A110 1800 Gr. IV "Morocco Rally 1974"
- Jürgen Clauss
- Jun 1, 2022
- 20 min read
Updated: May 18
FACTORY CAR "USINE"
HISTORY
MOROCCO RALLY
08-13 MAY 1974
ALPINE & RENAULT
Victorious in the Desert
The Morocco Rally 1974 was no ordinary race —
it was a triumph of passion, engineering and unyielding pioneering spirit. Amidst the ruthless expanses of North Africa, across shimmering seas of sand, jagged mountain trails and merciless heat, the moment had come for ALPINE and RENAULT.
A battle against the elements, against time and against one’s own limits.
With the legendary Alpine A110 1800 Berlinette — a vehicle that had long become a symbol of French engineering and driving mastery, ALPINE entered two specially prepared cars.
Built to withstand the harshness of over 4,000 kilometers across the Moroccan wilderness, including 1,240 kilometers
of rough gravel stages over 11 grueling special tests.
The A110 bearing starting number 1, driven by the experienced Bernard Darniche, embodied the fighting spirit of the brand. But it was car number 3, piloted by Jean-Pierre Nicolas with co-driver Christian Delferrier, that etched itself into history. Under the plate 2005 HS 76, the duo fought relentlessly through sandstorms, technical failures and extreme conditions — ultimately crowned with a commanding overall victory. A historic moment for ALPINE, for France and for rallying.
But RENAULT held its ground in the desert as well. With two Renault 17s driven by Jean-Luc Thérier and Jean-François Piot, the brand faced the Moroccan endurance test. They proved not only technical skill but also that Renault’s motorsport ambitions were no empty promises. Their presence underscored the manufacturer’s commitment to establishing itself as a major force in international rallying.
The Morocco Rally 1974 was more than a competition, it was a myth in the making.
ALPINE & RENAULT wrote an epic chapter in rally history, driven by courage, precision and relentless ambition.
The desert sands may have long since blown away, but the victory of 1974 lives on, in the roar of engines and the hearts of those who don’t just drive motorsport, but live it.
© McKlein
STAGE OF TRUTH
880 Kilometers to the Edge of Possibility
After nearly four days of relentless racing through the endless Moroccan desert, across rocky camel paths, washed-out tracks, and dusty high plains — the team of Jean-Pierre Nicolas and Christian Delferrier reached the small oasis town of Tansikht. But rest was out of the question. What followed was the ultimate trial, a 260-kilometer stage to Rissani, starting at 2 a.m. in the dead of night.
The destination: Marrakesh. In between, the infamous Col du Tichka, a mountain pass rising to 2,260 meters —
a colossal stretch of asphalt and stone that no car escapes unscathed.
With every meter gained in altitude, temperature dropped and air thinned. The engines, pushed by the determination
of their drivers, struggled with oxygen deprivation. Over the radio, Nicolas reported his first concerns. The engine was losing power, water temperature was climbing dangerously. At the service point, the warning light glowed ominously red, the Jaeger gauge read 130 degrees Celsius. Mechanics stood stunned — the day before in Tata everything had been flawless.
No steam, no oil leaks, no sign of overheating. Yet the instruments screamed alarm.
But giving up was never an option for Jean-Pierre Nicolas. Despite all warnings, he was sent back onto the course —
a risky decision fueled by trust in driver and machine. Minutes later came the relieving radio message:
"Don’t worry — the water temperature gauge is malfunctioning."
A short sentence, a deep breath and the birth of a legend.
Nicolas was no accidental hero. His experience from the 1973 East African Safari Rally paid off.
He knew the demands of extreme long-distance rallies, when to preserve the car, when to take risks, and when to trust his own instincts over blinking warning lights.
In the end, Jean-Pierre Nicolas triumphed with a 22-minute lead over teammate Jean-Luc Thérier in the Renault 17.
A demonstration of Alpine-Renault dominance, as they claimed the first five positions overall — a victory impossible to overlook.
To be fair, the field was somewhat weakened by the absence of several major factory teams — for political, organizational, or logistical reasons. Yet that does nothing to diminish the achievements of those who came to compete and conquer.
THE INFAMOUS "TRANSMAROCCAINE"
The Fabric of Legends
The Morocco Rally, affectionately called "La Maroc," was far more than a motorsport event — it was a monumental adventure. Those who faced it knew, this was not just about speed but endurance, instinct and pure survival will.
Only the legendary East African Safari Rally could boast similarly merciless demands. Even there, whispers of the "Transmaroccaine" evoked fear and respect.
For it was the epitome of a brutal endurance test, the infamous Transmaroccaine — a special stage unlike any other,
over 600 kilometers through the most inhospitable regions of North Africa.
No loops, no second chances, no safety net. Two refueling stops were required just to make the stage drivable,
a testament to its inhuman challenge.
The course itself was a nightmare of rocks, dust and sand, unpaved tracks tore at suspensions and bodies, bone-dry gravel hammered shocks and steering relentlessly. River crossings where engines could easily stall alternated with
endless shimmering desert stretches where only the horizon seemed the goal — and even that appeared to retreat.
Here the wheat was separated from the chaff, cars became wreck-like survivors and drivers transformed into silent heroes. Finishing this stage meant not only surviving, it meant writing a chapter in motorsport history.
The "Transmaroccaine" was not merely a part of the rally — it was its soul, the test even seasoned veterans feared.
And for Alpine-Renault, it became the stage to emphatically prove their technical superiority and driving skill.
Where others stranded, they drove to glory.
"Transmaroccaine" — a word that still echoes like the thunder of a four-cylinder engine across endless horizons.
© Le Tahitien
SPECIAL EQUIPMENT REQUIRED
When Rallying Becomes a Battle of Gear
The 1974 Morocco Rally was no place for standard cars or soft suspension comfort. Anyone who wanted to survive had to upgrade, modify and prepare — down to the last detail. Alpine-Renault left nothing to chance and equipped their factory teams with technology more reminiscent of expeditions than motorsport.
Foremost among these was MICHELIN, who developed the new RC1 gravel tire specifically for this rally, a generation of tires created for razor-sharp rocks, loose scree, and blazing hot sand.
Grip, puncture resistance and heat endurance had to be guaranteed over more than 1,200 kilometers of brutal special stages. The RC1 was not a racing tire — it was a survival tool.
Equally indispensable was the CB radio onboard, the acoustic lifeline between drivers and service points, between hope and surrender. Without it, you were alone in the desert in case of engine failure, navigation problems, or life-threatening situations.
Added to this was a rugged underbody armor made of steel, aluminum, and fiberglass, protecting the gearbox, differential and suspension from the countless blows dealt by Moroccan terrain every second.
And yet, no vehicle was safe from breakdowns.
Already during the first special stage, the Alpine with license plate 2004 HS 76, driven by Bernard Darniche, had to retire due to gearbox damage. The Piot/de Alexandris team in the Renault 17 also appeared on course for victory at
one point, but suspension problems forced them to quit early. The rally demanded its toll — mercilessly.
In the competition department "Service Courses," the two Alpine factory cars were prepared for their deployment, where precision and experience decided victory or failure. In a historic photo, the two cars — 2004 HS 76 and 2005 HS 76 — can be seen side by side in service — one already marked by fate, the other on its way to glory.
Special equipment was mandatory, but in the end, more than technology won the day.
Courage, instinct, and the unshakable will to defy the desert.
HOCKENHEIM 3-HOUR RACE 1974
TRACKDAY
A Rally Queen Goes Off Track
Sometimes motorsport writes its most beautiful chapters off the beaten path — as with the legendary 2005 HS 76,
the Alpine A110 that once won the brutal 1974 Morocco Rally. But instead of sand and gravel, this time it faced smooth asphalt. The 3-hour race at Hockenheim, an unusual stage for a hardened desert warrior.
Under Swiss leadership, the former rally icon suddenly found itself amidst racing prototypes and GT cars — far from the dust of North Africa, yet no less ambitious. The 2005 HS 76 demonstrated it could do more than drifts on gravel and jumps over camel tracks. Precise, agile, and with impressive grip, it lapped the Hockenheimring like a French diva who knows how to make an entrance.
Noticeable — the wheel choice. Instead of typical factory rims, the Berlinette rolled on ultra-light GT rims, 7 inches wide at the front and even 10 inches at the rear, an unusual but functional choice clearly aimed at saving weight and maximizing traction. A sign that true connoisseurs were at work, exploiting the Alpine’s potential for circuit racing.
The 2005 HS 76 — from desert victory to track day, from rally epic to circuit elegance. A car that doesn’t just cross boundaries but redefines them.
© Ruedi R. Mettler
1975 EAST AFRICAN SAFARI RALLY
17-31 MARCH 1975
QUEEN OF RALLIES
No other rally in the world possessed the myth, wildness and charisma of the East African Safari Rally — rightly called the Queen of Rallies. It was born in 1953, created to honor the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II, but quickly grew into a motorsport giant of its own.
A rally that didn’t just pass through Africa — it lived Africa, with all its unpredictability, vastness and untamed nature.
The Safari route was as epic as it was ruthless.
Up to 6,000 kilometers through rainforests, savannahs, volcanic mountains and dusty plains — from Kampala in Uganda, via Dar es Salaam in Tanzania, to the heart of Kenya, where the rally was deeply rooted in national identity.
When the Safari took place, the country came to a halt — newspapers printed daily headlines, entire villages gathered along the stages and even political issues took a backseat.
In 1975, the field reflected the international motorsport elite. Lancia, Peugeot, Datsun, Mitsubishi, Porsche, and Alpine-Renault all arrived to face the ultimate test of endurance. Because winning the Safari was more than a sporting success.
It meant worldwide exposure, brand prestige and technical credibility. For car manufacturers, it was the greatest possible showcase — a knighthood for technology under real extreme conditions.
Fresh from their 1973 rally world championship, Alpine-Renault did not come in 1975 to collect world championship points — they wanted to be present, visible, relevant. The focus was on prestige, not the standings.
The Safari Rally promised maximum publicity, a stage where every brand could show what it was truly capable of.
The Safari was no ordinary race; it was a test of man, machine, and Mother Nature. Drivers battled tropical storms, deep mud, destructive mudslides, river crossings and impassable tracks.
Yet, those who survived returned as heroes — often with cars made only of dust, scratches and legends.
1975 was no ordinary Safari year. It was a year of extremes, a year of the brand, a year in which Alpine-Renault showed their horizon reached far beyond world championship points.
They came to make history — not just on asphalt, but in the hearts of people.
East African Safari Rally 1975 — the toughest crown rallying had to offer.
© McKlein
CALM BEFORE THE STORM
When Hope Turns to Dust
Nairobi, Thursday, 4:00 p.m. The modern conference center in the heart of the capital was the worthy stage for one of the great moments of African motorsport. Seventy-nine vehicles presented themselves under the starter’s flag, cheered by an enthusiastic crowd seeking shade from the tropical sun. The mood — almost festive, nearly relaxed — the calm before the storm.
Few could guess at that moment the drama that would unfold in the coming days. For Renault and Alpine, the 1975 Safari Rally would not be a triumphal procession but a fiasco of historic proportions.
They arrived with high ambitions. Two Alpine A110 1800s, including the famous 2005 HS 76, winner of the 1974 Morocco Rally, this time driven by Jean-Luc Thérier and Michel Vial. Added were two Renault 17s, including one for the experienced Jean-François Piot. But not a single French entry would reach the finish line.
Fate struck even before the start. Jean-Pierre Nicolas, originally slated as a top driver, was still recovering from a serious training accident the previous year, in which he collided with a VW bus, suffered severe injuries and his Alpine was irreparably damaged.
Jacques Cheinisse, Alpine-Renault’s sports director, had to act quickly and turned to talented local rookie Robert Combes, who, with co-driver Gerry Davies, took over the second Alpine, 2004 HS 76.
But even this personnel shuffle could not soften fate’s blow. Both Berlinettes failed prematurely, overcome by the relentless harshness of East African wilderness.
The legendary A110, so successful on European roads and even in the Moroccan desert, found no refuge here —
too brutal, too unforgiving was the queen of all rallies.
Other favorites fell too: Hannu Mikkola and Jean Todt, touted as contenders in the Peugeot 504, crashed heavily and had to withdraw — photographed next to the Alpine of Thérier/Vial shortly before they too succumbed to Safari reality.
A last spark of hope flickered in Jean-François Piot, who was temporarily running a promising 4th overall in the R17.
But luck was merciless. Only hours before the finish, he too had to retire.
The African queen had spoken and spared no one.
What remained was a bitter summary - four vehicles, four retirements. Renault and Alpine were defeated —
not by their competitors but by a rally that wrote its own rules — merciless, majestic, unforgettable.
Safari 1975 — no triumph, but a chapter full of drama, showing that in Africa, it’s not the strongest car that wins —
it’s fate.
© McKlein
SAFARI SPECIFICATIONS
When the Berlinette becomes a desert weapon
The East African Safari Rally demanded the utmost from both man and machine and for Alpine-Renault, that meant transforming their delicate Berlinette into a tough, resilient survivalist. What won on European asphalt required completely new qualities in the African wilderness. The answer: a Safari-specific factory specification that turned the Alpine A110 1800 into a vehicle prepared for the unthinkable.
The most striking feature: the distinctive running board at the rear, flanked by two hand grips, mounted on the rear fenders’ backs. This unusual construction had a crystal-clear purpose – in the deep mud of East Africa, the co-driver could jump onto the running board while driving and, by shifting their body weight, significantly improve the rear axle’s traction. A daring but effective method, thanks to which some drivers managed to get through the most swampy sections.
Another detail that turned the Berlinette into a Safari warrior: the special air filter installed in the rear left fender.
This modified intake allowed, under especially harsh conditions, to draw air even from inside the passenger compartment – a valuable advantage when dust, water, or mud threatened to choke the engine from outside.
Mandatory on every vehicle: the searchlight, firmly mounted and indispensable for night repairs, fog in high altitudes,
or sudden darkness on the savannah. Also required was a CB radio – the roof-mounted antenna was not just a technical feature but a symbol. Anyone who gets lost here needs communication—or disappears into nowhere.
But not only factory cars started. The Safari attracted its own breed of drivers:
The French duo Bob Neyret / Jacques Terramorsi entered a former works Alpine – battle-hardened but no less determined.
Willem van Dyk, a privateer with petrol in his veins, brought his own A110 into the adventure.
And last but not least: Robert “Rob” Glen, a wildlife sculptor, brought his brand-new Alpine A110 1800, freshly tuned by the factory specifically for Safari, to its first start. Hard to find more passion for motorsport and wilderness combined.
The Safari version of the Alpine was no mere car – it was a tool, a weapon, an expression of uncompromising determination. It proved that French engineering could hold its own even where dust, heat, and mud would otherwise bring any technology to its knees.
Berlinette meets bushland – a duel of life, death and legend.
RIEN NE VA PLUS
When dust devours victory
Jean-Luc Thérier drives his factory Berlinette with iron determination through East Africa’s dusty heart. Michel Vial reads the roadbook, the car dances over the loose terrain as if born for this ordeal. Crowds of curious spectators line the route, children wave as the Berlinette disappears in a cloud of dust. Everything seems under control — water and oil temperatures in the green, the engine’s sound strong and clean. No reason to worry. Not yet.
Because they are entering the section known among experts as “the dust hell.” Fine as cement, red as Mars dust, treacherous as quicksand, a hostile microcosm waiting for its prey. And it strikes silently, invisibly – deadly.
Despite elaborate preparation, despite the specially developed air filter, despite all precautions – the fine iron-red dust finds its way. It creeps through gaps, settles, and suffocates the engine from within. The Berlinette starts to sputter,
the engine chokes, power drops.
Thérier gives everything, fights the steering wheel, presses the gas – all in vain. The French hope is stranded in the savannah. No explosion, no spectacular accident – just this quiet, gnawing failure:
Rien ne va plus. Nothing works anymore.
A banal but merciless end for one of the most promising contenders. Thérier and Vial stopped not by rivals or violence – but by Africa’s red earth, that inconspicuous yet all-consuming force that has pulled many heroes back down to the harsh ground of reality.
SECOND LIFE IN FINNLAND
1977
The works Alpine defies the far north
January 1977. Snow lies heavy on the roads, the air crackles with cold and somewhere in a Finnish town, a legend changes hands. Timo Makela, motorsport enthusiast and lover of real driver’s cars, strikes. He acquires 2005HS76,
the Alpine A110 1800 that won the 1974 Morocco Rally and later tried its luck at the merciless Safari Rally 1975.
With it came crates of spare parts, remnants of a storied factory career. The Berlinette, marked by dust, heat and
African wilderness, looks surprisingly intact on the outside, but a close look reveals scars of past battles. Faded paint, worn pedals, the small wounds of a great life.
But what awaited the Alpine now was a new chapter, one that would overshadow even the harshness of desert and savannah: Finland — the land of a thousand lakes, endless gravel roads and brutally cold rally stages.
Here, in the mecca of drifting, the Berlinette faced a different kind of challenge. Icy country roads, sticky studded tires, darkness only broken by the beam of headlights. Instead of blazing heat, now biting cold; instead of sand, snow and gravel. And yet — it drove. It fought. It lived on.
The 2005HS76 – a factory racing machine with Africa in its tank and Finland in its heart. A car that would not rest but kept writing its story — with crackling exhaust notes, drifting sideways through snowy forests.
From Marrakech to Rovaniemi — a second life, rougher, wilder, more Nordic.
METAMORPHOSIS
From rally champion to ice-racing warrior
Under the care of its new owners in the far north, the former factory Berlinette 2005HS76 underwent a radical transformation. What once shone as a bright star of African rally marathons was gradually rebuilt into an uncompromising rallycross and ice-racing machine.
At first only gently modified, with slight adaptation to the harsh climate and icy tracks, over the years the Berlinette evolved into a true one-off. A ruthless battle machine, at home on snow-covered stages and frozen circuits.
The light, elegant shapes gave way to reinforced fenders, the underbody gained additional protective plates, the suspension was lowered and stiffened — and by the end of the conversion hardly anything remained of the original works Berlinette. Instead, a merciless rally monster emerged, beginning a new era with its cutting presence on ice and snow.
This metamorphosis stands as a symbol of the relentless fighting spirit of 2005HS76.
A vehicle that never gave up but always reinvented itself — no matter how harsh the conditions.
A big thank you to Jukka Suvisalmi, whose invaluable help and support were crucial in uncovering this fascinating vehicle history in Finland. Without him, this chapter would have been lost.
SEARCH AND RESCUE
ADIEU FRANCE
1976
The End of an Era and the Beginning of an Adventure
In the mid-1970s, only a few factory Alpines with glorious rallying pasts said goodbye to their homeland, France.
The once victorious cars, once celebrated icons of the “Equipe Tricolore,” were overtaken by steadily evolving race cars and increasingly lost their competitiveness.
But leaving the top did not mean the end for these legendary Berlinettes. Private drivers from all over the world,
with various ambitions, took them up. Whether on dusty rally stages, twisty hill climb tracks, fast circuits, rough autocross events, or icy winter races—hardly any discipline was left unexplored to breathe a second life into these cars.
These vehicles often underwent a true metamorphosis, being bent, rebuilt, reinvented. Few preserved their original character and condition over the years. The factory Alpines found themselves scattered across the globe—in Austria, Switzerland, England, Eastern Bloc countries and also across the Atlantic in the USA and Canada.
Finland eventually became the final station for the former winner of the 1974 Rallye du Maroc—the famous Berlinette with the French license plate 2005HS76, driven by Nicolas and Delferrier. In 1975, it had already endured the hardships of the East African Safari Rally, even though the Thérier/Vial team had to retire early due to engine failure.
But the hardships of the Safari Rally were only a foretaste of what awaited the car from 1976 onward in Finland.
From then on, the A110 1800 served in tough autocross and ice races, which led to a radical rebuilding of the vehicle.
Later, presumably in the 1980s, an unknown owner abruptly ended the car’s story. The chassis, engine, gearbox, and suspension were removed and all attachments dismantled.
A powerful full stop that ended the chapter of the “factory Alpine,” but also preserved the memory of a machine that once conquered the deserts of Morocco and made waves on the icy roads of Finland.
Adieu, France—but the legacy lives on, as fragile and yet as eternal as the rugged terrain this Berlinette once conquered.
LOST & FOUND
2004 / 2014
The Rediscovery of a Legend
In 2004, I first made contact with this unique “kit car”—the famous Berlinette with the starting number 2005HS76. Although the fascination was great, another project was already underway at that time, and the elaborate restoration of this particularly challenging vehicle seemed too much for me then. So the car changed hands several times, remaining for years a neglected, nearly forgotten relic.
Only a fortunate coincidence led me back to this treasure in the summer of 2014. The Berlinette appeared unchanged; no restoration had been started. Almost a decade had passed since my first encounter, and yet in that time not only had my attitude changed, but also the value we place on preserving such a historic masterpiece. The decision to purchase came quickly, the restoration of 2005HS76 was no longer to remain a dream.
Of course, there was not much of the original substance left when I removed the last remnants of the Finnish “kit.”
But what mattered were the few parts and details that to this day preserved the identity of the vehicle and documented its outstanding provenance.
Under layers of filler and fiberglass, the first traces of the factory paint appeared,faded reds and light blues, the colors of a glorious past. Even the hole of the once roof antenna was still visible—a tiny but powerful sign. Most clearly, however, was the stamped body number “6711” on the door hinges, which unmistakably identified the car as a true “voiture usine”—the factory car and winner of the “Rallye du Maroc 1974.”
A special highlight during the restoration was the rediscovery of the original Mignotet cylinder head with the serial number MS 67, another piece of living history that gives the vehicle its soul back.
Thus began the comeback of a true rally icon—the return of 2005HS76 to the circle of historic legends.
BLOOD SWEAT AND TEARS
RESTORATION
OKTOBER 2014
Revival of a Legend
The faithful restoration of a former rally factory car is a herculean task—time-consuming, costly and full of challenges. Countless rare original parts must first be painstakingly sourced and then meticulously adapted to the vehicle.
Yet hardly any part fits right away—rework is mandatory, and the hours for adjustments quickly add up into the triple digits, while visible progress often takes its time.
But hey—I’m not restoring a Stuttgart prestige sports car engineered at the drawing board for perfect fit. No, I dedicate myself to a small-series handmade French race car, which naturally brings its own unique charm and challenges. “Anyone can do easy”—that’s my personal conclusion in view of the never-ending adaptation work.
On the Alpine A110, evenly tight panel gaps are hardly a factory hallmark. They often resemble more a mailbox slot than an accurate door seam. That’s why in the restoration I also allow myself the right to add a little personal touch and make the “ill-fitting” fit.
PAINT JOB
MARCH 2015
Livery Liveries - Color with Soul
Choosing a paint shop is a gamble, a game of chance—because only a few understand the soul of a historic race car and the passion for its faithful rebirth. After a long odyssey, I finally found a workshop that meets my high standards—one not afraid of elaborate multi-color paint jobs and that takes on every challenge with precision and dedication.
But the true masterpieces, the delicate work with tape and cutter knife, indispensable for a factory paint job from 1974, I always took into my own hands. Because only this way is authenticity preserved, only this way does the spirit of Alpine live on.
An employee of this paint shop has, over the years, gotten used to me and my special needs—albeit with reluctant humor. I clearly remember how he once exclaimed in resignation, “…if you come again with an Alpine, I quit!”
But that’s just how it is—C’est la vie. Passion sometimes demands sacrifices, and that’s exactly what makes these colors so lively.
REASSEMBLY - THE BEST OR NOTHING
JUNE 2015
Mastery in Every Detail
Slowly but relentlessly, what belongs inseparably together is coming together. Like a complex mosaic, countless individual parts form a harmonious whole—the picture of an authentic factory Alpine, as lively and genuine as
once on the rally stages.
Much time and passion flowed into the meticulous research of the many details and peculiarities that make this Berlinette special. Because a true factory Alpine is so much more than just its famous tricolor paint job or a few rally stickers.
It’s the small, sometimes hidden quirks that let its soul breathe—and these now proudly show themselves to the viewer.
For me, there was never room for mediocrity. Those content with the ordinary miss the extraordinary. Rising above the normal requires strength, patience, and often sacrifice, but the reward is an indescribable feeling of pride and satisfaction.
“The best or nothing”—this maxim was already spoken by Gottlieb Daimler. And why, if not as a Swabian, should one not commit to the highest possible quality standard when restoring an Alpine A110? Because only the best deserves this legend.
BACK ON TRACK
BULIT NOT BOUGHT
APRIL 2016
DO IT YOURSELF
Vision Instead of Shopping List
Money can buy many things, but creating something truly unique demands more—a clear vision, dedication, and tireless effort.
It’s not about merely meeting expectations but exceeding and redefining them. My goal was never mediocrity but the absolute maximum. Originality paired with masterful craftsmanship. Setting a standard long overdue to bring the often underestimated Alpine A110 out of the shadows and place it where it belongs: at the top of the classic sports car world.
Because true greatness is built, not bought.
GET OUT AND DRIVE
BACK TO THE FUTURE
APRIL 2016
The highest goal of a restorer is not just to preserve a piece of metal and machinery, but to revive a soul — to return the vehicle to its original, radiant condition, with all the little details that tell its story. Authenticity is not just a word here,
but a passionate commitment that permeates every fiber of the project.
Yet the true triumph lies in returning the restored work to its purpose — not merely preserving it as a showpiece, but bringing it back on the road, where it comes alive.
And what could be more beautiful than, after countless hours of hard work, finally sitting behind the wheel of this masterpiece? Letting your mind wander, dreaming back to those moments when
Jean-Luc Thérier whipped this Alpine through dusty tracks and rocky paths during the relentless Safari Rally.
Unimaginable today to subject it to those hardships again — yet at that very moment, past and present merge.
This car is more than metal — it is history, passion and future all in one.
CAR IN DETAIL
NOBODY IS PERFECT
APRIL 2016
The surface of a vehicle tells stories — not just of paint and leatherette, but of every single component that has found its place. Every detail matters, every texture, every shade. But not everything has to shine, nor be perfectly polished or chromed. A matte black is not just matte black, a light blue is not simply “bleu caddy” and crackle paint tells its own story, far from „Peinture Craquelée“. This creates a fascinating play of nuances, a dance of small imperfections that make the original come alive.
The goal is clear. Every part must be exactly where the original work intended it. Deviations are not desired, yet the road to perfection is a rocky path. Despite the most meticulous efforts, the claim to absolute flawlessness is an illusion.
Because — nobody’s perfect.
And to those who criticize or find faults, I offer my thanks — for only those willing to listen, learn, and grow can truly make a project shine. Constructive criticism is not an attack but a gift, a chance to live and perfect one’s passion even deeper.
CONCOURS
MOTOCLASSIC WROCLAW (PL)
AUGUST 2018
SPECIAL GUEST
For many classic car enthusiasts in Germany, Poland is still largely uncharted territory — a black spot on the map of classic cars. Yet in the east of our continent, a lively, enthusiastic, and proud classic car scene is pulsing.
One of the country’s most outstanding meetings, if not the most important, takes place every August in Wroclaw (Breslau).
In 2018, this prestigious event was dedicated entirely to ALPINE, a brand that makes hearts beat faster.
I received the invitation as a special guest to this unique classic car festival thanks to my friends from the ALPINE CENTRE KATOWICE — an honor that deeply touched me. Almost all Alpines from Poland, from the lightweight small models to the legendary sports cars, gathered that day and gave the event an incomparable atmosphere full of passion and pride.
A majestic convoy wound its way through the vibrant center of Wroclaw — a moment full of emotion that delighted all participants and spectators alike. In the heart of the city, I was finally presented with an honorary award, a meaningful recognition of my work and commitment to this wonderful brand. An unforgettable moment that magically embodied the connection between past and present, between passion and recognition.
