Alpine A108
| Company type | Automobile model |
|---|---|
| Industry | Automotive |
| Founded | 1957 |
| Founder | Jean Rédélé |
| Headquarters | Dieppe , France |
| Products | Sports car |
The Alpine A108 is a rear-mounted, two-door coupé featuring a lightweight fiberglass body, developed by Renault dealer Jean Rédélé based in Dieppe. Serving as the successor to the Alpine A106, it incorporated mechanical parts sourced from the Renault Dauphine.
History
Debuting at the Paris Motor Show in 1957, the A108 saw limited production initially, with the older A106 model continuing as Alpine's primary offering until 1960.
The A106’s name originated from the homologation number of the Renault 4CV, whereas the new model—built upon the Dauphine platform (homologation 1090)—was designated Alpine 108 to signify its shared non-mechanical elements with the 106. At its launch, it was equipped with an 845 cc Dauphine engine tuned by Gordini.
In 1960, Alpine expanded the A108 lineup by introducing a cabriolet and a 2+2 coupé variant featuring an extended wheelbase and a novel “beams and backbone” chassis framework that supported both engine and steering assemblies. This chassis design remained a hallmark of Alpine’s sports cars until 1977. Manufactured by Chappe et Gessalin, these versions were powered by Renault Dauphine engines in either 845 cc (37 hp) or 904 cc (53 hp) configurations. Production numbers for these longer models remained under 100 before the A108 ceased production in 1965.
The A108 played a crucial role in establishing Alpine’s reputation as a specialist sports car maker. In 1960, it was succeeded by the Berlinette Tour de France—a more sophisticated iteration featuring integrated headlights concealed behind perspex covers. This model continued until 1965 and paved the way for the commercially acclaimed Alpine A110.
Brazilian production
In Brazil, the A108 was manufactured under license through an agreement with Willys-Overland. Marketed as the Willys Interlagos, it was available in berlinette, coupé, and convertible body styles. The vehicle gained recognition in motorsport circles. Between 1962 and 1966, a total of 822 units were produced in São Bernardo do Campo, São Paulo.
Further reading
- Alpine. Tous les modèles. Toutes les années, Dominique Pascal. Massin éditeur.
- Ulrich Bethscheider-Kieser; Mike Riedner (Publisher): Autos die Geschichte machten. Renault Alpine. Motorbuch Verlag, Stuttgart 1991, , p. 156