1980 Alpine A310
Founded by Jean Rédélé in 1955, Alpine foundations were built on Renault powered competition machines. The 60's and 70's saw great success for the company with their A110 model taking home numerous rally wins across Europe. First seen at the 1971 Geneva Motor Show, the A310 was initially powered by the four-cylinder 1.6-litre Renault 17 TS engine, tuned by Gordini, and followed the established formula of a tubular-steel backbone chassis clothed in a one-piece glass fibre body shell. Restyled in 1976 by Robert Opron, it was fitted with the new 'PRV' 2.7-litre V6 engine developed jointly by Peugeot, Renault, and Volvo. In Group 4 specification the A310 enjoyed considerable success in rallying at national level, works driver Guy Frèquelin winning the French Rally Championship in 1977.
This example is a truly rare and special V6 powered Alpine A310. While the mechanicals of the vehicle have remained largely stock beside the upgraded headers, the exterior treatment has been modified as a tribute to the Alpine Calberson rally team of the late 1970s. A full team livery, rear spoiler, louvres, period correct Cibie lights, and a roll bar in the cabin all add to complete the competition look.
Bonhams will be offering this example at their upcoming Scottsdale Auction in Arizona on the 18th January. For more information on this and other vehicles at the sale, click on the link below. Photos courtesy of Bonhams.