FYI: Classic car storytelling gets a new life with Petrolicious’s revival, now featuring captivating tales like Jürgen Claus’s quest for the iconic Alpine A110 rally car.
The Petrolicious Renaissance
Petrolicious, revered for its captivating documentaries and articles dedicated to vintage car enthusiasts, has unveiled its newest feature. This video chronicles the exhilarating journey of Jürgen Claus and his pursuit of the legendary Alpine A110 rally car. Recently revitalized by the duPont REGISTRY Group, Petrolicious now delights fans with fresh content every Friday, celebrating the passion and personalities behind extraordinary automotive creations.
Breaking Convention in Stuttgart
In Stuttgart, Germany, two automotive powerhouses dominate the landscape: Porsche and Mercedes-Benz. Amidst this duopoly, Jürgen Claus stood apart, enchanted by another car that flashed miraculously through his childhood as he cycled through the streets. The object of his admiration was the now-celebrated Alpine A110—an emblem of French engineering genius.
The Alpine A110: A Revolutionary Design
Conceived in Dieppe, France, during the early 1960s, the Alpine A110 emerged from Jean Rédélé’s visionary concept of a sports car prioritizing agility over sheer power. Crafted from a lightweight fiberglass body atop Renault mechanics, the A110 epitomized speed and maneuverability. Dominating rally stages worldwide, this model clinched the inaugural World Rally Championship title in 1973, rewriting the rulebook on automotive performance.
Jürgen Claus’s Odyssey
Finding an authentic Alpine A110 is akin to discovering treasure amid enigmas—especially when searching for a rare works race car. Initially led by vague clues to Hungary, Claus embarked on a bold expedition, armed only with cash and determination. Hidden beneath layers of impractical alterations, the car’s authenticity was confirmed by its original chassis plaques, showcasing Jürgen’s dream in reality.
Restoring Heritage
Dedicated years of meticulous restoration followed, as Claus painstakingly returned the A110 to its former glory. Without detailed blueprints or extensive records, each adjustment was an homage to the car’s original French artisanship—each fix and tweak a tribute to ingenuity. Claus isn’t the only one mesmerized by the few remaining genuine A110 models, with just a handful surviving in a labyrinth of replicas.
In Claus’s own words, his affections for the A110 extend beyond admiration, calling it “the queen of rallies”—a sentiment shared by rally enthusiasts worldwide.
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Steven Hale, Editor of Automotive.fyi
