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Alpine A108: 1958–1965 French sports coupe with a Renault base
The Alpine A108 was a lightweight French sports car produced from 1958 to 1965, featuring a fibreglass body and Renault technology. We look at what makes it special, its engines, its connection to the famous A110, and what buyers should know.
A108 in brief
The A108 was created by Jean Rédélé, the founder of Alpine, using Renault components: the engine, gearbox, and chassis elements. The body was made from fibreglass over a steel backbone chassis, making the car very light.
This is a small, rear-engined two-door car that laid the groundwork for the later-famous A110. It was produced as a coupe, cabriolet, and 2+2 versions.
A108 and A110
The A108 is the predecessor to the A110, so it's often confused with it. Early A108s had softer lines and less powerful engines, while the A110 later became more sporty and significantly more popular.
Due to its limited production run and lightweight construction, the A108 is a collector's item, valued more for its history than its power.
Engine and gearbox
The A108 had a rear-mounted Renault-derived four-cylinder engine. Initially, units based on the Dauphine were used, later replaced by Renault 8 engines. Their displacement ranged from around 850 cc to over 1,000 cc.
The gearbox is manual, and the drive is to the rear wheels. Thanks to its low weight, even modest power was enough for lively driving.
What to check when buying an A108
First off — the chassis and fiberglass body: look for cracks, delamination, and shoddy repairs. Check the steel roll cage for rust.
The engine, gearbox, suspension, and brakes should all be in good order; some parts can be sourced from Renault, but genuine Alpine components are scarce. This means a qualified specialist is essential.
Demand to see the vehicle's history documents and check that the car isn't a replica. Buy from reputable sellers or clubs.
Versions
Names and equipment vary depending on the body manufacturer and order; we list the main versions.
A108 Coupé
1958–1965The base two-door coupé.
- Fiberglass body
- Renault-derived rear engine
- Manual gearbox
A108 Cabriolet
1958–1965Open-top variant.
- Open body style
- Lightweight construction
- Rarer version
A108 2+2
1958–1965Coupé with extra seats.
- More space than the two-seater version
- Styling reminiscent of the A110
- Rarer version
Comparing the versions
| Coupé | Cabriolet | 2+2 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Who it's for | For classic car enthusiasts | For open-top driving enthusiasts | A more practical classic |
| Body style | Coupe | Convertible | 2+2 Coupe |
| Rarity | Rare | Very rare | Rare |
| Price in the used market (relatively) | €€€ | €€€ | €€€ |
A108 — a rare collector's car; seeking the most important history, documents, and specialist inspection.
Pros
- Light, lively driving
- French classic with Renault technology
- The distinctive history of the A110 predecessor
- A handsome little sports coupe
Cons
- Rare, expensive, and hard to find
- Searching for specialists and parts
- Risks of glass fibre and chassis corrosion
Frequently asked questions
How does the A108 differ from the A110?
The A108 is the predecessor to the A110: earlier, with less powerful engines and often a different body.
Who created Alpine?
Alpine was founded by Jean Rédélé, using Renault technology.
Is the A108 suitable for daily use?
This is a classic car, so it's usually used for events and trips.
Updated 2026-10-21 · Trim levels and equipment vary by market and model year — check the equipment of the specific car. · Translated automatically
