rédélé and his team.
A forgotten pioneer
The Alpine A106 hides a fascinating history that is often overlooked by the general public. Its creator, Jean Rédélé, was a racing enthusiast who regularly took part in local events with his tuned Renault 4CV. Frustrated by the limits of the French saloon, he decided to build his own body, drawing inspiration from the finest Italian designs.
The first A106 left the Dieppe workshops in 1955, but the model truly found its audience from 1960 onward. The 1965 versions, like the one recreated in this miniature, already benefited from five years of development and refinement. They are considered the most accomplished of the A106 range.
A surprising detail: the blue of this Alpine is no accident. It matches "Alpine blue", a shade specially developed by the brand that would gradually become its visual signature. Inspired by French blue, this color was chosen to showcase the sculpted body lines under any lighting.
The A106 also left its mark on French cinema. Several examples appeared in 1960s films, helping to shape the image of the accessible yet refined French sports car. This on-screen presence greatly contributed to Alpine's growing fame with the French public.
Complete your French model car collection
This Alpine A106 holds a special place in the world of French model cars. It represents the beginnings of French motorsport and pairs perfectly with other iconic models such as Renault collectibles or the later French sports cars.
For collectors passionate about French cars, this miniature naturally fits alongside classics from 1950 to 1979. It sits harmoniously with the coupés of the same era and is an ideal complement to a collection dedicated to French sports cars.
This 1:43 replica appeals as much to seasoned collectors as to newcomers eager to discover French automotive history. It is also an excellent starting point for a themed collection devoted to 1960s cars, the golden decade of European automotive innovation.