Description
Imperial War Museum | Duxford, Cambridgeshire
Viewing: Tues 8th April from 12pm
Auction: Wed 9th April from 9am
1976 Alpine Renault (FASA) A110
Upgraded to 1600cc Group 4 Specification
Estimate
£50, 000 - £60, 000
Registration No: 140 BHP
Chassis No: A1101300BA0873
MOT: Exempt
Imported into the UK by the current, long-term owner in 2009
Fitted with a Michel Varlet designed Group 4 specification 1596cc engine in 1986
Subject to a comprehensive cosmetic overhaul in the 2000s and remains in excellent fettle
Eligible for several historic Road and Rally events
Unveiled at the 1962 Paris Salon, the Alpine A110 proved more than a match for many contemporary sportscars thanks to its remarkably low kerb weight, superb traction and excellent handling. A rear-engined, rear-wheel drive design, the newcomer featured rack and pinion steering, all-round independent suspension and four-wheel disc brakes. Styled by Giovanni Michelotti, its fibreglass bodywork was bonded to a rigid steel backbone chassis resulting in a notably strong structure. Able to make the most of its humble Renault drivetrain, even the initial 1. 1-litre variant was reputedly capable of 120mph. Progressively evolved over the course of its fifteen-year production life, the A110 distinguished itself in international competition work and the 1600 Group 4 is considered the ultimate variant, with a specially tuned engine and modified bodywork. Winner of the 1968 Coupe des Alpes and 1971 Monte Carlo Rally, the sleek Berlinette claimed the World Rally Championship two years later. Alpine licensed the A110 design to companies in Mexico, Bulgaria and Spain. However, it was only the cars built by FASA of Valladollid which conformed to the same specification as their French counterparts.
According to documentation of file including a Renault dating certificate and notes from previous owners; chassis BA0873 was first registered in Barcelona as ‘B-0312-BP’ on the 24th April 1976 and was specified with a White body colour and fitted with a 1300cc engine. The two-seater remained in Spain until 1986 when it was purchased by a gentleman in Belgium who had the ambition to compete in rally events, so the bodyshell and running gear was immediately upgraded to full Group 4 specification. Initially the Alpine was used for rally use and was entered into its first event retaining the original 1300 engine. More power was sought so the 1300 was soon replaced by an 1800 Mignotet engine for its second rally. Although the old fable ‘there is no replacement for displacement’ brought great promise, it was found by the driver that the long-stroke unit would rev sluggishly and therefore it was subsequently replaced with a shorter-stroke but higher revving 1596cc Michele Varlet-designed powerplant (fitted with a Ferry 12 camshaft making it capable of revving on to 7, 500 rpm) that it retains today. BA0873 was entered into just one more rally before the owner decided that he preferred the idea of circuit racing for which the car was prepared.
Fast forward to the 2000’s, BA0873 was by now a well-used machine and a full cosmetic refresh was undertaken and completed in 2007, which included repainting of the fibreglass shell in the original White and an interior trim refresh. It was opted to trim the interior for a little more comfort than when it was circuit raced, so plush leather trimmings were fitted along with carpets for a little luxury on longer road trips. However, much of the competition fitments remain in place including the Halda tripmeter and roll cage. The vendor and long-term UK based owner purchased the A110 in 2009, importing and registering it as ‘140 BHP’. Having been a helicopter pilot by trade, the vendor has an almost obsessive approach to maintenance and has cherished the car throughout his 16-year ownership with regular servicing performed by himself where necessary. Recent bills on file show the fitment of a new master cylinder and refurbishment of both front callipers prior to sale. On our visit, the vendor referred to hours upon hours spent re-jetting the twin Weber carburettors – but stated ‘I think I’ve got them about there now’ with numerous bills backing up his quest to dial them in.
Now offered for sale due to the vendor wishing to focus his energy on water-based craft, he has decided to put ‘140 BHP’ up for sale to find it a loving new home. During our inspection, we noted that the car presented very well, and the vendor pointed out minor imperfections including a scratch on the bonnet and two small cracks on the rear wings which are easily repairable which he understands ‘are just due to movement of the fibreglass shell’. It was also noted to us that the car runs ‘very well indeed’ and that driving the car is ‘as much of a pleasure as it can be’ – no doubt aided by the recent work to the brakes. Supplied with a large history file, particular attention should be paid to a lapsed FIVA identity card, Renault dating certificates and Certificate of conformity. There are also several bills on file, historic photographs of its competition usage and a wealth of information regarding the tuning of Weber carburettors.
