A French rally legend in model car
The 1970 Renault Alpine A110 Lyon-Charbonnières rally represents one of the most iconic models in the history of French motorsport. This 1:43 scale model captures the essence of this legendary berlinetta in its racing livery, proudly displaying the number 17 that made such an impression during this legendary event.
This faithful reproduction is a true collector's item for all fans of French automobiles and rally history. Every detail has been carefully reproduced to offer collectors an exceptional piece that bears witness to the golden age of French motorsport.
Characteristics of the model car
- Model: Alpine A110 Lyon-Charbonnières rally
- Brand: Renault Alpine
- Year: 1970
- Scale: 1/43rd
- Race number: 17
- Protective case included: Yes
The Alpine A110, birth of a legend
Launched in 1961, the Alpine A110 revolutionized the French approach to motorsport. Alpine founder Jean Rédélé designed this berlinetta with a simple but revolutionary philosophy: prioritize lightness and agility over raw power. Weighing less than 700 kg, the A110 was distinguished by its fiberglass body and rear-mounted Renault engine.
This innovative approach allowed the A110 to dominate European rallies for over a decade. Its distinctive silhouette, with its prominent round headlights and flowing lines, quickly became the epitome of French motor racing style . The 1970 Lyon-Charbonnières Rally was another in a string of victories that established Alpine's worldwide reputation.
The exceptional performance of the A110 on the winding roads and special stages of this regional rally demonstrated the remarkable versatility of this berlinetta, capable of shining equally well at major international events as it does at more intimate French events.
Alpine and Renault: a legendary sporting alliance
By 1970, Alpine was already benefiting from Renault's technical support, foreshadowing the complete acquisition of the Dieppe brand by the diamond-branded manufacturer in 1973. This collaboration allowed Alpine to use the reliable mechanics of Renault's standard production cars while developing its own technical innovations. Jean Rédélé had created his brand in 1955 with a clear vision: to democratize French motorsport.
Alpine's history was deeply rooted in the French automotive passion of the 1960s and 1970s. Based in Dieppe, the company embodied French technical excellence and successfully competed against Italian and British manufacturers on circuits around the world. This prosperous period culminated in the company winning the World Rally Championship title in 1973.
The Alpine philosophy was based on an artisanal approach to automobile construction, with each vehicle assembled by hand by passionate workers. This attention to detail was naturally reflected in the A110's exceptional performance on all types of competition terrain.
The epic Lyon-Charbonnières rally
The Lyon-Charbonnières Rally held a special place in the French calendar of the 1970s. This event, held in the Lyon region, attracted the best French drivers and served as a veritable testing ground for national manufacturers. The 1970 edition was notable for the overwhelming dominance of French berlinettas, with the number 17 Alpine A110 as the figurehead.
This race took place on winding departmental roads, perfect for revealing the chassis qualities of the A110. Spectators flocked in large numbers along the route, transforming this regional event into a true popular automobile festival . The good-natured atmosphere contrasted with the tension that reigned in the pits, where mechanics and drivers were fine-tuning their settings until the last minute.
The victory of the number 17 Alpine A110 was part of the series of successes that led the Dieppe brand to its global peak. This local performance helped to forge the legend of a car that became a symbol of the golden age of French rallying . The drivers of the time had fond memories of these events where French technology shone in the face of international competition.
Even today, rally veterans look back with nostalgia on that blessed era when French roads echoed with the unmistakable sound of Alpine engines. The 1970 Lyon-Charbonnières Rally remains etched in the collective memory as one of the finest chapters in this exceptional sporting epic.
Complete your collection of French model cars
This Alpine A110 Lyon-Charbonnières rally fits perfectly into a collection dedicated to Alpine Renault model cars . It is an ideal complement to the other models in the range, notably the road versions and the other competition liveries that marked the history of the Dieppe berlinetta.
Passionate collectors of model car rally cars will find this reproduction an authentic testament to the golden era of French motorsport. It blends harmoniously with other French model cars from the 1960s and 1970s, a boom period for French automotive innovation.
This model car is particularly aimed at enthusiasts of vintage model cars and collectors specializing in racing and competition cars . Its careful finish and historical authenticity make it a piece of choice to enrich any collection dedicated to the French automotive heritage of the 1970s .
