A110 1100 - "Tour de France 1965"

Jürgen Clauss
Dec 1, 2022
15 min read

Updated: May 17

CLIENT COMPETITION

HISTORY

19. Rallye Lyon-Charbonnieres -Stuttgart-Solitude 1966

The Alpine A110 1100 “Tour de France” – The Legacy of André Wicky

In the world of historic motorsport, some vehicles are more than just metal and mechanics—they are legends on wheels, infused with passion, courage, and the unrelenting pursuit of speed. One such icon bears the registration VD-2065:

The Alpine A110 1100 “Tour de France”—once owned by Swiss racing driver André Wicky of Lausanne.

Wicky, a man from the early days of motorsport, was more than just a driver,he was a visionary.

As the founder of the Wicky Racing Team, he left his mark on the European racing scene for more than two decades.

He attacked the great circuits with unwavering determination, whether at the wheel of a Porsche 908 or this unique Alpine A110, which he ordered in 1965 with a single goal in mind - to win.

This Alpine was no ordinary specimen. It was a precision-built masterpiece, a French creation combining mechanical finesse with raw, elemental lightness and yet it was built for the rigors of competition. Wicky ordered it with every available racing option of the time, tailored for grueling rally use. Every production step, every detail reflected an uncompromising ambition - to build a car for champions.

With his co-driver Claude Haldi, himself a fixture in the motorsport world, Wicky competed in the infamous 1966 Rallye Lyon-Charbonnières–Stuttgart–Solitude. A stage that demanded everything from both drivers and machines, tight bends, steep passes, relentless speed. It was here that the A110 VD-2065 showed what it was made of: agility, precision and an indomitable fighting spirit that would become its signature.

VD-2065 was more than a car—it was a way of life. Light, wild, and uncompromising. The engine sang, the chassis danced, and Wicky turned this symphony of technology and temperament into record-setting stage times.

Today, this car is a rolling monument—a tribute to an era when motorsport was raw, direct, and defined by men like André Wicky: passionate, daring, and full of style. The Alpine A110 1100 “Tour de France” bearing the registration VD-2065 is not just a car—it is history on wheels. And its legend lives on.

From the factory, the car was equipped with features that were revolutionary for the time:

- Extra lightweight body

- 1 bucket seat, 1 serial seat

- Front cooling system

- 2 fuel tanks

- Heated windscreen

- Plexiglas panes

- Feature package "Equippement hautes Performance"

Strategy, Snow and Solitude

When André Wicky ordered his Alpine A110 1100 “Tour de France” in 1965, he did so with the foresight of a race strategist and the instinct of a true enthusiast. He deliberately chose to purchase the car without a powertrain—

an unusual move, but one with a deeper purpose.

Wicky maintained a close, almost personal relationship with legendary engine tuner Bernard Collomb in Nice, southern France. In the hands of this master craftsman, revered as an alchemist of the Gordini engine, a powerplant would be created that would not only give wings to the Alpine but transform it into a weapon for the special stages.

And it was on those legendary stages of the Rallye Lyon-Charbonnières–Stuttgart–Solitude that the A110 bearing registration VD-2065 began writing its chapter in motorsport history. This rally was more than a race, it was a myth. Officially designated as the "Germany Rally" and part of the European Championship, it attracted the elite of continental rallying. Particularly notorious, the special stages on the historic Solitude Ring near Stuttgart, a sacred ground of rallying, echoing with the scent of gasoline, the roar of engines and the cheers of the crowd.

1966 marked a turning point. With the Swiss Automobile Club joining as a co-organizer, the rally expanded beyond borders. It now counted as a national championship round in France, Germany, and Switzerland and among drivers,

it soon earned the nickname "the little Monte Carlo."

Winter had the Alps firmly in its grip. Snow, ice, and freezing fog turned the three high-mountain special stages into a dance on a knife’s edge. And it was here that the lightweight Alpine works cars truly shone—agile, precise, seemingly weightless as they slipped away into the snow flurries, leaving the competition behind.

1966 was the year the Solitude Ring first saw an Alpine A110 take overall victory, a triumph that would be followed by five more. At the top of the podium stood Jean-Pierre Hanrioud and Jean-Claude Peray in an Alpine A110 1100,

closely followed by their fellow Alpine drivers Vinatier and Hoffmann, also piloting a 1100 “Tour de France.”

And right among them, André Wicky and Claude Haldi, in their individually prepared Alpine, equipped with Collomb’s finely tuned heart, they battled through snowdrifts, hairpin bends, and darkness. In the class up to 1300 cc, they earned a respectable 5th place—a strong result that stood not only for sporting achievement but for passion, foresight and unshakeable belief in their team.

This Alpine was more than just a participant, it was part of a movement, part of a winning streak that forever etched

the name Alpine into the firmament of motorsport. And VD-2065 was right in the middle of it all—not as a footnote,

but as a proud witness to an era when motorsport still meant heart, risk and character.

RALLYE DU GENEVA 1966

10-12 JUNE 1966

HOME TURF

For a man like André Wicky, born near Lausanne, the Rallye de Genève – later known as the Rallye de Suisse – was more than just another date on the racing calendar. It was home turf, a matter of the heart, and a challenge all at once. From 1923 to 1971, this prestigious event was a cornerstone of Swiss motorsport.

And who, if not Wicky, should have been part of it? It was his homeland, his terrain, his stage. The curves, the mountain passes, the lakes and ravines – he didn’t just know them from the roadbook, but from life itself. Every kilometer was familiar, every gust of wind through the rock faces seemed to greet him personally as he rolled up to the starting line in his Alpine. The rally didn’t just start anywhere – it started on his doorstep.

His Alpine A110 – sleek, swift, determined – was the perfect companion for these local roads. The narrow alleys, the jagged mountain passes, the often fickle weather – it was a dance on the edge, where technique and instinct became one. Wicky didn’t just drive – he lived every curve, felt every climb.

1966 MONT BLANC RALLY

9-10 JULY 1966

OLYMPIC SPIRIT

The Rallye du Mont-Blanc – Morzine was considered one of the most demanding events on the French rally calendar. Winding, high-Alpine, unforgiving – a true test for both man and machine.

In 1966, the Swiss duo André Wicky and Claude Haldi also lined up at the start – with car number 23, determined to take on the Mont Blanc giant. In their Alpine A110, they faced altitude, unpredictable weather and the French rally elite.

Victory was not their only motivation – it was the Olympic spirit that mattered: to take part, to fight, to give it everything. And that is exactly what they did – with style, skill, and true racing passion.

SEARCH AND RESCUE

SWISS HERITAGE

BARN FIND

AUGUST 2012

MIRACLES DO HAPPEN

There are moments so improbable that they make you hold your breath, a miracle on four wheels.

In the summer of 2012, I found exactly that. A genuine Alpine A110 1100 “Tour de France” from 1965, an early competition car with historical DNA. Decommissioned in 1973 and hidden away in a warehouse near Lausanne,

it had been in a Sleeping Beauty slumber for nearly four decades – untouched, barely 45,000 kilometers on the clock, forgotten by the world. And yet, not lost.

Only a dozen of this specific configuration were ever built for rally use.

Its features, its original purpose, everything about it made it the rarest variant within the A110 family.

Amid dust, silence and time, there it stood – unassuming perhaps, but rich with history.

An original competition Berlinette like you don’t find every day. Not anymore. Perhaps never again.

After long negotiations and no less tenacious effort, I was finally able to acquire the car from a passionate

collector in November 2012. What first seemed like a stroke of luck soon turned into a harsh lesson.

DECEIVED – A PAINFUL LOSS

In the course of my extensive research, I tracked down the former owner who had once taken the car over from

André Wicky. But the joy of this discovery was overshadowed by a bitter truth.

Another collector, a self-proclaimed specialist from the Zurich area, had stripped the car of its original engine

and drivetrain before the sale – parts that had been uniquely matched to the vehicle for over half a century.

What was once an authentic “matching numbers” time capsule was dismantled out of greed and selfishness.

This unscrupulous act not only ended an old friendship but also robbed the car of a piece of its soul.

A part of motorsport history was deliberately compromised.

TRUTH OVER GLOSS

I have chosen to tell this story openly. Not just because it belongs to this car, but because it serves as a warning.

Anyone drawn to the Alpine myth, anyone who dreams of an A110, should know: not everything that glitters is genuine. And not everyone who calls themselves a collector acts out of love for the brand.

TOUR DE FRANCE AUTOMOBIL

MOTORSPORT MAGAZIN

In an impressive feature, Motorsport Magazine turns its attention to the early Alpine icon: the A110 1100

“Tour de France” – the model that first paved the way for the brand’s future triumphs.

At the center of the article is the personal Berlinette of Jacques Cheinisse, who would later become the racing director of Alpine Renault. But before he led the factory team with strategic brilliance, he sat behind the wheel himself –

as a factory driver, as a true believer, as part of that pioneering era in which Alpine was still fighting for recognition.

The test report is more than just a technical analysis – it’s a tribute to a time when the 1100 Berlinette thrilled with lightness, precision, and unmistakable French flair during the Tour de France Automobile.

Cheinisse’s personal A110 was no museum piece – it was weapon and tool, finely tuned, uncompromising, born for the road. This article captures exactly that: the essence of a lightweight, no-nonsense rally car that made history with small numbers and big impact.

BLOOD, SWEAT & TEARS

DISASSEMBLY

DECEMBER 2012

NEW HOME – NEW BEGINNING

In December 2012, a new chapter began in the story of this rare Alpine A110 1100 “Tour de France” –

the moment she found a new home in my workshop.

What followed was not just disassembly, it was the careful beginning of a journey back to her true identity.

The years had left their mark. Not only had time taken its toll on the delicate fiberglass body, but also the last motorsport outings and some rather heavy-handed modifications by the previous owner. Enlarged rear wheel arches,

additional spotlights, a foreign paint job – she seemed estranged, as if she had forgotten who she once was.

But from the very beginning, it was clear, she would not remain this way.

The fragile, ultra-light body was cracked, deformed, and poorly patched in many areas. My task was not to preserve everything at all costs – but to make clear, informed decisions. What could be saved, what had to go?

With respect for the original, but also with necessary resolve, damaged sections were cut out and professionally replaced. The goal was always to preserve as much of the original substance as possible, not a reconstruction at any cost, but an honest restoration of authentic character.

The deformed fenders were returned to their original shape, the front restored to the two-headlight configuration as once seen on the rally stages of Europe. Every cut, every rivet, every reinforcement was a step back toward her true identity.

BODY WORK

PASSION MADE FORM

After countless hours of careful handiwork, precision, and dedication, she now stands before me, the reborn Berlinette. The delicate masterpiece of French motorsport history, freed from the wounds of time, rolls out of the workshop on her own wheels for the first time.

But it is more than a technical moment, it is a triumph of form, the language of the body.

Every transition, every contour, every line now speaks once again the original language of the A110 1100

“Tour de France,” as André Wicky once carried it through mountain passes and special stages.

Before painting, all fittings were adjusted, aligned, and mounted to the millimeter, no detail left to chance.

Doors, hoods, panels - all had to fit perfectly again, as if made in Dieppe originally.

It was a dialogue between man and machine, between past and future.

Now it stands, not loud, not boastful, but with the quiet elegance that true racing cars embody.

PAINT JOB - PAINT TO SAMPLE

WHEN CRAFTMANSHIP BECOMES ART

After all the structural work and the patient restoration of every line, painting begins the visible promise - now what has grown beneath the surface shows itself.

But before the first layer of paint is applied, one thing is needed: time, dedication, and an uncompromising eye for detail. The adjustment of gaps, the precise alignment of doors, hoods and panels - nothing is done carelessly.

Where once there was movement, flawless harmony must now emerge.

Lost edges of light are painstakingly reconstructed, subtly shaped, as if restoring the contours of an old artwork.

Every transition, every fold, every surface is finely sanded, inspected, and refined with loving precision.

The fiberglass surface demands nothing less than perfection, it tolerates no haste, no compromise.

Then comes the moment when the color—custom-made, paint to sample—meets the body.

A layering process, not just a coating. With every layer, the Berlinette comes to life anew.

It begins to glow, not bright, but deep, warm, authentic.

This paint job is no mere shell, it is an expression. It tells of respect for the past and pride in making it visible again.

ARTWORK - MASTERPIECES INSPIRATION

EVERY PART A SMALL MASTERPIECE

In the world of the Alpine A110, it’s not only the body and engine that tell the story, it’s the small details, the fine sculptures, that breathe life into this racing car. Every single fitting is more than just a component.

It is a work of art in itself, a symbol of precision and passion.

With infinite patience and dedication, surfaces are refined, chrome parts polished, paint layers carefully applied.

Patina is preserved to let history breathe; unusable parts are renewed, always in the spirit of authenticity and

respect for the original.

A small but so characteristic detail: the oversized, robust ¾” ENOTS fuel cap - simple and functional, yet a jewel that makes any connoisseur’s mouth water. Such fine nuances make the difference between an ordinary car and a legend.

Every part is restored true to the original, precisely inspected, and patiently awaits its moment on the shelf. Because eventually, each of these little masterpieces will take its rightful place and proudly become part of the whole—

the Alpine A110 as it should be. Perfect, genuine, alive.

POWERTRAIN - MACHINE MATTERS

HEART AND SOUL OF THE BERLINETTE

André Wicky ordered this special Alpine A110 deliberately without a power unit, to have one of the most renowned engine tuners of the time—Bernard Collomb in Nice—build a tailor-made racing engine with 1296cc.

This engine was meant not only to deliver power but also to embody character and racing soul.

Every single component was meticulously reworked. The engine block received new bronze bushings for maximum smoothness, while hairline cracks in the combustion chambers of the cylinder head were expertly welded and precisely reworked, a testament to the highest craftsmanship and technical excellence.

Here, technology and aesthetics are not opposites but partners. The engine block was freshly painted in its typical Gordini moss green, after carefully masking all openings to protect the precious interior.

This green color is not only a trademark but also a symbol of racing tradition and technical authenticity.

The original sand-cast valve cover with its characteristically rough surface was deliberately left in its original state,

no shine, no chrome, no polishing -here raw functionality and pure racing history count.

This powertrain is more than an engine, it is a piece of motorsport history, finely tuned, robust and full of passion. Because in the Alpine A110, every revolution, every spark counts—“Machine Matters.”

REASSEMBLY

NOVEMBER 2013

THE PUZZLE OF PERFECTION

This extraordinary Berlinette was built from the start for tough rally use, one detail makes this impressively clear -

the additional fuel tank behind the seats. The front tank alone was not enough to cover the long stages without refueling.

A clever switching valve between the seats gave the driver the freedom to choose between tanks at any time,

a small technical masterpiece that made the difference on the track.

After countless hours of intense work, precision, and passion on body, engine, and parts, the grand finale begins.

The moment when every carefully restored component finds its rightful place and becomes forever merged with this racing car.

Like a complex puzzle, piece by piece, what was long in parts comes together. Step by step, an impressive overall picture emerges—the delicate artwork of a rally legend takes shape.

Here, technology and craftsmanship become pure emotion that can be seen, felt and heard once the Berlinette returns

to the road.

BACK ON TRACK

LABOR OF LOVE

The classic Alpine A110 1100 “Tour de France”, a masterpiece from Jean Rédélé’s early creative period, combining timeless design with pure racing spirit.

With its slender, elegant lines and narrow bodywork, it appears at first glance like the underdog in the field.

The 15-inch steel wheels reinforce this impression, making it seem restrained, almost delicate – but don’t underestimate it!

Beneath its fine shell beats the heart of a true racer. A powerful, high-revving Gordini engine, paired with minimal weight and unmatched agility, catapult this Berlinette to astonishing performance levels that few would expect.

More and more enthusiasts today recognize the magic of this early version, which embodies a unique aesthetic with its simple yet elegant appearance , far from loud noise, but full of character and soul.

Only a few of these rare, original “Tour de France” models have withstood the test of time. They are the true treasures of the Alpine world – a real labor of love where design, technology and passion merge.

EMBRACE THE FLAWS

THE HIGH ART OF FILMMAKING

Falling in love with the silhouette of an Alpine A110 is easy – its timeless elegance captivates immediately.

But you have to make peace with the quirks and small flaws of this legend if you want the relationship to be deep and lasting. True love for an Alpine demands devotion, patience, endless tolerance, and above all - respect for its history.

David to Elfe, the creative mind behind the camera, has crafted a masterpiece. He weaves a bridge between two Alpines, 55 years apart, yet sharing the same soul. With a gentle gaze, he captures how tradition and modernity unite – two cars, one DNA, one passion.

The hardships and obstacles of filming fade as soon as the images speak. Embrace the Flaws is more than a film –

it’s an ode to the beauty of imperfection, to the heart and soul of the Alpine.

CAR & DRIVER // Jürgen Clauss @alpinelab

FILM CREW // David Zu Elfe @davidzuelfe & Maze Wagner @mazewagner

MUSIC&SOUND // Phillip Stephan @p.k.stephan

Making of: https://www.feuerwasserfilm.de/portfolio/alpinelab/

GET OUT AND DRIVE

LET`S PLAY

PURE DRIVING PLEASURE

As soon as you pull the leather door strap and sink into the tight shell, an experience begins that has nothing

to do with modern cars yet tells everything about the essence of driving.

The oversized Speedwell steering wheel with its wooden rim dominates your view,

almost too present – and yet, after the first corners, you never want to be without it.

The delicate Berlinette can be guided with playful ease; every movement comes intuitively.

It’s as if it knows the driver’s thoughts.

Behind, the Gordini engine hums, tuned, unleashed, breathing freely – no air filter, no muffler steals the sound of its purpose. Instead, a metallic howl, a throaty growl electrifies heart and mind. The tachometer needle dances –

impulsive, demanding – climbing to the red zone. And with it grows the grin on the driver’s face.

It weighs almost nothing and yet carries great weight – history, character, feeling.

Its acceleration isn’t a punch but a rush that becomes addictive. This isn’t about numbers but emotion.

Pure driving joy. A game with the road. A dance with time.

CAR IN DETAIL

SOULMADE

WHEN TECHNOLOGY BECOMES POETRY

It’s the delicate interplay of things, materials, forces, thoughts. Materials that don’t just complement but inspire each other. Every part a tone, every line a beat. And in the end, a harmonious whole that is more than the sum of its parts.

Thus it is born, an automotive expression of soul and form- the Berlinette. A sculpture of steel, fiberglass and courage.

It reflects the spirit of an era shaped by idealism, lightness and genuine racing spirit.

Especially the early A110 “Tour de France” models radiate a quiet, almost magical aura. Slim, elegant, reduced, yet full of expression. Their design seduces not with volume but with character. With attitude. With soul.

More and more people discover this special language for themselves. And once you’ve been enchanted, you know - this form was not built. It was created. Soulmade.

DRIVE TASTEFULLY

YOU DON`T DRIVE AN ALPINE A110, YOU WEAR IT

Afshin Behnia was the founder of PETROLICIOUS, the name given to a group of fans, fanatics, collectors and racers of classic cars in California.

In September 2016, he personally visited alpineLAB and squeezed himself into the cramped cockpit of an Alpine A110 for the first time. His impressions led to the meanwhile legendary statement:

„YOU DON`T DRIVE AN ALPINE A110, YOU WEAR IT“!

CONCOURS

CLASSIC GALA SCHWETZINGEN 2019

HONOUR WHERE HONOUR IS DUE

The Classic Gala in the baroque palace park of Schwetzingen is much more than a Concours d’Elegance – it is a festival for the senses. Architecture, culture, and automotive history merge into a stylish Gesamtkunstwerk.

No place could be more fitting to offer automotive icons their deserved stage.

Three extraordinary Berlinettes, each with a rich history, faced the critical eyes of the judges and an amazed audience.

In vibrant yellow – the former German hill climb champion, an A110 1300S once raced uphill by Werner Brendel.

In classic Alpine blue – the 1300S of Hans Schulze Schwering, one of the brand’s pioneers on German circuits.

And finally, in elegant white – the legendary A110 1100 “Tour de France,” once chased through Alpine passes by the Lausanne gentleman racer André Wicky.

The jury’s criteria remained undisclosed. But what counts is the recognition.

The fine A110 1100 was not overlooked, it rolled the catwalk, honored, admired, celebrated.

A moment that brought automotive history to life and paid it respect.