Drivers Becoming Constructors: Jean Rédélé and Alpine

There are many ways to turn a passion for cars into a life’s work. Jean Rédélé is a prime example. He made his fortune trading war surplus right after WWII and at the age of 25 opened a Renault dealership in Paris in 1947. Passionate about racing, he soon realized the racing potential of the small 4CV, a rear-engine economy car designed by the genius Ferdinand Porsche. He began preparing one of these cars with support from Renault: Lightened, with stiffer suspension and a tuned engine, the car was ready for its racing debut.