Description

The Alpine Renault A442 BT was a further development of Alpine’s endurance racing prototypes, specifically designed for the 24 Hours of Le Mans. It was part of the A442 series, which represented Renault’s push to dominate endurance racing in the late 1970s.

Powered by a 2.0-liter Renault-Gordini turbocharged V6 engine, the A442 BT produced around 500 horsepower, making it a formidable competitor in the World Sportscar Championship. The car featured an aerodynamic fiberglass body with a low-slung profile and a distinctive enclosed cockpit canopy, designed to reduce drag and improve high-speed performance. This bubble-style canopy, seen in some versions like the A442 B, helped with airflow but was challenging for driver visibility and ventilation.

The A442 BT was a crucial step in Renault’s endurance racing evolution, leading to the famous A442 B, which secured victory at the 1978 24 Hours of Le Mans with Didier Pironi and Jean-Pierre Jaussaud at the wheel. This win marked Renault’s first and only overall Le Mans victory before shifting its focus to Formula 1.

With its powerful turbocharged engine, advanced aerodynamics, and relentless pursuit of endurance racing success, the Alpine Renault A442 BT remains an iconic part of Alpine’s motorsport legacy.