July issue: Model of the Month - Spark's Alpine A 220

OUR TOP MODEL AS CHOSEN BY THE DIECAST TEAM THIS MONTH

Spark
Alpine A 220
PRICE £51.99 LIMIT NOT SPECIFIED SCALE 1/43 REF NO S1545

Alpine was never a racing giant, partly due to being hamstrung by sponsor Renault. The firm insisted on the use of its own engines but these seldom provided the required power. Alpine first materialised in 1952 as the Societe des Automobiles Alpines. For racing, its main designers were Len Terry and Ron Tauranac, who seemingly were renowned for their less-than-attractive bodywork.

Luckily, the marque’s misfortune does not taint the model itself. Its metallic blue paint is highly attractive and contrasts well with the yellow trim under the doors, bonnet and one of the headlamps. There is a dainty photo-etched metal wiper and well-rendered metal-effect trim around the windows, which are admirably clear. Fine photo-etched metal fittings also secure the exhaust pipes, and support the low-slung tail.

'Top Model' is a regular feature in Diecast Collector.

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