1986 Alpine GTA

The Alpine GTA was in production from 1984 until 1991. Styled in house by Yves Legal, it is a rear-engine, rear wheel drive coupe range seating two adults and two children.

The first Alpine launched under Renault ownership, it served as an effective replacement for Alpine’s previous model, the A310 V6. Not only was it one of the most aerodynamic cars in the world at the time of its launch with a drag coefficient of 0.28, but it was light courtesy of GRP and polyester plastic panelling. Launched in 1984 as a 2.9 litre naturally aspirated V6, the following year saw the launch of the 2.5 litre Turbo variant. Right hand drive production as the Renault GTA began in 1986, as PSA owned the rights to the Alpine name via its Talbot subsidiary.

Mechanically GTAs are all broadly similar, though the driving experience of the Turbo is obviously more amusing. All cars use variants of the PRV 90 degree V6, as also seen in the Renault 30, the Volvo 760 and the DeLorean DMC12. Naturally aspirated cars use a 2.9 litre version from the Renault 25, while the turbocharged versions use a smaller 2.5 litre version. All use a gearbox derived from that in the older Renault 30 hatchback model.

There were a number of special editions – the Mille Miles is notable for its UK specific badging (Alpine logos were prominent on the version sold in its native France), and for its production run of just 100 cars. In February 1990 the Le Mans brought a bulbous bodykit with flared arches, smaller headlamps and big, wide BBS alloys. This version was produced until 1991, while the standard V6 GT and V6 Turbo were discontinued in 1990. All models would subsequently be replaced by the revised Alpine A610 model – effectively a thorough revision of the outgoing GTA rather than a whole new car.

Quick and comfortable, the GTA nonetheless displays traits inherent in rear engined cars with high rear weight biases – namely understeer on throttle and lift off oversteer, making it simultaneously challenging and rewarding to push hard. The turbo has impressive acceleration, though perhaps a little too much turbo lag. There’s plenty of space and equipment for a car of its era – making it an excellent GT when you don’t want to drive it hard.

Check for white smoke on turbocharged examples, and ensure there’s no condensation in the distributor cap. Radiators can silt up, and the scoop which feeds the rad cold air can go missing – so check it’s there and that the fan works. Gearboxes are strong but have the same 12000 mile oil interval as the engine. Check for rot in the A pillars by rocking the doors – despite GRP panels, there is still steel in a GTA and it can still rust. Speedometers often fail, so don’t trust the mileage without paperwork as proof.

Naturally aspirated cars are the better value by dint of more accessible pricing, but they don’t offer the same shove in the back that a good Turbo can offer. Right hand drive cars are more highly prized than left hand drive imports and do carry a premium, but are so rare that you can’t really let colour or mileage affect your decision if you’re desperate to own a right hand drive example.

The obvious alternative for a rear engined sports coupe is the Porsche 911 – and the closest match for this would arguably be the 3.2 Carrera. If your budget won’t stretch that far, try a front engined Porsche – a 944, for instance, would be an interesting alternative. If you get the Back to the Future vibe, try a DeLorean – they do, after all, use the same engine. Other alternatives such as Jaguar’s XJS appeal to a different criteria so are unlikely to be considered by Alpine enthusiasts. If you want something fast, 80s and French, why not embrace the practicality of four seats and look at a Citroen CX GTi Turbo?