Renault Alpine A340 Formula France 1969 - 1/43rd scale model car
This 1969 Renault Alpine A340 Formule France in blue livery represents one of the most daring chapters in Alpine's history. This 1:43 scale model perfectly captures the essence of this French single-seater that marked Alpine's entry into the world of national formulas, a decisive turning point for the Dieppe-based brand.
A true collector's item , this faithful reproduction will appeal to French automobile enthusiasts and collectors of motorsport model cars. It bears witness to an era when French manufacturers dared to challenge the established benchmarks on the circuits.
Characteristics of the model car
- Model: Alpine A340 Formula France
- Brand: Renault Alpine
- Year: 1969
- Scale: 1/43rd
- Color: Blue
- Protective case included: Yes
The Alpine A340, an exceptional single-seater
The Alpine A340 was born in 1969 from Jean Rédélé's desire to explore new sporting territories. After successes in rallying and endurance racing, Alpine embarked on the adventure of national formulas with this revolutionary single-seater. Designed by engineers in Dieppe, it adopted a philosophy radically different from traditional Alpines.
This French single-seater stands out for its tubular steel chassis, its fiberglass bodywork, and above all, its 1600cc Renault-Gordini engine developing nearly 160 horsepower. Weighing just 480 kg, the A340 boasts an exceptional power-to-weight ratio that allows it to compete with the best European formulas of the time.
Commercial success remained modest, with only around ten units produced, but the technical impact was considerable. The A340 paved the way for future Alpine racing models and demonstrated French expertise in cutting-edge motorsport.
Alpine in 1969: Dieppe's golden age
In 1969, Alpine experienced a period of remarkable expansion under the leadership of Jean Rédélé. The small Normandy manufacturer, founded in 1955, had established itself as the French specialist in motorsport . The A110 dominated European rallies, the A210 and A220 shone at Le Mans, and now the A340 was exploring national formulas.
This diversification reflects Alpine's ambition to become a complete manufacturer, capable of competing on all terrains. The brand with the crossed-out A benefits from Renault's technical support, particularly for engines, while maintaining its creative independence. This alchemical collaboration would give rise to Alpine's greatest successes.
The year 1969 also marked the peak of the French Touch in motor racing. Alpine perfectly embodied this French spirit of ingenuity, audacity, and passion, facing the German, Italian, and British giants.
The A340, the little-known pioneer of French formulas
The history of the Alpine A340 remains closely linked to Jean Rédélé's personal ambitions and his vision of French motorsport. Unlike other Alpines, the A340 was not born from a specific order or imposed specifications, but from the pure desire to explore new technical territory.
The first tests of the A340 took place on the Montlhéry circuit in the presence of Jean-Pierre Beltoise, then an official Matra driver. The future Formula 1 world champion was impressed by the dynamic qualities of this little French car, to the point of advising Alpine to persevere in this direction. This prestigious encouragement reinforced Rédélé's diversification strategy.
A funny anecdote has it that the A340 inspired Renault Sport engineers for their future formula projects. The technical philosophy of this single-seater, combining extreme lightness and a supercharged engine, would later be found in the Formula Renault cars that would train generations of French drivers. The A340 can thus be considered the spiritual ancestor of a whole line of French single-seaters.
Even more surprisingly, the A340 indirectly influenced the world of sports cars . The technical lessons learned on this single-seater would be used in the development of the A310, and later the modern A110. This technical connection demonstrates the consistency of the Alpine approach, capable of making each experience bear fruit to enrich its overall know-how.
Complete your Alpine model car collection
This Renault Alpine A340 naturally finds its place alongside the other jewels of the Alpine collection. It dialogues perfectly with the Renault model cars and particularly with the Alpine Renault model car models. This single-seater ideally completes a collection dedicated to Formula 1 model cars and racing and competition cars .
Collectors passionate about French cars will appreciate combining it with other French model cars from the 1960s and 1970s. It also finds its place in thematic collections dedicated to model cars from the 1960s , a prosperous period for French motorsport.
This model car is particularly suitable for discerning collectors and enthusiasts of French automotive history. It is a choice piece for anyone who wishes to honor Alpine's heritage and celebrate the audacity of French manufacturers in the world of competition. Beyond its aesthetic value, it bears witness to an era when French innovation shone on circuits around the world.
