Discover this magnificent Renault Alpine A110 in its iconic blue livery bearing the number 18, released by Solido under reference 1904. This 1/43 scale model perfectly captures the essence of the French berlinette that made its mark in rallying history during the 1960s-70s.
Presented in its original yellow cardboard box with a sheet of decals to apply, this authentic piece will delight collectors passionate about French sports cars and rally history.
Features of the Model
- Model: Alpine A110
- Brand: Renault Alpine
- Year: 1960s-70s
- Scale: 1/43
- Color: Blue with number 18
- Manufacturer: Solido
- Reference: 1904
- Protective case included: Yes
Description of the Real Model
The Alpine A110 was born in 1961 under the impetus of Jean Rédélé, founder of Alpine. This revolutionary berlinette, built on the mechanical basis of the Renault 8 Gordini, adopts a radical philosophy: lightness and agility above all. With its tubular chassis and fiberglass body, it weighs only 620 kilos, a featherweight that gives it exceptional performance.
The design of the A110, credited to Giovanni Michelotti, combines Italian elegance and aerodynamic efficiency. Its round front headlights, sleek lines, and perfect proportions make it one of the most beautiful sports cars of its time. Powered by various Renault engines ranging from 956 cm³ to 1,565 cm³, it develops between 95 and 138 horsepower depending on the version.
This Alpine achieved a remarkable commercial success with over 7,500 units produced until 1977. It quickly established itself as the reference among French berlinettes, competing with the best European productions of the time.
History of the Alpine Brand
In the 1960s, Alpine represented French excellence in sports cars. Founded by Jean Rédélé in 1955 in Dieppe, the brand developed a unique expertise in building light and high-performance vehicles. The A110 is the culmination of this philosophy, combining craftsmanship and technical innovations.
The story of Alpine begins with the passion of a Renault dealer from Normandy for competition. Jean Rédélé, the son of a dealer, started by preparing Renault 4CV cars for rallying before creating his own models. This proximity to Renault allowed Alpine to benefit from a reliable mechanical base while developing its own architectural style.
The brand with the tricolor diamond forged its reputation on the winding roads of alpine rallies, hence its emblematic name. This specialization in automobile competition directly influenced the design of its production models, making Alpine a unique brand in the French automotive landscape.
The Rally Saga of the Alpine A110
The Alpine A110 number 18 immediately evokes the great moments of international rallying. This blue livery recalls memorable victories of the Renault-Alpine team in the 1970s, particularly during the first World Rally Championship in 1973, where the A110 clinched the constructors' title.
Jean-Pierre Nicolas, Ove Andersson, and Jean-Claude Andruet are among the legendary drivers who led this berlinette to glory. Their exploits on the roads of Monte Carlo, Sweden, and Portugal transformed the A110 into a true popular icon. The French public discovered a national car capable of competing with the best European productions.
This sporting success has left a lasting influence on Alpine's image and has contributed to forging the myth of the French berlinette. The A110 thus becomes the symbol of an era when France excelled in all areas of rally cars, from circuits to forest specials.
Even today, the mere mention of number 18 on a blue body makes the hearts of enthusiasts race, reminding us of that blessed period when Alpine ruled the European competition roads.
Complete Your Miniature Collection
This Renault Alpine A110 Solido naturally finds its place at the heart of a collection dedicated to French sports cars of the 1960s-70s. It fits perfectly with other models from the Alpine Renault range or ideally complements a selection dedicated to rally vehicles from this golden era.
Collectors passionate about Solido miniatures will appreciate this historical reference that testifies to the French manufacturer’s expertise in faithfully reproducing sports cars. This A110 is also part of a thematic collection focused on French cars or 1960s models.
Whether you are a car history enthusiast, a rally fan, or a collector of mythical berlinettes, this Alpine A110 serves as an authentic testament to an exceptional period in the French automotive industry. It will appeal to both nostalgics of that era and young collectors eager to discover the roots of French automotive sportiness.
