A French legend in miniature
The Renault Alpine A110 1600S Échappement version in its red, white and violet tricolour livery, carrying number 51, is one of the most iconic models in French motorsport. This faithful 1:43 scale replica captures the very essence of this legendary berlinette, which made its mark on the 1970s with outstanding rally performance.
This collector's miniature is aimed at French car enthusiasts and collectors who want to own an authentic piece of the golden age of French rallying. The careful finish and attention to detail make it a true collector's item.
Miniature specifications
- Model: Alpine A110 1600S Échappement version
- Brand: Renault Alpine
- Year: 1970-1977
- Scale: 1:43
- Color: Red, white and violet (number 51)
- Protective case included: Yes
The Alpine A110, pride of French motorsport
Launched in 1961 by Jean Rédélé, the Alpine A110 reached its peak with the 1600S version, developed from 1970. This revolutionary berlinette featured an innovative layout, with its 1565 cc Renault 16 TS engine producing 138 horsepower, mounted mid-rear. Its fiberglass body, weighing a feather-light 970 kg, gave it an exceptional power-to-weight ratio.
The Échappement version takes its name from the famous French car magazine that helped popularize this distinctive livery. The A110 1600S's remarkable performance allowed it to reach a top speed of 210 km/h, with 0 to 100 km/h in 7.5 seconds, impressive figures for the time.
The little Alpine quickly became the absolute weapon of European rallying, dominating the international scene thanks to its exceptional road manners and mechanical reliability. Its elegant silhouette and sporting successes made it the ambassador of French automotive know-how around the world.
Alpine, the legacy of French passion
Founded in 1955 by Jean Rédélé in Dieppe, Alpine was born from the passion of a Renault dealer for motor competition. Rédélé, a former amateur driver, built his first sports cars around the reliable mechanicals of the Renault 4CV and then Dauphine. This pragmatic approach, combining lightness and performance, quickly became the brand's signature.
In the 1970s, when the A110 1600S was created, Alpine enjoyed its golden age under Renault, which gradually took control of the brand. This partnership gave Alpine access to Renault's technical innovations while keeping its distinctive sporting DNA. Jean Rédélé's philosophy, which favored efficiency over brute power, revolutionized the French approach to motorsport.
Alpine's excellence was built on a specific engineering culture, where every gram counts and the chassis-engine balance takes precedence over the horsepower race. This distinctive French philosophy has left a lasting mark on the European car industry and still inspires sports car makers today.
The conquest of Monte Carlo
The most memorable chapter in the Alpine A110's story is unquestionably its legendary victory at the 1973 Monte Carlo Rally. That year, Alpine achieved the incredible feat of placing three A110s on the podium, with Ove Andersson in first place, followed by Jean-Claude Andruet and Jean-Luc Thérier. This total domination of the most prestigious event on the world calendar instantly elevated the small French berlinette to legendary status.
More than a sporting win, this triumph carried an exceptional sense of national pride in the context of the 1970s. Facing the formidable Porsche, Lancia and Ford teams, seeing a French car win with such authority restored pride and confidence in the French motor industry. The images of those three blue Alpines on the Monaco podium are forever engraved in the French collective memory.
This victory fueled popular enthusiasm for Alpine and turned the A110 into a true cultural icon. It inspired films, books and TV documentaries, firmly anchoring the berlinette in the French imagination. Even today, mentioning Monte Carlo 1973 is enough to light up the eyes of car enthusiasts.
The impact of this win goes far beyond the sporting arena, lodging itself in French collective memory. It symbolizes the ability of French engineering to rival the very best, inspiring a whole generation of engineers and enthusiasts who carry the Alpine legacy forward today.
Complete your French miniature collection
This Alpine A110 1600S Échappement version naturally finds its place at the heart of a collection devoted to legendary French cars. It pairs perfectly with other iconic models such as Alpine Renault cars from different eras, or historic Renault models that share its mechanical heritage.
For collectors passionate about motorsport, this miniature fits ideally alongside other French racing cars or models dedicated to legendary rally cars. It also complements 1970s automobiles, a golden era of French motorsport.
This piece appeals to seasoned collectors as well as newcomers looking to start a coherent collection around French automotive heritage. Its rarity and historical significance make it a wise investment for any enthusiast of authentic French cars, and an ideal addition to any selection of 1:43 scale miniatures.