Description
The Alpine Renault A106, introduced in 1955, was the first production car from Alpine, a company founded by Jean Rédélé, who was passionate about motorsport and sought to create lightweight, agile sports cars. The A106 was based on the mechanical components of the Renault 4CV but was designed with a much sportier focus. Its body was made of fiberglass, a revolutionary material at the time, which allowed the car to remain lightweight and enhance its performance. The A106 was powered by a modest 747 cc inline-four engine, producing around 21 horsepower in its standard form, but Rédélé offered tuned versions that could deliver up to 38 horsepower.
The car’s lightweight construction and nimble handling made it ideal for both road use and racing. Rédélé envisioned the A106 as a versatile car that could be driven comfortably during the week and raced on the weekends. In fact, the car was highly competitive in motorsport, particularly in rally events, which helped to establish Alpine’s reputation as a builder of fast, nimble cars. The A106 also offered a variety of options, including a coupe or convertible body style, and it could be fitted with a five-speed gearbox, which was unusual for small cars of the era.
The Alpine Renault A106 laid the foundation for future Alpine models and marked the beginning of the brand’s long association with Renault, a partnership that would lead to many successful racing and road-going cars. Its blend of lightweight construction, efficient design, and motorsport pedigree made it a key player in the evolution of French sports cars in the mid-20th century.