Road book

How to impose yourself at the top of the range when you are confined to the shadows of Mercedes and BMW? By playing the card of difference and innovation! Under the impetus of the brilliant Ferdinand Piëch, Audi presented the astonishing Quattro in 1980: permanent 4-wheel drive, a 5-cylinder turbo and 200 hp that could be used in all weathers managed to make you forget a withdrawn style. Engaged in rallies, the Quattro demonstrates the validity of the formula by collecting victories. A coup that establishes Audi's image on a clear technological superiority.

A graduate of HEC, Jean Rédélé was the youngest Renault dealer in 1946, at the age of 24, when he took over his father's business in Dieppe. At the weekend, he competes with his 4 CV to promote it: Sunday victories make Monday sales! In order to improve performance, Jean Rédélé had a first 4CV with a special body made in 1953, designed by Michellotti. In 1955, a new special was made of polyester. Deciding to produce this A106, he founded his brand giving it the name Alpine, in memory of the pleasure he had in traveling the roads of the Alps.

Keith Richards of the Rolling Stones made a name for himself with his 1965 Bentley S3 Continental Flying Spur, nicknamed “Blue Lena” in tribute to jazz singer Lena Horne. In his autobiography, Keith Richards recalls the role of the car in their “acid trips” (the car has a secret compartment for drugs) and its importance as a symbol of challenge to society. This fully restored Bentley was purchased at the Bonhams sale at the Goodwood Revival in 2015 for €1,044,483.

To revive the glorious name of Delage by combining it with the creation of a French hypercar, such is the ambition of Laurent Tapie (whose son you know). The inspiration behind the new D12 GT draws on Delage's racing past. The design of the D12 is breathtaking. Its designers wanted it as an F1 for the road offering the appearance of a single-seater. A passenger will nevertheless be able to sit... behind the pilot. Behind its back, nothing less than a 990 hp V12 combined with a 110 hp electric motor. Hats off!