Highlights

Superbly presented in factory-standard roadgoing trim
Complete with original Spanish registration paperwork
Eminently usable V85 model, renowned for its driveability relative to more powerful models

The Appeal

The Alpine A110 is living proof that there’s no substitute for low mass and a well-engineered chassis. Despite modest Renault-derived four-cylinder powerplants, the near-700kg, rear-engined A110s dominated Europe’s rally stages, culminating in 1-2-3 finishes at both the 1971 and 1973 Monte Carlo rallies besides myriad other victories including overall winner of the inaugural World Rally Championship.

The V85 was marketed as the entry-level A110; a 1,289cc, four-speed version released in January 1970. These are regarded as some of the most drivable of the original A110s, with tractable, manageable performance perfect for those honing their track or rally driving skills. This is the sort of car you can drive at ten-tenths within the speed limit.

Besides Dieppe assembly, Spanish manufacturer FASA produced Alpines under licence in Valladolid for eleven years, and it’s one of these Spanish A110s we’re delighted to offer here. This V85 dates from 1975 and was originally registered in Spain. Now located in Ireland and in presented in superb overall condition, it awaits its next lucky custodian.

As much as we love a rally replica, it’s refreshing to see an A110 still in its original roadgoing trim. That makes it highly usable and we hope the next owner will continue to drive it regularly.

The History and Paperwork

Spanish-built by FASA and road registered in Spain until recently (c.2021)
Now road registered in Ireland - a relatively recent import
20,261 km indicated
Spanish registration documents and ITV paperwork are included in the sale
Previous bill of sale since arriving in Ireland
Spanish registration plate included
Exempt from Irish NCT (MOT) due to its age

The Condition

Standard road specification
Period alloy wheels with Firestone tyres fitted
Very bright paintwork, bumpers and trim
Period hooded auxiliary spot lamps
Smart bodywork with fair panel/door fit for a glass fibre car
No signs of notable wear or body damage
Quilted upholstery with period ‘hounds-tooth’ cloth inserts
No notable wear apparent to the upholstery, door panels or carpets
Slight discolouration to the edges of the headlining
Slight wear to the pedals and switchgear
The veneered dashboard fascia appears in superb order and the vinyl top does not appear cracked
Beautiful wood-rimmed sports steering wheel in lovely condition
The Alpine-branded instruments all appear in smart order

Just look at it. The A110 is one exceedingly pretty car - with curves that can really only be achieved in glass fibre. It’s nice to see one that isn’t Alpine’s trademark French Racing Blue or stripped out for rallying and plastered in sponsors. This car looks exceedingly elegant in red and that period interior is utterly delightful, with some gorgeous details like that sports steering wheel and the veneered dashboard.

The bodywork looks in very good order and the paint is very bright and glossy across all panels. All four alloy wheels continue t present impeccably. Inside, we can detect very little in the way of notable wear and we’re not informed of any issues with the cabin electrics.

The Mechanics

1.3-litre (1,289cc) R12 TS Cléon-Fonte four-cylinder petrol engine
Four-speed manual gearbox
Four-wheel disc brakes
67bhp in standard tune
Original-looking and well-presented engine compartment

For enthusiastic drivers, there’s nothing more frustrating than trying to realise the potential of an overpowered car on the road. You can’t exercise a modern 600bhp performance car within the speed limit and as a result of all that performance potential, they’re generally quite heavy and sitting on super-wide tyres. This Alpine is a most welcome antidote. It’s unbelievably light, beautifully poised on skinny tyres and can be driven hard well within the confines of the law.

We understand this to be a healthy example and indeed all looks very well inside the engine bay.

BEFORE YOU BUY

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