Recently comprehensively restored covering mechanicals, bodywork and interior
Believed original engine bored out to 1400cc and fitted with 5spd gearbox
Appears to be one of the very rare FASA Spain built Alpine A110s
Beautifully presented in classic Alpine blue
The Appeal
Interest in one of France’s most capable sports cars has been rapidly on the rise in recent years with the arrival of the critically acclaimed modern A110 and the success of the Alpine Formula One team.
The original rear-engined Alpine was France’s Porsche, a lightweight car as capable on tarmac as it was on gravel. A few hundred A110s were built at Renault FASA’s Valladolid plant in Spain and this car appears to be one of those rare versions.
Comprehensively restored across its mechanicals, bodywork and interior this 1971 car, fittingly finished in Alpine blue, looks simply stunning. As sculptural as it is capable, this it offers a tantalising opportunity for any classic enthusiast.
The History and Paperwork
1971 car that appears to be one of a few hundred A110s built between April 1967 and February 1971 by the Renault FASA works in Spain
Meticulous records by the FASA A110 register indicate around 240 built
1 set of keys
We understand that the original engine has been bored out to 1400cc
The seller states that this car has had a comprehensive restoration covering mechanicals, interior and bodywork
The car appears fresh from that work and the odometer appears to have been zero’d from that point
FASA España badging on the rear of the car
The Interior
Refurbished interior in good condition but with original features and highlights retained
Roll cage with roof padding
Original belts and harnesses
Factory correct velour and vinyl bucket seats in good condition
Pleated vinyl trim to centre console
Stylish refurbished door cards
Veglia dials appear to have been refurbished
Dials are set in what appears to be the original dashboard showing only very slight signs of age
Wood-rimmed three spoke with Alpine centre cap and aluminium boss
Fillet of wood veneer on dashboard adds a touch of luxury and glamour to this purposeful interior
Fire extinguisher
Factory correct rubber mats
Original ventilation and heating controls
One screw missing from the central dashboard trim
The original A110 was built for a purpose, to be a light, quick and nimble sports car as capable on road as it was on rally stages. The simple interior of this 1971 car reflects that aesthetic but, as might be expected of a car from a famed French car maker, is drizzled with delightful design details, from the clearly arranged Veglia dials to the artfully slashed door cards.
The restoration of this car has carefully retained original features and replaced others where presumably this was required. As a result this interior looks very fresh but has the character any buyer may hope for in a 52 year old sports car such as this. The dashboard appears to be original, with very light signs of use, but the beautiful Veglia dials appear to have been refurbished.
Elsewhere the factory correct velour and vinyl bucket seats are in good condition and the stylish door cards appear to have been refurbished to a high standard. Rubber mats compete with dashes of wood on the steering wheel, gear knob and dashboard to create a pleasing mix of flourish and function.
The Exterior
Bodywork comprehensively restored and resprayed and in excellent condition
Classic Alpine blue paintwork with fibreglass bodywork finished to a high standard
Adapted to double central headlight arrangement of the factory 1400cc cars
Fitted with Pirelli Cinturato tyres that appear new
Beautiful and rare FASA alloy wheel rims, finished in black with polished rims and spokes and with matching spare
Clear Perspex headlamp cowls
Gorgeous detailing like the rear air intake chrome strakes
The modern Alpine A110 cleverly updates the original but also serves to highlight what a great and enduring profile it was. In the Alpine blue of this car, with its superb FASA alloy wheels, it looks simply sublime. Lovely detailing like those rear vent strakes accentuate the style of this evocative classic.
We understand that the bodywork was recently restored on this car and then resprayed in Alpine blue, clearly to a high standard. The photographs are evidence of the quality of the work and we were unable to spot any marks, chips or deterioration across the bodywork.
The car has been converted to the four central headlamp arrangement of the factory 1400cc cars. The outer headlamps are fitted with protective cowls that accentuate the smooth lines of this beautiful car.
A distinguishing feature of this car are those lovely FASA alloy wheels, finished in black with polished highlights. There is also a matching spare.
The Mechanics
1400cc Alpine engine delivering around 110bhp
We are told the engine was fully refurbished during restoration with minimal use since
5spd gearbox
We understand the original engine has been bored out to 1400cc
At the time of writing we were unable to check service records or the VIN for this car
Front axle refurbished during the restoration
The specification includes:
Competition Koni shock absorbers
Brake distributor
Fuel pump and engine cut off switches
Electric fuel pump
The light and nimble A110 was launched with the Renault Gordini 1100cc engine but to exploit the capable chassis successive versions got gradually more power. This 1971 FASA built car appears to be one of the last 1100cc models and has subsequently received an engine rebuild of its original motor, according to the vendors, and a bore out to 1400cc. So it nicely blends the originality of the first cars with the extra power of the later versions. It is also fitted with a 5spd manual gearbox.
The specification has also been enhanced with Koni competition specification shock absorbers and a brake distributor. We understand that the front axle has also been refurbished.
Summary
The A110 has always been a desirable classic, its versatility as a road and rally car making it a fixture of competitive classic sports events, but the recent resurgence of the Alpine brand has garnered even more attention.
This stunning Alpine appears to be one of the rare FASA built cars and fresh from a comprehensive restoration. Now is a really good time to be looking at these superlative cars and this one looks particularly compelling.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*
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