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Renault Alpine A108 1960: A French Icon in model car
The blue 1960 Renault Alpine A108 represents one of the most precious jewels in French automotive history. This 1:43 scale model car captures with remarkable precision the elegance and sportiness of this iconic model, which marked the beginning of the collaboration between Renault and Alpine. Presented in a magnificent protective case, this collector's item will delight car enthusiasts and discerning collectors alike.
This faithful reproduction bears witness to the historical importance of the Alpine A108 in the French automotive landscape of the 1960s. A true collector's item , it perpetuates the memory of a golden era when French industry shone through its innovation and creative audacity.
model car Features
- Model: Alpine A108
- Brand: Renault Alpine
- Year: 1960
- Scale: 1/43rd
- Color: Blue
- Protective case included: Yes
The Alpine A108: Birth of a Legend
The Alpine A108 was launched in 1958 by Jean Rédélé, founder of the Alpine brand. This revolutionary model marked a break with traditional French automotive production by offering a lightweight, high-performance sports coupe. Based on the Renault Dauphine platform, the A108 benefited from a fiberglass body that gave it a featherweight weight of just 580 kilograms.
The 845cc Renault engine initially developed 40 horsepower, but the sports versions quickly reached 50 horsepower thanks to Alpine's specific preparations. This French sports car seduced with its pure lines inspired by the finest Italian creations, while retaining a resolutely French identity. Its immediate commercial success confirmed the relevance of Jean Rédélé's vision.
The A108 quickly enjoyed a remarkable racing career, notably distinguishing itself in European rallies and helping to forge Alpine's legendary reputation in competition. This success paved the way for the brand's future creations, laying the foundations for what would become one of the most successful stories in French motorsport.
Alpine and Renault: A Fruitful Alliance
The collaboration between Alpine and Renault began in the 1950s when Jean Rédélé, a Renault dealer in Dieppe, decided to create his own sports cars. A racing enthusiast, Rédélé recognized the potential of Renault's engines to create high-performance, affordable sports vehicles. This pioneering vision led to the creation of Alpine in 1955, with the goal of making motorsport more accessible.
At the time of the A108's creation, Alpine was still a young, artisanal company based in Normandy. The blue-hearted brand benefited from Renault's technical support, particularly for engines and certain mechanical components. This Franco-French collaboration allowed Alpine to offer reliable cars while maintaining its creative and sporting independence.
The year 1960 marked a decisive turning point for Alpine, which was beginning to establish itself on the international scene. The Normandy-based brand was already developing the future A110s, while also perfecting the A108, which was then its flagship model. This prosperous period laid the foundations of the Alpine legend, a brand that would become synonymous with French excellence in motorsport.
An Icon of French Cinema
The Alpine A108 enjoyed exceptional popularity that extended far beyond the automotive world to French popular culture. In the 1960s, this elegant French sports car quickly became a symbol of modernity and dynamism, perfectly embodying the spirit of freedom that characterized this revolutionary decade.
A particularly interesting anecdote illustrates the cultural impact of the A108: the model served as a source of inspiration for several French films of the time, particularly in the automotive thriller genre, which was then enjoying its heyday. Directors appreciated its clean lines and resolutely modern character, which perfectly matched the cinematic aesthetic of the 1960s.
The A108 was also popular with many personalities from the entertainment and sports worlds, who saw it as the perfect expression of French chic . This popularity contributed greatly to forging Alpine's brand image as the benchmark manufacturer for lovers of fine French mechanics. The car embodied a specifically French art of living, combining performance, elegance and accessibility.
Even today, the A108 evokes this golden era when France shone in many fields, from automobiles to cinema to fashion. This model car Alpine A108 perpetuates this collective memory and allows new generations to discover one of the finest jewels of the French automotive industry.
Complete Your Collection of French model cars
This 1/43 scale Alpine A108 naturally finds its place at the heart of a collection dedicated to the finest French automotive achievements. It fits perfectly alongside other iconic models such as Citroën model cars or Peugeot models from the same era, creating a coherent ensemble representative of French automotive genius.
Collectors with a passion for racing cars will particularly appreciate this piece, which bears witness to the beginnings of Alpine's racing adventure. It also makes an excellent addition to the model car French coupés , a category in which the A108 occupies a prominent place.
This model car is aimed at both experienced collectors and novices eager to discover French automotive history. Its 1:43 scale, a benchmark in the world of collecting, makes it easy to integrate into existing display cases. Fans of classic cars and French productions will find here an authentic testament to French excellence in motorsport.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to understand the scales of miniatures?
Scale indicates the reduction ratio between the real car and the miniature. For example, at 1:43 scale, each centimeter on the miniature corresponds to 43 centimeters on the real vehicle.
Concretely, a 1/18 scale Ferrari model is approximately 25-30 cm long, while in 1/43 scale it measures approximately 10 cm.
What scales are available?
Our model cars are mainly offered in 1/43, 1/24, 1/18 and 1/87 (HO) scales. The scale is always indicated in the product sheet.
The smaller the second number, the larger the model car (e.g. 1/18 is larger than 1/43).
Does the model car come with protection?
Yes, each model car is systematically delivered in its protective box. This box preserves the collectible value and protects your model car from dust and shocks.
How is my package protected during transport?
We package each order with the utmost care: bubble wrap, appropriate cushioning, and polystyrene. Your model car is perfectly secure during its journey.
What is the delivery time?
In-stock items are shipped within 24-48 hours. Please allow 2-3 business days for France via Colissimo or 4-5 days via Mondial Relay.
The model car is no longer in stock, when will you have it?
It's impossible for me to know exactly when I'll receive a new stock because I receive arrivals in dribs and drabs. Please contact me so I can keep you informed as soon as it's available.
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