Alpine A310

Alpine

Company type	Subsidiary
Industry	Automotive
Founded	1955
Founder	Jean Rédélé
Headquarters	Dieppe , France
Products	Competition and sports vehicles incorporating Renault parts

History

Established in 1955 and based in Dieppe, Alpine concentrated on manufacturing competition and sports vehicles that incorporated Renault parts. The Alpine A110 achieved significant acclaim by winning the 1973 Monte Carlo Rally as well as the World Rally Championship. Aiming to expand its appeal beyond the niche market of the A110, founder Jean Rédélé created the Alpine A310 to compete with the Porsche 911. The initial A310 was equipped with a rear-mounted, tuned 17TS/Gordini four-cylinder engine delivering power through twin twin-barrel 45 DCOE Weber carburetors.

The first generation of the A310 (1971–1976) featured a four-cylinder powertrain and six headlights; however, it was larger and heavier than its predecessor without offering increased power, which led to criticism regarding its performance in relation to its chassis capabilities. Unveiled at the 1971 Geneva Motor Show, early models included a NACA duct positioned near the left front fender window, with subsequent four-cylinder variants adding a second duct closer to the front of the car. In 1976, Alpine launched a more affordable version called the A310 SX, powered by a 1647 cc inline-four engine sourced from the Renault 16/17 and equipped with simplified features intended to enhance sales.

The A310 rested on a sturdy tubular steel backbone chassis combined with a single-piece fiberglass body shell. Like its forerunner, it utilized a longitudinally mounted rear PRV engine connected to a five-speed manual transmission. Despite its low and sporty driving position, front wheel wells intruded into foot space. Production was highly artisanal and labor-intensive, requiring approximately 130 hours per vehicle. While many components were Renault-sourced, parts such as the Peugeot 504 steering rack and Simca 1301 turn signals were also incorporated.

A310 V6

In 1976, Robert Opron redesigned the A310 and fitted it with a more powerful 90-degree 2664 cc V6 PRV engine, which was also used in various Renault, Volvo, and Peugeot models. This V6 variant featured a black plastic rear spoiler designed to enhance stability, though it altered the original styling significantly. With an output of , the A310 PRV V6 represented Renault's top performance model, capable of reaching speeds up to while delivering acceleration competitive with rivals. Its rear-biased weight distribution resulted in handling characteristics comparable to those of the contemporary Porsche 911.

Sales more than doubled compared to the four-cylinder version, peaking domestically in France with 781 units sold in 1979. However, sales declined subsequently; by 1984 fewer than 500 Alpines were sold in France annually, whereas Porsche managed approximately 1,600 despite industrial strikes in Germany.

Beginning with the 1981 model year, the A310 adopted rear suspension components and alloy wheels from the mid-engined Renault 5 Turbo, enhancing both performance and parts interchangeability.

Later editions produced between 1983 and 1984 introduced the "Pack GT," drawing inspiration from Group 4 racing vehicles. This package included wider wheel arches along with larger front and rear spoilers. Additionally, a limited series of 27 "Pack GT Kit Boulogne" cars featured an enlarged 2.9-liter PRV V6 engine fitted with triple Weber 42DCNF carburetors, increasing output to .

Competition

The Alpine A310 took over from the A110 in the World Rally Championship starting in 1973, delivering varied performance outcomes. It found particular success in French motorsport competitions as a Group 4 contender; a highlight being Guy Fréquelin securing the French Rally title behind the wheel of an Alpine Renault A310 V6 in 1977. By 1983, the model had advanced into Group B rallying.

Production

A310 four-cylinder	Units Produced
1971	120 cars
1972	575 cars
1973	666 cars
1974	344 cars
1975	306 cars
1976	329 cars
TOTAL	2,340 vehicles

A310 V6	Units Produced
1976	140 vehicles
1977	1,220 vehicles
1978	1,216 vehicles
1979	1,381 vehicles
1980	1,138 vehicles
1981	1,284 vehicles
1982	1,095 vehicles
1983	1,139 vehicles
1984	663 vehicles
TOTAL	9,276 units

From 1971 to 1976

A310 1600 Series 1 (equipped with a 55 L fuel tank, four-cylinder engine, and a five-speed gearbox)

Model	Production Years	Engine Capacity	Gearbox Type	Output	Fuel System	Curb Weight
VE	1971–1973	1605 cc (R17TS Injection)	type 365-10	124 metric horsepower (91 kW) DIN at 6000 rpm	twin Weber carburetors - model 45 DCOE	840 kilograms (1,850 lb)
VF	1974–1976	1605 cc (R17TS Injection/Gordini)	type 365-10	127 metric horsepower (93 kW) DIN at 6450 rpm	Bosch D-Jetronic electronic fuel injection	825 kilograms (1,819 lb)
VG	1976	1647 cc (R17 Gordini)	type 365-24	95 metric horsepower (70 kW) DIN at 6000 rpm	single Weber carburetor, double throat model 32 Weber DAR7	825 kilograms (1,819 lb)

Production Years: 1977–1984

Model	Years Manufactured	Engine Specs	Transmission	Power Output	Fuel Delivery	Vehicle Weight	Fuel Tank Capacity
A310 V6 Series 1	1977–1980	2664 cc (R30 TS) V6 engine	manual gearbox: either type 367-05 (4-speed) or type 369-02 (5-speed)	150 metric horsepower (110 kW) DIN at 6000 rpm	Solex carburetors (single and double throat variants)	980 kilograms (2,160 lb)	62 L
A310 V6 Series 2	1981–1985	2664 cc (R30 TS) V6	manual five-speed (type369-02)	150 metric horsepower (110 kW) DIN at6000 rpm	Solex carburetors; suspension upgrades and redesigned exterior	980 kilograms (2,160 lb)

Production Serial Data

Year of Manufacture	Engine Type	Model Code	Serial Number Range Start	Serial Number Range End
1971	Four-cylinder twin-carburetor	1600 VE	001	0010