This Renault Alpine A310 1600 orange-yellow from 1973 by Norev represents one of the most iconic models of French motorsport from the 1970s. This miniature perfectly captures the spirit of this French sports car that marked a generation of passionate motorists.
This 1/43 scale reproduction constitutes a true collector's item for all enthusiasts of French cars and sports models. Its rectangular box preserves the authenticity of this piece that will naturally find its place in any collection dedicated to French automobiles.
Miniature characteristics
- Model: Renault Alpine A310 1600
- Brand: Alpine
- Year: 1973
- Scale: 1/43
- Color: Orange-yellow
- Manufacturer: Norev
- Protective case included: Yes
The Alpine A310, a French revolution
Launched in 1971, the Alpine A310 marks a decisive turning point in the history of the Dieppe brand. This car succeeds the iconic A110 "Berlinette" and represents Alpine's ambition to conquer a broader market with a more comfortable and modern model. The 1600 version from 1973 features the Renault 16 TS engine, developing 125 horsepower.
Unlike its rounded predecessor, the A310 adopts angular and futuristic lines that perfectly reflect the automotive aesthetics of the 1970s. Its polyester body, mounted on a tubular chassis, perpetuates the Alpine tradition while offering a more spacious and civilized cabin.
The commercial success of the A310 confirms the relevance of this approach: more than 10,000 units will be produced, making this model one of the most widely distributed French sports cars of its time.
Alpine in 1973: between tradition and modernity
In 1973, Alpine was going through a pivotal period in its history. Founded by Jean Rédélé in 1955, the Dieppe brand built its reputation on rally successes and small sports series. The A310 then represented the bet on democratization without denying the performance DNA.
That year, Alpine benefited from Renault's technical support while maintaining its creative independence. The competition victories continued to fuel the brand's reputation, particularly with the A110 that still dominated European rallies. The A310 was meant to finance these sporting activities through higher production volumes.
The Alpine company then employed nearly 300 people and produced about 1000 cars per year, a figure that would increase considerably with the success of the A310.
The A310 and the golden age of French GTs
The orange-yellow Alpine A310 perfectly embodies the spirit of the 1970s, a time when France was still producing authentic sports cars. This flamboyant hue, very popular at the time, reflects the optimism and creativity of this decade marked by oil crises but also by overflowing automotive creativity.
A delightful anecdote tells that an A310 owner from 1973 had nicknamed his car "la Clémentine" in reference to its orange color. This particular Alpine had become famous in its region for having served as a sports driving school car, initiating many young drivers to the joys of driving on winding roads.
The A310 also made its mark on French cinema in the 1970s. Several examples were used in films of the era, contributing to forging the image of the accessible French sports car. These cinematic appearances considerably reinforced the aura of this model with the general public.
This period truly represents the golden age of French motorsport, when brands like Alpine, Matra, or Ligier wrote the most beautiful pages of our automotive history with modest budgets but limitless creativity.
Complete your miniature collection
This Alpine A310 Norev naturally finds its place alongside other emblematic models of French automobiles. It fits perfectly in a collection dedicated to Alpine Renault or cars from the 1970s.
Collectors will appreciate associating it with other French sports cars from the same era, such as Matra-Simca or Renault sport. This miniature also constitutes an excellent complement for enthusiasts of 1/43 scale models thanks to its renowned Norev finish.
This A310 is particularly aimed at French automobile enthusiasts and collectors looking for authentic models from the 1970s. Its relative rarity also makes it a wise investment for classic car enthusiasts concerned with preserving French automotive heritage.
