The Renault Alpine A108 2+2 coupé: A collector's gem
This model car of the 1961 Renault Alpine A108 2+2 coupé subtly captures the elegance of this iconic model that marked the beginnings of the Alpine brand. Produced in 1:43 scale, this faithful reproduction captivates with its perfect proportions and immaculate white paintwork, characteristic of this golden era of French motoring.
A true collector's item for car enthusiasts, this model car naturally finds its place alongside the most beautiful reproductions of French cars from the 1960s.
Characteristics of the model car
- Model: Alpine A108 coupe 2+2
- Brand: Renault Alpine
- Year: 1961
- Scale: 1/43rd
- Color: White
- Protective case included: Yes
The Alpine A108: Birth of a sports legend
The Alpine A108 was born in 1958 in Jean Rédélé's workshops in Dieppe, truly marking the industrial beginnings of the Alpine brand. This revolutionary berlinetta, developed on the Dauphine base, embodies the ambition to create an accessible and high-performance sports car. The 1961 2+2 coupé version represents the logical evolution of the model, offering an intelligent compromise between sportiness and family practicality.
With its 845cc Dauphine Gordini engine developing 40 horsepower, the A108 boasted remarkable performance for the time: a top speed of 140 km/h and a 0 to 100 km/h acceleration of less than 15 seconds. Its particularly lightweight fiberglass body and low center of gravity gave it exceptional agility on winding roads.
Commercial success was immediate, with nearly 250 units produced between 1958 and 1963. The A108 established the stylistic and technical foundations that would establish Alpine's reputation for decades.
Alpine-Renault: The French sporting adventure
In the early 1960s, Alpine established itself as the symbol of French motorsport . Jean Rédélé, a former racing driver and passionate Renault dealer, transformed his dream into an industrial reality. The brand developed a unique philosophy: to create lightweight and efficient sports cars using Renault's reliable mechanics.
This period corresponds to Alpine's golden age, during which the brand accumulated victories in rallying and on the circuit. The A108 played an active role in this sporting epic, winning numerous events and establishing the reputation for performance that would characterize all Alpine models. The close collaboration with Renault allowed Alpine to benefit from an efficient distribution network while maintaining its distinctive sporting identity .
The Alpine A108 and the myth of the French sports car
The history of the Alpine A108 is inseparable from that of Jean Rédélé himself, who personally participated in the 1954 Mille Miglia at the wheel of a prepared Renault 4CV. This founding experience convinced him that France could produce sports cars capable of competing with the best Italian or English cars.
The A108 quickly became a symbol of the French art of living, combining elegance and performance . In the 1960s, owning an Alpine represented a certain social status, that of an enlightened enthusiast who favored refinement over ostentation. A108 owners formed a tight-knit community, meeting at impromptu gatherings on the mountain roads.
A delightful anecdote tells of how, during the first tests of the A108, Jean Rédélé invited several automotive journalists to discover his creation on the roads of Normandy. One of them, initially skeptical of this "little French car," emerged from the test completely won over, declaring that this car had "the soul of a Ferrari in the body of a Dauphine." This phrase made the rounds at Parisian motor shows and greatly contributed to the model's initial success.
The A108 also made an impression with its appearance in several French films of the 1960s, notably alongside Jean-Paul Belmondo, reinforcing its image as an accessible and authentically French sports car .
Complete your Alpine model car collection
This reproduction of the Alpine A108 coupé 2+2 occupies a special place in the world of French car model cars. It fits perfectly into the collections dedicated to Alpine-Renault model cars , allowing you to trace the complete evolution of this iconic brand.
Collectors will particularly appreciate the complementarity with other French models from the same period, notably Citroën model cars or Peugeot model cars from the 1960s. This model car also finds its place in a thematic collection dedicated to model cars from the 1960s or to model car coupe cars .
Intended for demanding collectors and enthusiasts of French automotive history, this model car Alpine A108 will also delight fans of French model cars wishing to enrich their collection with an authentic model steeped in history. Its careful finish and protective case make it a lasting investment for any fan of 1/43 scale model cars .
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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