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French classic reborn
The classic French sports car Alpine has been reborn as a new brand with two versions: the high-sport Première Edition which quickly sold out at a price of €60,000 and a roadster version on sale now at €10,000 less.
As befits the smartphone age, customers bought their new wheels via the Alpine app, noting an interest through the app and then following up with a €2,000 deposit.
Only 1,955 of the specials were for sale, a number set to mark the year Alpine founder Jean Rédélé established the brand with the A106.
It is a far cry from the specials launched by other French sports manufacturer Bugatti, which asked customers to leave them in charge of €250,000 while they decided on extras.
So far, Alpine has given little information on the cars’ performance, apart from the fact that they will go from 0-100kph (0-62mph) in 4.5seconds.
The launch comes 45 years after an Alpine first won the Monte Carlo Rally, with Ove Andersson leading a 1-2-3 past the cheering crowds at the Monaco finishing line.
Alpine chief Michael van der Sande said: “Alpines made such a mark because of the elegance of their designs, their nimble handling and their memorable successes in world class motor racing and rallying.”
Delivery in France is promised for the end of this year.
