Yellow Renault Alpine A310 V6 from 1976 - 1/43rd scale model
This model car of the 1976 Renault Alpine A310 V6 perfectly embodies the French sporting spirit of the 1970s. A faithful reproduction of one of Alpine's most iconic models, this collector's item captures the essence of this legendary coupé in its characteristic yellow livery.
A true object of passion for collectors , this model car represents much more than a simple scale model: it symbolizes a golden era of French automobiles where technical innovation met aesthetic audacity.
Characteristics of the model car
- Model: Alpine A310 V6
- Brand: Renault Alpine
- Year: 1976
- Scale: 1/43rd
- Color: Yellow
- Protective case included: Yes
The Alpine A310, a French sports revolution
Launched in 1971, the Alpine A310 marked a turning point in the history of the Dieppe-based brand. Replacing the A110 "Berlinette," it adopted a more modern architecture with its mid-rear engine, while retaining the sporty DNA for which Alpine was renowned. The 1976 V6 version represented the culmination of this evolution, with its 2.7-liter PRV (Peugeot-Renault-Volvo) engine developing 150 horsepower.
This French sports car stood out with its futuristic silhouette and taut lines, the work of designer Michel Béligond. Its low profile, retractable headlights, and truncated rear gave it a decidedly modern look for the time. Despite decent performance, with a 0-100 km/h sprint of 7.5 seconds, the A310 suffered from some teething problems, particularly in terms of high-speed handling.
Commercially, the A310 enjoyed mixed success with around 9,500 units produced until 1985. It nevertheless paved the way for its descendant, the famous A310 V6 Turbo, and then for the Alpine GTA .
Alpine, the legacy of French passion
In the mid-1970s, Alpine was going through a pivotal period in its history. Founded in 1955 by Jean Rédélé , the Dieppe-based brand had built its reputation on racing successes, notably with the A110, which dominated European rallies at the time. The arrival of the A310 marked Alpine's desire to conquer a wider market, while retaining its sporting identity.
This period coincided with the gradual rapprochement between Alpine and Renault, initiated in 1973. Jean Rédélé was looking for ways to sustain his company in the face of growing industrial challenges, while Renault wanted to enrich its range with a sporty image. This alliance allowed Alpine to benefit from the diamond's resources to develop more ambitious models, while preserving its unique expertise in chassis and aerodynamics.
Alpine's history was deeply rooted in French automotive culture, blending technical innovation with a passion for driving. The brand embodied the French spirit of the sports car: refined, efficient, yet always accessible to discerning enthusiasts.
The anecdote of the revolutionary prototype
The history of the Alpine A310 contains a fascinating anecdote that perfectly illustrates the pioneering spirit of the Dieppe-based brand. In 1970, during the first tests of the prototype, Alpine engineers discovered an unexpected problem: at high speeds, the car had a tendency to lift slightly off the ground, creating a rather worrying sensation behind the wheel.
This peculiarity was due to the car's revolutionary aerodynamics, designed more for aesthetics than pure performance. Michel Béligond's futuristic lines, so visually appealing, actually generated unwanted lift. Jean Rédélé recounts with amusement that during a test on the A13 motorway, the prototype literally "flew" for a few meters, leaving the test driver in a state of total amazement.
This discovery forced the technical teams to completely rethink the vehicle's aerodynamics. They discreetly added a small rear spoiler and subtly modified the shape of the front bumper. These adjustments, invisible at first glance, radically transformed the A310's handling. The anecdote becomes even more interesting when you consider that these modifications were tested... in the greatest secrecy on the Montlhéry circuit, at night, to avoid the curiosity of competitors and the specialist press.
This story is a testament to the artisanal approach that still characterized Alpine at that time. Far from today's computerized design offices, everything was done by instinct, passion, and... sometimes to everyone's surprise! This authenticity in the creative process is what makes classic cars like the A310 so charming today, witnesses to a time when the automobile was still as much an art as a science.
Complete your Alpine model car collection
This Alpine A310 V6 model car occupies a special place in the world of collectors passionate about French automobiles. It fits perfectly into a collection dedicated to Alpine-Renault sports cars , alongside the legendary A110 Berlinette or the more recent GTA.
For fans of 1970s cars , this A310 is a privileged witness to this flamboyant decade. It sits harmoniously alongside other iconic models of the era, whether contemporary Porsche 911s or Ferraris from the same period.
This model car is aimed at both seasoned collectors and novices keen to discover the French sporting heritage. Its meticulous finish and 1/43rd scale make it a perfect piece to start or enrich a collection of French model cars . It also finds its place alongside other historic Renault models, testifying to the diversity and richness of the diamond's automotive heritage.
