Alpine Renault the fabulous berlinettes
By Roy Smith
Accomplished author Roy Smith uncovers the history of the Alpine Renault’ fabulous berlinettes in his usual Miss Marple style of investigation. His previous work with the Alpine Renault Sports Prototypes won acclaim from the Guild of Motoring writers and is considered a definitive work on the subject. This gives the reader a certain assurance to the authenticity of this six-year “investigation” into one of the iconic road and rally marques. The Foreword is by FIA President, Jean Todt, if further credibility were required.
The book, published in the wake of the 50th anniversary of the Alpine A110 Berlinette, gives a well-informed and authoritative insight to the whole Alpine project from the germ of an idea, to the first road cars, progressing to the early rally cars and the very first steps of competition. It traces the complete development of the car, those early failures and rally victories and on to the ultimate winning of the rally championship and beyond. Indeed, no stone is left unturned. The text is not confined to Smith’s personal thoughts on the subject as many of those who worked on the cars, together with those who raced them, have been interviewed at length. It is this deep investigative work, for which the author has become renowned, that has uncovered a plethora of photographs. Some are from official sources, but many are previously unpublished images from both professional and amateur photographers.
In conclusion, Smith has produced a work that will appeal to the casual reader as well as rally enthusiasts and Alpine aficionados.
Available for GB£75.00 or US$125 plus P&P at www.veloce.co.uk
