Alpine National Concentration 2023
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Going Big: Alpine National Rally

Around 35 classic and 15 modern Alpines gathered this weekend in the Alto Tajo region with the approval of the brand.

A couple of months ago, I received a call from my good friend Antonio Silva alerting me that something big was cooking. The Usero family was immersed in the organization of a great Alpine meeting in which not only the owners of these small sports cars would be involved, but also the brand and the towns of the region in which it would take place. As it could not be otherwise coming from such a good source, I immediately went on board, this time as an assistant.

Fans from all over the country were summoned, so our dear Albertos (father and son have the same name) had to take care of every detail to the maximum so that no one felt disappointed. Beyond the quality of the registered vehicles, a well-planned agenda, a varied program and a first-class environment were essential. Even more so in the year of the 60th anniversary of the start of the manufacture of the Alpine FASA.

Well, after spending a great weekend, I would say that they have come very close to what could be considered a perfect mix.

ALPINE NATIONAL RALLY: SATURDAY

Although many Alpine came to Molina de Aragon During the afternoon of Friday, the concentration did not start until the next day. Thus, the rest of those registered dropped in on Saturday morning so that, at 11:30 a.m., Jesús Izquierdo -whom the brand had wisely commissioned the job- took the photo that attests to the achievement. And it is that, in view of the number of cars, possibly this concentration can be considered as historical.

After the meeting in the Plaza Mayor, where we had a really good breakfast (not in vain the Usero are renowned bakers), the first route of the day started, which in reality was nothing more than an appetizer to whet our mouths that we would enjoy the next day. The Alto Tajo National Park began to reveal its charms to us.

Secondly, after the obligatory meal, we set out again in a caravan to visit the impressive Seat collection in Filming, located in the town of Milmarcos. From these lines I would like to congratulate Jaime, the active owner of what is undoubtedly today the best collection of the Spanish brand in private hands, whose enjoyment by all he also actively promotes. Finally, on Saturday we practiced a little calligraphy.

THE ASSISTANT MACHINES

Let's take a short break in the event timeline to talk about the cars. To begin with, it should be noted that a beautiful A108, an A110 1100 and six A110 1400 attended, the latter the swan song of the Dieppe cars that were made at FASA Valladolid. The 1400 is an exclusively Spanish variant that mounts R5 Copa engines and of which around 130 units were made.

Beyond mechanics, our engineers also developed a specific four-speed gearbox. Thanks to my new friend Toni, who drove me in his all Saturday, I was able to appreciate the nuances that differentiate them from the most common -if it can be said that way- A110 1300.

On the other hand, we were able to enjoy several Alpine A310. Protagonists of the 70s of the last century, mounted in their last series the PRV propellant (Peugeot-Renault-Volvo) 6-2.7 liter V2.9, which makes them much more capable cars than previous berlinettas. the eighties Alpine GTA, the first produced entirely by Renault, were also present. As for machines, finally I will tell you that I would have loved to see an A106 or an A108 cabriolet, which was practically the only thing missing.

THE FASCINATING SUNDAY ROUTE

The next day we entered fast flour, since you had to travel around 100 kilometers along the roads of the Alto Tajo region. Small places and small roads. He left you the itinerary below because, honestly, it is worth spending a weekend in any of the towns in the region and visiting them. Perfectly paved roads, narrow, without traffic, full of curves and in a tremendous natural environment. It is good to keep in mind, yes, that at night precautions should be taken for animals.

Like the mayor of Molina, the mayor of Cobeta received us at the end of the route with open arms and the usual snack. Really, It's nice when municipalities are able to understand that classic vehicles are historical heritage and that, in addition, they are the perfect excuse to give attractiveness and tourism to the municipalities that know how to appreciate them. Fortunately, most towns tend to compensate for the coldness with which the fans are treated in most cities.

Finally, we leave you with the beautiful video that Óscar, a journalist and lover of autochthonous motorsport, has edited. Long live the constructive attitude and the sporting banner of Jean Redelé, which Renault has been able to revive with such success since 2018. I hope it never forgets its roots and what makes it special. Until next time!

What do you think?

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Written by javier romagosa

My name is Javier Romagosa. My father has always been passionate about historic vehicles and I have inherited his hobby, while growing up among classic cars and motorcycles. I have studied journalism and continue to do so as I want to become a university professor and change the world ... Read more

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