1963 Alpine A110

The A110 model has become the calling card of the Alpine brand all over the world.

The A110 was a further development of the A108 with a berlinetta body (berlinette: a coupe with a gently sloping roofline). The A108 appeared as a prototype at the Tour de France in September 1960 and a few days later appeared before visitors to the Paris Motor Show as a 1961 model-year car.

Two years later, it was the turn of the Alpine A110 in Paris. The car received a memorable, finished, and harmonious appearance, which was the result of the joint work of the venerable stylist Michelotti and a young graduate of the College of Industrial Design, Serge Zuliani.

The Renault plant supplied engines and some other components for the Alpine A110, which was later reflected in the double "surname" of the produced cars. The number 110 in the model designation in this case has nothing to do with the serial numbering of Renault.

The Alpine A110 used a power unit from the Renault 8. This is a 58 cu in (956 cc) engine that develops 51 to 55 hp. Depending on the modification, it was installed on cars with different bodies.

Initially, in addition to the Berlinetta, there was a coupe and a convertible (they are, in fact, the A108 of the second series with new engines), as well as the new 2 + 2 GT4 A110 coupe.

All A110s were equipped with disc brakes, on all wheels, from Renault 8 and a four-speed gearbox as standard. Gradually, the formation of the model range of the company took place.

Over the years of production, the body has undergone minor changes, mainly relating to interior details. The most notable modification occurred in 1967, when two more headlights were added to the two existing ones, installing them between the main ones just above the front bumper.

Outdated and not very popular cars gave way to Alpine A110 modifications, differing from each other in engines, transmission options, and additional equipment. So, for example, for the entire time of the release of the A110, the engine "grew" from 58 cu in (956 cc) to 100 cu in (1647 cc), adding up to 140 hp in power.

Photo: "Alpine-Renault A110 1600S (1970)" by andreboeni

Gordini tuned Renault engines and equipped them with Weber sports carburetors and, later, fuel injection. The chassis design remained unchanged for a long time; only in 1974 did the traditional rear suspension for all Alpines give way to wishbone suspension (model A310).

Of course, the Alpine A110 can be considered the company's most successful car from a commercial and structural point of view. In total, from 1963 to 1977, 7911 A110s were produced.

The Legendary 1973 season in the WRC

In 1973, the French automobile manufacturer Alpine achieved success in the World Rally Championship with its A110 model. The A110 dominated the 1973 season, winning six out of thirteen races that year and taking the first ever driver and manufacturer championships.

The A110 was highly successful on dirt and tarmac stages as well as on street circuits. With driver Jean-Claude Andruet at the wheel, Alpine won the Monte Carlo Rally, the Rallye de Portugal, the Rallye du Maroc, the Acropolis Rally, the Rallye San Remo, and the Tour de Corse. These victories set the stage for the rest of the season.

Photo: "Renault Alpine A110" by nakhon100

Alpine's run of dominance was perfectly timed: the season-ending Tour de Corse was held on December 1, 1973, just two weeks before the A110's official retirement from the World Rally Championship. Ultimately, the A110's championship-winning run earned it a place in the World Rally Championship’s Hall of Fame.

Alpine's success with the A110 cemented the French manufacturer's place in the annals of rallying, and the car remains an icon of 1970s motorsport.

Alpine A110 in Today's Market

The Alpine A110 is truly an exceptional and highly sought-after car in today's market. Renowned for its captivating performance and impeccable design, this remarkable vehicle has garnered significant attention from auto enthusiasts and collectors alike.

In terms of its worth in today's market, the Alpine A110 has proven to be a sound investment. As with any desirable car, the price can fluctuate based on various factors such as model year, condition, mileage, and any unique features or modifications.

On average, one can expect to find a well-maintained Alpine A110 with reasonable mileage to be valued between $50,000 to $220,000.

Ultimately, the Alpine A110 remains a highly coveted and prized vehicle, consistently demonstrating its worth in today's market. Whether you are a discerning collector or an ambitious driver seeking an exhilarating experience, the Alpine A110 is undoubtedly an investment worth considering.