The car is derived from the M series prototypes (M63, M64, and M65) introduced by the company in the early 1960s and powered by Gordini-tuned Renault engines with small displacements.

In 1962, the founder and chief of the Société des Automobiles Alpine, Jean Rédélé, with the support of Shell, requested to Renault Gordini-tuned engines for a sports car programme centred on the 24 Hours of Le Mans, similar to the ones used by BP-sponsored rival Bonnet.

The new car was named M63, and, although having some structural problems, it won a class victory in its competition debut at the 1963 edition of the Nürburgring 1000 km.

The new cars were entered alongside some of their predecessors into the 1964 24 Hours of Le Mans where an M64 powered by a 1.1-litre engine won its class and the index of performance (chassis 1711).

[7] Rédéle used the results to convince Renault of giving him support for the construction of a car aimed at the overall victory in Le Mans.

[10] The V8-powered A210 (named as A211) was unveiled at the 1967 Paris Motor Show and presented to Charles de Gaulle by Jean Rédélé and Renault's president, Pierre Dreyfus.

They adopted a transitional solution, modifying the A210's rear-end for the engine and adding new wheels, a new 5-speed ZF gearbox and larger rear brakes' cooling inlets.

With results far below expectations and increased competence, Alpine pulled out of sports car racing in 1970 and focused their resources on rallying.