ROY SMITH
Alpine and Renault describes the history of each company involved, the thinking behind the creation of the first turbo-charged Grand Prix car, and the men concerned from the first ideas to the final ultimate success of a Grand Prix victory. The book covers the development of an experimental car by Alpine in the 1960s, and the story of the men who worked with Gordini, the engine-tuning genius who went on to create a power unit that changed the worlds thinking on engine design. The early tests, first car designed at Alpine, and the Renault-designed and built Grand Prix car made to the specific Formula 1 regulations are described, as well as the full story of the Renault Turbo Grand Prix cars, including interviews with the men of the time, a transcript of the first public test, and race reports on every event. Contains over 300 photos (mainly colour) and special illustrations.
This is a study of how the first turbo Grand Prix car came to be a reality. Starting with a brief history of Renault, the story moves to the development of Jean Redeles company, Alpine, and the parts played by Gordini, Elf and Michelin, including much personal input from the men who made it. The first experimental car in 1968 was so nearly raced by Mauro Bianchi in the French GP of that year, but its development was stopped by Renault the book details the visionary ideas of the talented engineers at that company, as well as at Gordini and Alpine. The creation of a turbo engine for the Alpine sports car led to the idea of a Grand Prix car powered by a turbocharged 1500cc engine. Grand Prix driver Jean Pierre Jabouilles determination to develop such a car on the track is graphically described, demonstrating the huge technical challenges that awaited the team. The book is stunningly illustrated and is completed by a full record of the developments and races during the turbo era. Features a transcript of the first public test, race reports on every event, over 200 photos and special illustrations.
