The quest for the perfect classic car is often a journey fraught with dedication, patience, and an unwavering passion. For Roger Hick, this pursuit led him across borders and through countless classifieds, all in the pursuit of a very specific automotive icon: an Alpine A110. His story, however, takes an unexpected turn, culminating not in a sun-drenched French vineyard, but in the decidedly more industrial landscape of Milton Keynes, United Kingdom. This narrative highlights not only the enduring appeal of the Alpine A110 but also the often surprising discoveries that can be made within the global automotive enthusiast community.
Hick’s affection for the Alpine marque is deep-seated, predating his recent acquisition. He clarifies a common misconception, stating with evident authority, "Alpine comes first in the name, as in Alpine Renault. There’s never been a Renault Alpine." While this distinction might seem pedantic to some, it underscores a profound appreciation for the brand’s heritage, a heritage that he has personally invested in. His personal automotive history speaks volumes: he has previously owned two Alpine Renault V6 Turbos, formidable machines in their own right, and his daily driver is a contemporary Alpine A110, a testament to his ongoing commitment to the marque’s modern iteration. This deep connection to Alpine, spanning decades and models, provides the bedrock for his determined search for a vintage A110.
The Alpine A110, often referred to as the "Berlinette," is a car that commands a special place in automotive history. Launched in 1961, it quickly established itself as a formidable rally car, famously securing a dominant 1-2-3 finish at the 1973 Monte Carlo Rally, a feat that cemented its legendary status. Its lightweight construction, fibreglass body, and agile handling, coupled with a potent four-cylinder engine, made it a giant-slayer on both road and track. Owning a genuine A110 is not merely about possessing a vintage car; it’s about owning a piece of motorsport folklore, a tangible link to an era of raw driving pleasure and engineering innovation.
Hick’s search for his specific dream A110, a 1300 S model, was not a casual undertaking. The 1300 S, introduced in 1967, represented a significant step up in performance for the A110, featuring a more powerful 1.3-litre R8 Gordini engine. It was a variant that combined the A110’s iconic styling with enhanced performance, making it a highly sought-after model for collectors and enthusiasts alike. His dedication to finding this particular iteration suggests a meticulous approach to his automotive acquisitions, prioritizing not just the brand, but a specific era and specification that resonated with his ideal vision of the A110 experience.
The decision to look in France was a logical one. The Alpine A110 was, after all, a French icon, designed and manufactured by Jean Rédélé’s company in Dieppe. The vast majority of these vehicles were sold and operated in their native country, making France the most probable hunting ground for a well-preserved example. This geographical focus would have involved navigating French auction houses, specialist dealers, and private sales, each presenting its own set of challenges, from language barriers to logistical complexities of importing a classic car. The sheer volume of potential leads in France would have required immense patience and a robust network of contacts or extensive research.
The protracted nature of his search, spanning an unspecified but undoubtedly considerable period, speaks to the scarcity of desirable A110 models in good condition. Many of these cars have been extensively rallied, modified, or sadly, fallen into disrepair over the decades. Finding an example that not only meets the specific A110 1300 S criteria but also aligns with Hick’s standards for originality and condition would have been a formidable task. This often involves scrutinizing documentation, verifying chassis numbers, and conducting thorough inspections, sometimes at great distances.
The narrative then pivots dramatically. After exhausting the possibilities in France, the very car that had eluded him across the Channel was discovered not in a quaint French village, but in the heart of England, specifically Milton Keynes. This unexpected geographical twist highlights a few key aspects of the modern classic car market. Firstly, the globalized nature of car collecting means that vehicles, regardless of their origin, can surface anywhere. Enthusiasts, dealers, and importers are constantly moving desirable cars across borders. Secondly, it underscores the importance of broad-ranging searches. Sometimes, the perfect car is closer than one might initially think, simply requiring a wider net to be cast.
Milton Keynes, a purpose-built new town in Buckinghamshire, might seem an unlikely place to unearth a French automotive legend. However, the UK has a long and passionate history with classic cars, including many European marques. There is a well-established network of specialist dealers, restorers, and enthusiasts who deal in and maintain a wide array of vehicles. It is plausible that Hick’s A110 1300 S was either imported into the UK years ago and has remained within the country, or it was recently brought over by a dealer or another collector. The presence of such a vehicle in Milton Keynes suggests a vibrant local classic car scene or a significant transaction that brought it to that location.
The fact that Hick found his "dream" car in the UK after a dedicated search in France also speaks to the interconnectedness of the automotive enthusiast world. Online forums, social media groups, and international classic car publications often serve as crucial platforms for buyers and sellers to connect. A car listed in the UK might have been advertised through channels that Hick, while primarily looking in France, would have still monitored. Furthermore, it is not uncommon for enthusiasts to become aware of significant vehicles through word-of-mouth within these communities.
The implications of Hick’s discovery are multifaceted. For him, it represents the successful culmination of a long-held aspiration, a testament to his perseverance and passion. The acquisition of a pristine Alpine A110 1300 S is a significant achievement for any collector, and finding it under such unexpected circumstances adds a unique layer to the story. For the broader classic car community, it serves as an encouraging reminder that the pursuit of automotive dreams can lead to surprising outcomes. It reinforces the idea that thorough research, adaptability in search strategy, and an open mind are essential components of successful classic car hunting.
Furthermore, the presence of such a rare and iconic vehicle in the UK contributes to the diversity of the classic car landscape within the country. It offers opportunities for other enthusiasts to admire, perhaps even interact with, a piece of motorsport history. The story also subtly highlights the enduring appeal of cars that prioritize driving engagement and character over brute force or modern technological integration. The Alpine A110, with its relatively modest engine displacement compared to contemporary performance cars, relies on its exquisite balance, lightweight construction, and responsive steering to deliver its thrilling driving experience. This philosophy of driving purity continues to resonate with a significant segment of the automotive enthusiast population.
While the provided snippet focuses on Roger Hick’s personal journey, the broader context of the Alpine A110’s revival and continued desirability is worth noting. The reintroduction of the Alpine brand by Renault in recent years, with the contemporary A110, has reignited interest in the original models. This modern renaissance has, in turn, driven up the value and demand for classic A110s. Prices for well-maintained examples have seen a steady increase, reflecting their historical significance and enduring aesthetic appeal. The A110 1300 S, being a performance-oriented variant from a key period in the car’s development, would command a premium in the current market.
The exact details of the transaction, the previous ownership, and the journey of this specific A110 1300 S to Milton Keynes remain private to Roger Hick. However, the narrative of his dedicated search, the unexpected discovery, and his deep-seated passion for the Alpine marque offer a compelling insight into the world of classic car collecting. It is a world where patience is rewarded, borders become less relevant, and the thrill of the chase is as exhilarating as the drive itself. Roger Hick’s story is a reminder that sometimes, the dream car is not found where you expect it, but it is undoubtedly worth the journey, wherever that journey may lead. His commitment to the Alpine ethos, demonstrated by his ownership of both classic and modern iterations, solidifies his position as a true custodian of the brand’s legacy. The Alpine A110, in all its forms, continues to capture the hearts of enthusiasts, proving that timeless design and exhilarating performance are indeed enduring qualities.
