Alpine A110, a legend that is not forgotten!

Our article of the day is about a myth of French motorsport. Few motorsport enthusiasts would deny the existence of this nugget born from Jean Rédélé's ideas in the 1960s.

Proudly bearing the symbols of the Alpine brand, it has made its mark in the world of rallying and that is why it has become a true legend and has not been forgotten over the generations. I named the Alpine A110:

A110 1600S at Classic Festival 2022 in Nogaro

To put it in the context of the time, J.Rédélé spent his childhood in Dieppe and grew up in the family car garage run by his father (who was also passionate about competition and sports cars).

After graduating from HEC (Ecole des Hautes Etudes Commerciales de Paris), he became the youngest Renault dealer in France when he took over his father's garage in 1947.

But besides his job as a salesman, he does not leave his passion aside: car racing. He participated in many races at the wheel of his prepared CV:

a victory in the Dieppe-Rouen rally (1950) which earned him the status of Renault factory driver. Enough to encourage him to do more! He took part in the Monte Carlo rally the same year without success but with a nice evolution in 1951.

Still with his 4CV with enormous potential, he participates in the Mille Milles and wins in his category. He was even entered by Renault in the 24 hours of Le Mans in 1952. In 1954, two more victories at the Critérium des Alpes and the Liège-Rome-Liège.

As a tribute to his achievements on the winding roads of the Alps, his cars will be badged Alpine.

His last race at the wheel of his 4CV was at the 12 hours of Sebring in 1955, where he had an accident following a loss of control (no injuries but the car was destroyed).

Magnificent duo: Ford GT40 & A110 1600S at the Classic Festival 2018 in Nogaro

Let's get back to the heart of the matter, our little Alpine A110:

After a few models under Alpine (A106 and A108 in particular), Alpine leaves the status of simple craftsman and becomes car manufacturer! The manufacturer has a very good relationship with Renault, so that the R8 engine could be used on their side. The beam chassis used on the A108 is modified in order to accommodate the mechanical elements and running gear of the R8. It is this combo which gives birth to the A110!

Presented at the Paris Motor Show in 1962, the A110 is offered in several versions: the best way for a small manufacturer to target the widest possible clientele. The version that makes the most impact at the show among the spectators is the Berlinette.

A110 Tour de Corse at the Classic Festival of Nogaro 2021

Some elements, as mentioned above, were taken from the Renault 8: notably the rear lights, four disc brakes (a real innovation at the time) and the engine. A five-stage Sierra four-cylinder engine of 956 cm3 in rear overhang developing 55 hp. A power that is not exceptional at the time but its light weight of 565kg (glass/polyester composite body) gives it more than honourable performances (top speed of 150 km/h in 1962).

This nugget knows immediately a very big success and is going to know very numerous versions during the years: a dozen of motorizations during its career! An article will not be enough to retrace all the history of the A110.

From 1964, a second engine is proposed, passing to 1108 cm3 and developing 66hp.

In 1965, a version adopting the mechanics of the R8 Gordini is born (1108 cm3 and 77 hp) and approaches the 195 km/h in top speed!

Thereafter will come out: the A110 1300 of 88 hp (1966); the A110 1300 Super of 102 hp; the A110 1500 (short duration); the A110 1600 only in Berlinette taking back the mechanics of the R16 TS with a power of 92 hp; the A110 1600S with 122 hp and a top speed at 215 km/h...

The objective of the manufacturer was to develop a car of rally, over the years they knew to conceive and propose a multitude of racing cars.

In 1971, an A110 1600 Group 4 is born, a lightened competition version with an engine developing 155 hp. Other versions will come out until 1977 and the motorization will go up to 185 hp for 700 kg in Group 4 with the 1850 cm3.

For the anecdote, the 1600 version showed only 11.5L/100km in consumption. At that time, gasoline was not at 2 euros/L but it is a surprising performance.

As for the transmission, it was equipped with a 5-speed gearbox from the Gordini range, a well-spaced gearbox but which suffered from poor guidance and/or poor synchronization. The rack and pinion steering was remarkably precise.

In terms of design, it's a real eye-catcher! It combines elegance and sportiness with brio. Fenders more or less widened according to the version, a compact size of barely more than 1m10. When you start the car, the soft sound of the engine and the smell of the leather cockpit make you realize that you are dealing with a real speed enthusiast.

Its playful side can also be very frightening if you are not familiar with its behavior, and yes, here there are no electronic aids! A beast to tame!

A car that owes its success (in the catalog for 17 years and 7500 examples worldwide) to the exceptional record of achievement it has built up. This has allowed Alpine to develop, to gain customers and to make a place for itself in competition.

As for the list of achievements, to give you an idea, the A110 is world champion from 1971 to 1973; victory in the Tour of Corsica in 1968 with J.C. Andruet, 12 world level victories in 4 seasons from 1970 to 1973 (6 in WRC, 6 in IMC), 31 podiums in 7 seasons from 1970 to 1976 (11 in IMC and 20 in WRC). As you can see, this is a list of achievements that I can't recite without breathing!

A110 Tour de Corse at the rally of Matheysine 2022

As far as prices are concerned, you will find them in good condition in the 110,000 - 130,000 euro range, but prices soar as soon as you are looking for a rarer model with less mileage: a Group 4 A110 can sell for more than 220,000 euro!

Is the succession assured?

Hugo Cortes