1977 Alpine A110

The French Alpine dominated the rally circuit for most of its production run, from 1961-77. In fact, it was only near the end of that span that the Lancia Stratos displaced it as the rally car to beat. The A110’s shape hardly changed in 14 years, and all were powered by Renault running gear. It was built around a rear-mounted four-cylinder engine, fibreglass body and very strong double Y-shaped steel backbone frame.

Originating in in Dieppe, France, the cars were so successful that A110s were sold all over the world, though only 7,812 were built in total. A110s were produced in Brazil (where they were named Interlagos, after the track) and in Mexico by Diesel Nacional, as the Dinalpine, and Bulgaria as Bulgaralpine. When the Lancia Stratos appeared, efforts were made to keep the Alpine competitive, but even a twin-cam 16-valve head and fuel-injection didn’t help.

Numerous Renault power plants were fitted, from modest street Berlinettas to wild Gordini-tuned examples, which won dozens of rallies and three championships in Europe in the late 1960s. Renault bought out Alpine in 1972, and entered factory teams of A110s for the newly formed World Rally Championship in 1973, which it won.

Engines sizes ranged from the 1,108 cc R8 motor, delivering 66 bhp, between 1964-69, to the Gordini-tuned example, with 95 bhp. A stock 1,300 cc Gordini was fitted from 1967-71, but optional was the 120 bhp tuned 1300 cc unit. The alloy 1,470 cc Renault R16 engine was offered from 1967-68 with 82 bhp, with a 92 bhp R16 TS engine could be had between 1969-1970.

In 1970, the 1,565 cc tuned R16 TS was launched. This developed 138 bhp and could power the 1,367-lb coupe to 130 mph. Early cars had four-speed gearboxes, but by the late 1960s, all were fitted with five-speeds. The Alpine A110 won the Monte Carlo Rally in 1971 and 1973.

The year 1973 was the pinnacle of the Alpine A110. Works teams won the Monte Carlo Rally, the Rally of Portugal, Rally of Morocco, Acropolis Rally in Greece, the Rally San Remo, and the Tour de Corse. But by 1974 the Lancia Stratos had been homologated, and the Alpine’s star was fading. A competitive Alpine suitable for vintage rallies can cost six-figures today, but be sure to examine it for accident repair and make sure the provenance is sound. French Alpines also command a premium versus those produced elsewhere in the world. Also, be aware that all Alpines were left-hand drive and were never offered in the UK. As such, these fun little cars are best evented abroad and don’t have a strong following among Brits.