1973 Renault Alpine A110
Loan Courtesy of David Geisinger & Aimee Cardwell, Newport RI
Fiberglass coachwork designed by Giovanni Michelotti
Extremely successful in the World Rally Championship
Swept the podium at the 1973 Monte Carlo Rally
Won 1973 World Rally Championship
In the late sixties and early seventies, rear engine cars Like the Porsche 911 and Renault Alpine A110 were extremely competitive in the Monte Carlo Rally. The Alpes Maritimes where some of the most important stages of the Rally were held were often covered in snow and ice so the bias of weight to the rear was a distinct advantage. The event was so competitive that ice and snow pace notes were developed live and distributed to factory entries. Jean Redele had set up the Alpine business in 1965 in Dieppe and Renault was happy to sell him components for a number of years but by the end of the sixties the Alpine Works Rally Team was virtually the Renault works rally team. The Monte Carlo Rally was a highly prestigious event which generated a great deal of publicity.
In 1969 and 1970 Porsche won consecutive victories. In 1971, Alpine and their parent company Renault reacted by developing advanced versions of the A110 which became one of the most successful Rally Cars of all time.
The basic design of the Alpine featured a large diameter tubular steel chassis frame, a four-cylinder engine in the extreme tail and a Renault transaxle driving the rear wheels. Renault independent suspension was used front and rear and a bodyshell was wrapped tightly around two occupants and a minimum amount of luggage. Over the years the A110 was thoroughly developed. The engines initially developed about 100 BHP but by 1973 they developed a reliable 175BHP and the roadholding and strength of the whole package had been developed accordingly.
In 1973 the A110 finished Ist, 2nd, and 3rd in the Monte Carlo Rally and won five other events and the World Rally Championship.
This A110 has only had three owners since new, is in full works trim and has taken part in a number of rallies for authentic historic cars including the Historic Monte Carlo Rally. The cars were always amazing to look at with spectacular liveries, and their outstanding ability to consume the difficult rough roads which characterize the “Monte”.
Specifications:
Engine: 1595cc inline 4-cylinder, aluminum block, 11500 twin double-choke Weber carburetors
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Power: 155 hp
Top Speed: 130 mph
Brakes: Four Wheel discs
Weight: 1500 lbs