The Renault Alpine A110 1300S: a French gem in model car
This magnificent reproduction of the blue 1971 Renault Alpine A110 1300S is part of the prestigious "My Legendary Cars" collection. This model car perfectly captures the essence of this French sports coupe that has left its mark on the history of French automobiles. A true collector's item , it is aimed at French car enthusiasts and demanding collectors.
Presented in its original blue livery , this Alpine A110 embodies the French spirit of 1970s motorsport. Its meticulous finish and respected scale make it a piece of choice for any lover of beautiful French mechanics.
Characteristics of the model car
- Model: Alpine A110 1300S
- Brand: Renault Alpine
- Year: 1971
- Scale: 1/43rd
- Color: Blue
- Protective case included: Yes (with 7cm crack on the lid)
The Alpine A110: the quintessential French berlinetta
Launched in 1961 and produced until 1977, the Alpine A110 represents the culmination of Jean Rédélé's research into affordable sports cars. This 1971 1300S version marked the pinnacle of the line, equipped with the 1.3-liter Renault-Gordini engine developing approximately 140 horsepower. Its fiberglass body, mounted on a tubular chassis, gave it an exceptional lightness of only 680 kg.
This berlinetta stood out for its remarkable performance: capable of reaching 210 km/h, it boasted an exceptional power-to-weight ratio for the time. Its road handling, emphasizing agility and precision, made it a formidable rally machine as well as a pleasant road sports car for everyday use.
The A110's commercial success was immediate, with more than 7,500 units produced throughout its career. It quickly became a symbol of French sports car expertise, rivaling the best European productions of the time.
Alpine-Renault: the French motorsport adventure
By 1971, Alpine was already an established brand in the French automotive landscape. Founded by Jean Rédélé in 1955 , the Dieppe-based company specialized in transforming Renault vehicles into sports cars. This close collaboration with Régie Renault allowed Alpine to benefit from the reliability of standard mechanics while developing specific bodies and chassis.
The year 1971 marked a golden period for Alpine, which dominated European rallies with its A110s. The brand had become synonymous with technical excellence and racing victories , building its reputation on the winding roads of the world championship events. This sporting success had a direct impact on production model sales, making Alpine a desirable and respected brand.
This period represented Alpine's golden age, before its full integration into the Renault group in 1973. The brand still retained its artisanal identity and its capacity for innovation, characteristics which are reflected in every detail of this A110 1300S.
A legend born on the rally roads
The 1971 Alpine A110 1300S has an extraordinary history that extends far beyond the production car. That year, Bernard Darniche and Jean-Claude Lefebvre won the Rallye du Var in an A110 1300S, foreshadowing the great successes to come. This victory marked the beginning of a French domination that would culminate in the Manufacturers' World Rally Championship title in 1973 .
The most notable anecdote from this period concerns the 1971 Monte Carlo Rally, where the Alpine A110s achieved a historic hat-trick against the Porsche 911s and the Lancia Stratos. Ove Andersson , the Swedish driver behind the wheel of the first A110, confided after his victory that he had never driven such a balanced car on the snowy roads of the Principality. This exceptional performance definitively propelled the A110 to legendary status.
Beyond competition, the A110 1300S quickly became a cultural symbol of 1970s France. It embodied the French spirit of automotive innovation, proving that a small provincial company could compete with the biggest European manufacturers. A110 owners formed a tight-knit community, sharing a passion for mountain roads and sporty weekend getaways.
This blue 1971 Alpine is a testament to an era when French automobiles shone on the world's circuits. It serves as a reminder that behind every victory lay unique craftsmanship, a blend of technical ingenuity and a genuine passion for fine mechanics.
Complete your collection of French model cars
This Alpine A110 1300S naturally finds its place in a collection dedicated to French sports cars . It harmonizes perfectly with other iconic models such as the Alpine-Renaults from different eras, creating a coherent whole around this legendary brand. Collectors will also appreciate associating it with Renault model cars to retrace the complete history of this fruitful collaboration.
For rally and competition enthusiasts, this A110 is a key piece to complement other rally car models from the 1970s. It naturally interacts with the French sports cars of the time, offering an overview of this golden period of French motoring.
This model car is suitable for both experienced collectors and novices looking to start a thematic collection. Its 1/43 scale makes it compatible with most existing collections, while its meticulous finish satisfies the requirements of purists. It also makes an excellent starting point for exploring the world of 1970s automobiles or sports coupes in model car.
