Alpine and Renault – the Sports Prototypes Vols. 1 & 2
By Roy Smith
Originally published in 2010, the story of Alpine and Renault is a culmination of a Sherlock Homes style of research, study and investigative interviews with those luminaries who designed, built, tested, raced and had “hands on” knowledge of the marque’s machines. The result is a definitive work in which author Smith has left no stone unturned. Jean Rédélé’s small French marque Alpine won the World Rally Championship with the light and nimble A110, then set its sights on sports prototype racing, challenging the likes of Ford and Ferrari. Although the ultimate overall prize initially eluded them, there were successes in various class and performance categories.
Smith explores in minute detail—aided by a unique collection of more than 600 photographs and diagrams—the incarnation of a small French provincial team rising to eventual incorporation into the giant “Regie” Renault organization that ultimately allowed it to capture national and world crowns.
Such detailed writing could be a simple dry listing of technical and historical detail, but Smith’s pen makes this more of an intimate conversation peppered with entertaining sketches and anecdotes that leave the reader hungry for more.
Both Volume 1 and Volume 2 are available for US$69.95/£34.99 each, from enthusiast bookstores or direct from publisher Veloce at www.veloce.co.uk
