R8 Gordini Tribute - Alpine A310/4 - Alpine A110 S: Allez les jaunes in Singen at the Hohentwiel

Renault 8 Gordini Tribute

After the four-cylinder engine in the rear has reached its feel-good temperature, we take the curves with increasing speed and Dennis clearly enjoys giving his nimble Frenchman the spurs on the narrow roads with low traffic. Yes, his Renault 8 Gordini Tribute offers driving pleasure at its very best and with a broad grin on our faces we speed on up the hill. The introduction of the enhanced version, developed by horsepower wizard Amédée Gordini, in 1964 heralded the era of sporty driving pleasure for many. No wonder, as the "Gorde", as it was affectionately called by its fans, was one of the fastest cars of its time with its 86 hp.

In the years 1964 - 1967, the angular speedster was unbeatable at the Corsica Rally and secured first place three times in a row. As the drive technology of the Alpine A110 was adopted from the Renault 8, it has always been at the top of my wish list, says Dennis. His R8 is a Gordini Tribute 1st series. The basis is a normal Renault 8 from 1966, which has been refined in Gordini style and excellently restored. Due to the excellent restoration, the vehicle has already adorned a cover story in the Oldtimer Praxis magazine. Liners from the Alpine A110 1300 S were fitted - along with a finely balanced crankshaft from an Alpine engine with a 72 millimeter stroke. 

The four-cylinder engine now has a displacement of 1296 cc. The combustion chambers and channels of the head have been fine-tuned and the compression increased moderately. Furthermore, the camshaft of an R8 S was installed in conjunction with a 32-bar Weber IDF downdraft register carburetor, so that around 80 hp is now available at a kerb weight of 750 kg. Who could have guessed in 1962, when the Renault 8 was introduced as the successor to the unforgotten Dauphine, that the rear-engined sedan would be a future racing legend, says Dennis. That's why I'm absolutely "content" that the Renault 8 Gordini Tribute is now part of my collection and every drive is a new pleasure for me.

Getting into the racy A310 /4, which is only 1.15 meters high - yellow paintwork with red seats - takes some skill. But I quickly get used to the semi-reclined seating position behind the sloping windshield and enjoy the sound of the powerful four-cylinder engine. Winding country roads are the Alpine A310/4's favorite terrain, and of course its owner knows that too. Dennis regularly drives his French car around the Lake Constance region, bringing a smile not only to himself but also to many other people. The futuristic A310 was the last series model that Jean Rédélé developed himself. First presented at the Geneva Motor Show in 1971, the early Alpine A310 four-cylinder models are an absolute rarity today.

With the 6 individual headlights behind glass and the story of its creation at a kitchen table in the Paris apartment of Alpine founder Monsieur Rédélé, this most original form of the A310 holds a special place in my heart, says Dennis. Pure Alpine history! His example is probably one of the best-preserved cars in general - assuming you can still find one. No wonder, since only 2340 of the four-cylinder version of the A310 - an icon of French sports car construction, by the way - were produced. My Alpine is an injection model 1600 VF and was first delivered to Switzerland in August 1974 in a special specification for slalom races - ex works with 2 oil coolers, Dennis continues.

The Swiss owner then sold the vehicle to Germany in the early 1990s, in the course of which a complete restoration was carried out. To be more precise, a frame-off restoration. Among other things, the frame was galvanized and a specially built 1800 engine with almost 150 hp was installed. This was combined with a precisely tuned Koni suspension and Gotti racing rims. The new owner - an acquaintance from the Alpine scene - has continuously perfected the A310/4 over the years and spared no expense or effort to keep the vehicle in as perfect a condition as possible. He bequeathed me this dream on four wheels - the perfect addition to my collection, says Dennis. He is very grateful for this and the sparkle in his eyes when he looks at his A310/4 reveals even more. You can call it "l'amour vrai". 

Dennis Hummelsiep’s cool homage art shirt Jean Rédélé is available in Jürgen Clauss’ alpineLAB shop.

Light, fast and an iconic design. Yes, the Alpine A110 S arouses emotions. The weight is 1,102 kg - the acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h is 4.2 seconds - the chassis is made of 100% aluminum - the sleek design skilfully underlines Alpine's legacy - the heart of the A110 S, the 300 hp four-cylinder turbo engine, is located in the rear of the car. Stylistically, the A110 S is based on the legendary Berlinette and is therefore the perfect garage neighbor to my classic A110, enthuses Dennis as we drive through the winding outback of Singen at the Hohentwiel. I just couldn't resist, he adds. With this nippy French car, you look forward to every curve and the fiery

temper of the high-revving engine is simply great fun. My A110 S is probably unique in the specification you can see, says Dennis. Of course it had to be yellow, just as my classic A110 was delivered from the factory in yellow. So the choice fell on a heritage color that first appeared in the Alpine range in 1974. Jaune Vanille! Limited to 110 units! The vehicle was personalized by Atelier Alpine according to my wishes. This includes: the French Signature decals, the Aero package, the carbon fiber roof, the Sabelt Racing seats and the 18-inch GT Race alloy wheels in gold. An absolutely unique vehicle that fits seamlessly into my collection.

A wonderful day comes to an end and it's time to say goodbye. Au revoir, Dennis and merci beaucoup.