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The Blue Renault Alpine Del Prado: A French Myth in model car
This blue Renault Alpine by Del Prado captures the essence of one of the most iconic French sports cars. Reproduced in 1:43 scale with remarkable attention to detail, this model car is a must-have for any collector passionate about French cars and motorsport.
A true collector's item , this model car Alpine bears witness to the exceptional heritage of this brand which has managed to compete with the greatest European references in terms of sports cars.
Characteristics of the model car
- Model: Renault Alpine
- Brand: Renault
- Year: 1960s-1970s
- Scale: 1/43rd
- Color: Blue
- Manufacturer: Del Prado
- Protective case included: Yes
The Alpine: Birth of a French Legend
The Alpine was born in the 1960s from the passion of Jean Rédélé, a Renault dealer from Dieppe who fell in love with motor racing. Noting the shortcomings of the French sports car offering, he decided to create his own models based on the reliable mechanics of the Renault 4CV and then the Dauphine.
This revolutionary approach combined a lightweight tubular chassis , fiberglass bodywork, and rear-mounted engine, creating a winning formula that would make the brand a success. The Alpine immediately stood out for its pure, elegant lines, exceptional road handling, and remarkable performance for the time.
Commercial success quickly followed, notably thanks to the rally victories that forged the brand's reputation. The Alpine quickly became synonymous with French motorsport and French expertise in a field dominated by Italian and German manufacturers.
Renault and the Alpine Adventure
In the 1960s, Renault underwent a period of major transformation under the leadership of Pierre Dreyfus. The diamond-shaped manufacturer sought to modernize its image and conquer new market segments, particularly the previously neglected sports car market.
The alliance with Jean Rédélé and Alpine fit perfectly into this strategy. Renault brought its proven mechanics and distribution network, while Alpine brought its chassis expertise and sporty image. This collaboration would ultimately lead to Renault's complete acquisition of Alpine in 1973 , marking the French manufacturer's official entry into the world of prestige sports cars.
This union allowed Renault to develop a credible sports range and to distinguish itself in competition, notably in Formula 1 where the brand won several constructors' titles in the 1990s and 2000s.
The Color Blue: Symbol of Excellence
Alpine Blue isn't just a color; it's a true symbol in the world of French automobiles. This distinctive shade, dubbed "Alpine Blue," has become inseparable from the brand's image and its sporting successes.
The story goes that Jean Rédélé chose this color in homage to the uniforms of the Alpine hunters , these elite French soldiers specialized in mountain combat. This military reference perfectly symbolizes the spirit of conquest and the technical rigor that have driven the Alpine brand since its beginnings.
Over the years, this particular blue has become Alpine's visual signature on circuits around the world. From the Alpine Rally to the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the World Rally Championship, this distinctive blue color immediately identifies French cars in the international peloton.
Even today, despite the rebirth of the Alpine brand under the aegis of Renault, this iconic blue continues to characterize the brand's models and reminds enthusiasts of the exceptional heritage of this unique French automotive adventure.
Complete your collection of French model cars
This Alpine Del Prado naturally finds its place at the heart of a collection dedicated to French automotive heritage . It harmonizes perfectly with other emblematic models such as the collectible Citroëns or the model car Peugeots to reconstruct the history of the French automobile.
Passionate racing car collectors will particularly appreciate this piece, which evokes the glory days of French motorsport. It also works well with other Alpine Renaults to create a complete thematic collection.
This model car is aimed at both experienced collectors and novices keen to discover the world of French model cars. Its meticulous finish and historical authenticity make it an excellent entry point for exploring French model cars or completing an existing collection of classics from the 1950s-1979s . For fans of the diamond brand, it is also an ideal complement to the other Renault models available.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to understand the scales of miniatures?
Scale indicates the reduction ratio between the real car and the miniature. For example, at 1:43 scale, each centimeter on the miniature corresponds to 43 centimeters on the real vehicle.
Concretely, a 1/18 scale Ferrari model is approximately 25-30 cm long, while in 1/43 scale it measures approximately 10 cm.
What scales are available?
Our model cars are mainly offered in 1/43, 1/24, 1/18 and 1/87 (HO) scales. The scale is always indicated in the product sheet.
The smaller the second number, the larger the model car (e.g. 1/18 is larger than 1/43).
Does the model car come with protection?
Yes, each model car is systematically delivered in its protective box. This box preserves the collectible value and protects your model car from dust and shocks.
How is my package protected during transport?
We package each order with the utmost care: bubble wrap, appropriate cushioning, and polystyrene. Your model car is perfectly secure during its journey.
What is the delivery time?
In-stock items are shipped within 24-48 hours. Please allow 2-3 business days for France via Colissimo or 4-5 days via Mondial Relay.
The model car is no longer in stock, when will you have it?
It's impossible for me to know exactly when I'll receive a new stock because I receive arrivals in dribs and drabs. Please contact me so I can keep you informed as soon as it's available.
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