The Online Magazine for Italian and French Classic Car Enthusiasts
On the Targa Tasmania
Story by Mark Duder
My love of Renaults began years ago. I had participating in the West Australian Rally Championships in the 60s and early 70s in a modified Renault R8 with good results and even did the 1970 Repco round Australia in a Renault R16. Of course the ultimate was the A110 Alpine. When I restored one years later, I would find a new friend by the most unusual coincidence.
A remarkable experience that lasts to this day.
Story and photos by Mark Duder
In 1972 my new wife Margaret and I decided to have a year in Europe for our honeymoon. In those days a line voyage (A line voyage was a simple liner going from Australia to the UK as quick as it could, (21 days), as against a cruise.) from Perth in Western Australia around the bottom of Africa was the way to go.
As was normal in those days for Australians we bought a second hand van in London that had obviously been around Europe a few times and set off.
As a member of the Renault car club of West Australia, I had participated in the West Australian Rally Championships in the 60s and early 70s in a modified Renault R8. Hence, due to my interest in all things Renault and Alpine, I managed to get an invite to the Renault factory in Paris and the Alpine factory in Dieppe. However, upon arrival in Paris, we went to the Renault factory in Billancourt for a tour but when we got there, there were workers protesting at the gate, and we were told by police not to go further. [Read more…] about Alpine Factory Tour, circa 1972 Part 1
The A220 Apine 3 Liter Chassis 1731 at this year's NEC.
By Roy P. Smith
Color photos by Roy P. Smith
B&W photos courtesy Roy P. Smith and Veloce Publishing from Volume 1 of Alpine Renault- The Sports Prototypes.
November 14-16, 2014 was the scene of the now-enormous NEC Classic Motorshow in the UK. I was there of course and having been tipped off was not disappointed to see the Alpine A220 Chassis number 1731 on display, fully restored and in fully working order with Alpine specialist historian Tim Moores in attendance. Of course having written a book about these cars I knew well the vehicle in question and Tim had kept me informed of the recent happenings. As with all Alpine Sports Prototypes there is a story to tell, so here is a little bit about this one. [Read more…] about Roy Smith at the NEC: An Old Friend Returns
Story and photos by Roy Smith
For many years enthusiasts of the Renault Alpine have been yearning for a new model from the mother company, who still owns the rights to the Alpine name and logo.
But the likelihood of a new Alpine coming into production was, and in fact probably still is, a risky proposition for the risk-averse Renault.