An Alpine legend in model car
This blue 1965 Renault Alpine A106 represents one of the most iconic models in French automotive history. This 1:43 scale model car perfectly captures the elegance and sportiness of this legendary coupe that marked the 1960s. A true collector's item, it is a testament to French expertise in sports cars and is a must-have for any car enthusiast.
Delivered in its small protective plexiglass box , this faithful reproduction allows you to admire from all angles the pure and racy lines of the Alpine A106, symbol of the golden age of French motorsport.
Characteristics of the model car
- Model: Alpine A106
- Brand: Renault Alpine
- Year: 1965
- Scale: 1/43rd
- Color: Blue
- Protective case included: Yes
The Alpine A106, birth of a legend
The Alpine A106 was born in 1955 in Jean Rédélé's workshops in Dieppe. This first true production Alpine marked the beginning of an exceptional automotive adventure. Based on the Renault 4CV engine, the A106 is distinguished by its polyester body, a revolutionary material for the time, which gives it remarkable lightness.
With its 747cc engine developing 35 horsepower, the A106 offers surprising performance for its displacement. Its fluid and aerodynamic lines, designed by Giovanni Michelotti, made it an object of immediate desire. The sportiest versions, such as the 1965 version, benefited from mechanical improvements that made them formidable competitors on European circuits.
This 1965 Alpine A106 represents the culmination of this first generation, with its technical and aesthetic improvements which already foreshadow the future successes of the Dieppe brand in competition.
Alpine, French excellence
Founded in 1955 by Jean Rédélé, Alpine was born from one man's passion for motor racing. A Renault dealer in Dieppe, Rédélé dreamed of creating French sports cars capable of competing with the best Italian and British productions. The Alpine adventure began modestly but with a clear vision: to combine lightness, performance, and reliability.
In the 1960s, Alpine gradually established itself on the international sports scene. The brand developed 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 future Alpine-Renaults , which would dominate world rallies.
The year 1965 marked a pivotal period for Alpine, which was already developing the projects that would lead to the famous A110, the future queen of rallies. The A106 then constituted the technical and aesthetic foundation of this evolution, testifying to the creative genius of Jean Rédélé and his team.
An unsung pioneer
The Alpine A106 hides a fascinating story that is often overlooked by the general public. Its creator, Jean Rédélé, was a racing enthusiast who regularly participated in local events with his tuned Renault 4CV. Frustrated by the limitations of the French sedan, he decided to create his own body, drawing inspiration from the finest Italian designs.
The first A106 left the Dieppe workshops in 1955, but it was only in 1960 that the model truly found its audience. The 1965 versions, like the one reproduced in this model car, already benefited from five years of evolution and refinements. They were then considered the most accomplished of the A106 range.
A surprising detail: the blue color of this Alpine is not insignificant. It corresponds to "Alpine blue," a shade specially developed by the brand that would gradually become its visual signature. This color, inspired by French blue, was designed to highlight the sculpted lines of the bodywork in all lighting conditions.
The A106 also made its mark on French cinema history. Several examples were used in films in the 1960s, helping to forge the image of the accessible and refined French sports car. This on-screen presence contributed significantly to Alpine's growing reputation among the French public.
Complete your collection of French model cars
This Alpine A106 occupies a special place in the world of French model cars . It represents the beginnings of French motorsport and fits perfectly alongside other iconic models such as the Renault collectors or future French sports cars.
For collectors passionate about French cars, this model car naturally finds its place near the classics of the years 1950-1979 . It harmoniously interacts with the coupes of the same period and ideally completes a collection dedicated to French sports cars .
This 1/43 scale reproduction is aimed at both experienced collectors and novices keen to discover French automotive history. It also makes an excellent starting point for a thematic collection dedicated to automobiles from the 1960s , the golden decade of European automotive innovation.
