Renault Alpine Creator Jean Rédelé Dies

August 21, 2007; Deeply moved by the passing of Jean Rédélé, Carlos Ghosn, the General Management and all the employees at Renault share the pain of his family and loved ones. “We would like to pay tribute to this man, who was passionate about cars like all of us and a bold entrepreneur who made the Alpine brand shine well beyond our borders,” declared Carlos Ghosn.

The masterwork of an enthusiast Jean Rédelé, rally driver and son of a Renault dealer, made his ambitious dream a reality in 1955. He developed a delightful small French sports car, based on production parts but able to hold its own in international rallies. His inspired idea was to adapt an aerodynamic polyester body to the chassis of the heavy but efficient 4CV.

Cottage-industry cars
This attractive coupé – also know as the Coach A106 – was the result of an alliance between Renault and a few talented small-scale manufacturers. It was an alliance based on passion. Renault produced the chassis, engine and other production parts, while the other manufacturers were responsible for assembly and bodywork.

The Chappe brothers, discreet pioneers in plastic technologies, produced the curving, streamlined bodywork of the Alpine A106. To cut costs, they made the windscreen from the rear window of the Renault Frégate.

The future racing car was fitted out with its 4CV engine at the Alpine's legendary workshops in Paris, at 13 rue Forest. The engine existed in two versions: 21 hp and a more powerful 38 hp. Rédelé and his engineers gave drivers a choice between the original 3-speed gearbox and a new 5-speed version. This last "full option" quickly gained the favors of users. Small-scale production also left space for customization. From 1958, drivers could choose their own drivetrain. Cars fitted with a drivetrain inherited from the Dauphine went by the name A108.

Unfortunately, only 300 models came off the assembly lines between 1955 and 1961. Today, any collector would leap at the chance to acquire one of these rare jewels!

The first in a prestigious line-up of champions
Although the Alpine 106 had only a simple powertrain, it already carried the genes of a glorious dynasty: lightweight design, an engine behind the rear axle, a slim nose and a clipped rear end.

Improvements were made continuously during the six years of production. In 1956, small round indicators were mounted at the front. In 1957, the Frégate windscreen was replaced by a specially designed part. Door handles replaced the pushbuttons. And, at the end of the vehicle's career, a number of finishing touches were made to the design. Discreet headlamps, lodged in the air intakes, replaced the original– more prominent – design.

This automotive jewel did not disappoint its designers. It quickly became a much coveted item. Drivers loved this curious racing car, which notched up a string of victories. The vehicle's power and lightweight design made it an object of wonder at race tracks everywhere. With the Alpine A106, post-war France made a comeback in international competitions. After displaying three cars in the colors of the French flag at the Paris Motor Show, Jean Rédelé could sit back and savor his achievement! This first foray paved the way for another French motoring legend: the Berlinette..