Alpine A220 Race Car '68

aspiration

NA (Naturally Aspirated)

Group

Gr.X

Displacement

2,996 cc

DriveTrain

MR

Height

1,030 mm

Length

4,080 mm

Weight

690 kg

Width

1,740 mm

Max Power

319 BHP / 7,800 rpm

Max Torque

35.0 kgfm / 6,000 rpm

Performance Point

PP 585.75

Manufacturer

Alpine

The Alpine A220 Race Car '68: A French Le Mans Legend

The Alpine A220 Race Car '68 is a significant chapter in the history of French motorsport engineering. Developed by the renowned French manufacturer Alpine, the A220 was an ambitious attempt to challenge the dominance of larger factory teams at the 24 Hours of Le Mans and other endurance races. Unveiled in 1968, the A220 built upon the experience Alpine had garnered over years of racing lightweight, nimble cars in the high-speed environment of Le Mans.

The A220 was powered by a V8 engine developed by Gordini, marking a shift away from the smaller powertrains Alpine had previously employed. The car’s aerodynamics were extensively refined to compete on the long straights of Le Mans, featuring a flowing, low-profile body designed to maximize top speed while maintaining stability. Although the A220 faced stiff competition from the likes of Ford, Porsche, and Ferrari, Alpine demonstrated courageous innovation and resourcefulness. The team’s focus on lightweight construction and clever engineering kept the A220 competitive despite its relative lack of outright power.

Despite its promise and the excitement it generated among fans, the Alpine A220 did not achieve outright victory at Le Mans. Mechanical issues and stiff competition prevented it from conquering Europe’s most famous endurance race. However, its efforts did much to enhance Alpine’s reputation for engineering excellence and racing spirit. The technological lessons learned from the A220 project influenced Alpine’s road cars and subsequent racing efforts, laying the groundwork for future successes.

Today, the Alpine A220 Race Car '68 is celebrated as a symbol of French passion and innovation in motorsport. Classic car enthusiasts and racing historians regard it as a rare and charismatic machine, embodying the spirit of an era when small, independent teams could challenge the giants of international racing. The revival of the Alpine brand and renewed success in motorsport only add to the enduring legacy of the A220, ensuring its place in the annals of automotive history.