Andre Cadiou collection, gentleman driver from Sarthe

- Only 100 examples, one of 20 with air conditioning

- In the same family since new

- Penultimate example produced

- No reserve

Launched in 1989, the Alpine GTA Mille Miles had the dual purpose of celebrating the brand’s anniversary and its sporting achievements, while marking Alpine’s return as a commercial brand. Limited to 100 examples, this series featured the return of the iconic blue logo on the bonnet. Extrapolated from the GTA V6 Turbo, it was presented in a specific way: alloy wheels with turbine-blades look, unique pearly red colour and upgraded equipment This particular model bears the number 99 and is therefore part of the final 20 examples equipped with air conditioning.

Andre Cadiou bought this car new from the “Nogent Automobiles” dealership in Eure-et-Loir and was delivered on the 11th August 1989, as evidenced by the servicing logbook and the provisional registration certificate. Registered under a company name until 1994, the beautiful Alpine was then transferred into private ownership. It has covered only 100,129 km from new. The bodywork was repainted, while the upholstery remained original except for the steering wheel, the gear lever knob and the headliner. In good overall condition and in working order, it would benefit from a standard service. This rare limited edition still has its logbooks; its clear history and production number will undoubtedly attract collectors. 

Andre Cadiou collection, gentleman driver from Sarthe

As a great car enthusiast, a demanding collector and above all, a passionate driver, Andrew Cadiou was a well-liked figure in the industry. In order to combine his passion for driving, motorsport and classic cars, he patiently built his ideal collection made up of carefully selected and complementary models, all ready to hit the road or the track in any circumstances.

From the Transemirates to the Rally of Morocco, passing through the Tour de France Auto or the Targa Florio Revival, Andre Cadiou was not the type to leave his cars at the back of the garage: 20,000 km in the 2.7 RS and 40,000 km in the 275 GTB… with servicing accordingly. Every choice was justified by his sharp knowledge: the 2.7 RS, exchanged for the 964 RSR that won its category at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1993, was one of the first 500 examples assembled for homologation; purchased when he actually came to inspect a Daytona, the 275 GTB was one of 93 examples with an aluminium bodywork; the 365 GT/4 BB (French since new) was directly inspired by the sports prototypes of that era; and even the Alpine was the penultimate example of a limited series of 100 units!

When asked in 2000 about the choice of his 365 GT/4 BB for the Tour of Spain, he replied: “Indeed, I initially entered the Ferrari 275 with which I took part in the Targa Florio Revival. But it’s a fairly fragile car. I then entered my Jaguar E-Type but I changed my mind again, thinking the 365 GT/4 BB was better suited to the heat of Andalusia. It’s an exceptional car to drive, easier than the E-Type and even the 275. I like mid-engine GTs, they are lively machines and very enjoyable to drive”. Handling discretion and humour as well as the steering wheel, he had a great deal of happiness when using his cars, far more than owning or admiring them. Andre Cadiou passed away in 2012 and today, his cars are just waiting to find new knowledgeable hands to be used carefully for their primary purpose: to go fast.

Photos © Kevin Van Campenhout