Alpine A110: The Triumph at the Alpine Rally

In 1955, Jean Rédélé founded Alpine, a sports car company that paid homage to his victories in the Alpine Rally with his modified Renaults. However, despite its name, Alpine struggled to secure a win in the prestigious race due to mechanical issues. Determined to break this streak, Alpine entered five factory-prepared A110s in the 1968 Alpine Rally, alongside a strong lineup of Renault-Gordini 8s, Ford Escorts, Lancia Fulvia Coupés, and more. This article explores Alpine’s triumph at the 1968 Alpine Rally and the significance of this victory for the brand.

The 1968 Alpine Rally featured a total of 64 entries, including a diverse range of cars such as Porsche 911s, Alfa Romeo GTAs, Daf 55s, and even a “simply hideous” truncated Citroën DS and a Vauxhall Ventora. Surprisingly, there were no Mini Coopers among the participants. The race began in Marseille and covered a grueling 845-mile route to Aix-les-Bains.

Unfavorable weather conditions plagued the first leg of the rally, with heavy rain and fog making the roads treacherous. Many participants encountered accidents or suffered mechanical failures, resulting in only 25 cars reaching Aix-les-Bains. Among them were three Alpines, which managed to secure top positions alongside two Alfas.

The second leg of the rally consisted of a 520-mile mountain loop, further challenging the drivers with wet and grey weather conditions. By the end of this leg, only 16 cars remained in the competition. An Alpine led the pack, followed by a Lancia and an Alfa Romeo.

The final leg of the rally was a 955-mile journey back down to Antibes. The focus shifted to the intense battle between René Trautmann and Jean-Louis Barailler, who were separated by a mere 15 seconds. Meanwhile, Jean Vinatier trailed 11 minutes behind. In glorious sunshine, Vinatier maintained his lead and crossed the finish line, redeeming Alpine from years of disappointment.

This victory at the 1968 Alpine Rally marked a significant turning point for Alpine. It not only showcased the capabilities of the A110 but also solidified Alpine’s position as a formidable competitor in the world of motorsports. The triumph against renowned brands like Porsche, Alfa Romeo, and Lancia brought Alpine into the spotlight and garnered attention from enthusiasts and industry experts alike.

The Alpine A110, with its sleek design and powerful performance, played a crucial role in securing the victory. The factory-prepared A110s demonstrated their reliability and agility on the challenging rally stages, proving that Alpine had overcome its mechanical woes. This success boosted the reputation of the A110 as a high-performance sports car and attracted a new wave of customers to the brand.

The 1968 Alpine Rally victory also highlighted the spirit of perseverance and determination within the Alpine team. Despite years of setbacks, they never gave up on their goal of winning the prestigious race. This resilience resonated with fans and created a sense of loyalty towards the brand.

In conclusion, the 1968 Alpine Rally marked a historic moment for Alpine as they finally clinched victory after years of disappointment. The triumph not only showcased the capabilities of the Alpine A110 but also established Alpine as a force to be reckoned with in the world of motorsports. This victory served as a turning point for the brand, attracting new customers and solidifying its reputation as a manufacturer of high-performance sports cars. The 1968 Alpine Rally will forever be remembered as a defining moment in Alpine’s history.