Description
Alpine A108 (1958–1965) – The Lightweight Pioneer of French Motorsport
The Alpine A108 is a rare and charismatic French sports coupé developed by Jean Rédélé, founder of Alpine, and built on Renault mechanicals. As the successor to the A106 and precursor to the legendary A110, the A108 played a pivotal role in shaping Alpine’s identity and motorsport legacy.
Offered in Coupé, Cabriolet, and the highly innovative Berlinette “Tour de France” versions, the A108 featured a tubular backbone chassis and a fiberglass body, resulting in an impressively low weight of around 600 kg. This engineering approach not only enhanced agility but also laid the groundwork for the A110’s rally dominance.
Powered by Renault engines ranging from 845 cc to 904 cc, many tuned by the famed Amédée Gordini, the A108 delivered between 37 and over 70 hp, reaching top speeds of 140 to 170 km/ h and achieving 0–100 km/ h in roughly 11 seconds. With rear-wheel drive and a 4-speed manual transmission, it offered a nimble and engaging driving experience that was ahead of its time.
What truly set the A108 apart was its lightweight construction, dynamic handling, and technical innovation—especially the backbone chassis concept that would become a hallmark of Alpine engineering. Today, with fewer than 2, 000 units produced, the A108 is exceptionally rare and cherished by collectors.
More than just a car, the Alpine A108 was the embryo of a rally legend, a symbol of French ingenuity, and a stepping stone to one of the most celebrated chapters in motorsport history.
