THIS COMPETITION HAS EXPIRED

This month’s feature model from Spark is the #28 Alpine Renault A220 that raced at Le Mans in 1968. Entered in the 3.0-litre prototype class by Societe des Automobiles Alpine, it was powered by a 2996cc Gordini V8, and driven by the French pairing of Henri Grandsire and Gerard Larrousse.

With backing from Renault, Alpine sports racers recorded numerous class victories at Le Mans in the 1960s. The agile French cars resulted from the collaboration of Jean Redele’s Alpine and Amedee Gordini — who was responsible for the engines.

Due to their diminutive design, they were especially successful in the ‘Index of Performance’, however rule changes at the end of the 1967 season convinced Alpine that it could also contest outright victory in the prototype class. From 1968 onwards, the displacement for prototypes was reduced to 3.0 litres, which left the previously dominant Fords and Ferraris obsolete. Gordini’s largest engine used at Le Mans had been a 1.5-litre four-cylinder, but by mounting two of those blocks on a single crankcase, Gordini created a V8 engine, with four chain driven overhead camshafts, displacing just under 3.0-litres. Producing 231 to 260kW, they were perfect for the new 3.0-litre limit.

Dubbed the A220, the new car shared its body design with the smaller A210 model, and made its debut early in the 1968 season. But, despite victories in a number of minor races, the A220 failed to win the prototype crown at Le Mans — a class dominated by Porsche during the late ’60s and ’70s. Alpine had to wait another 10 years for a well-deserved overall victory in the 24-hour race.

To win this model, click on the link below and be ready to answer the following question.

Which model Alpine eventually won the Le Mans 24 Hour, and in what year?

Click here to enter the draw

Competition closes on September 20, 2010.

To see the full spark models range go to www.spr.co.nz