Tracing the Heritage of the Alpine A110 and Unveiling a Modern Icon

The History of the Alpine A110

To fully appreciate the appeal of the Alpine A110 in 2024 we first have to explore the rich history that spans decades, marked by its iconic status as a rally champion and its recent resurgence as a modern sports car.

The story begins in 1955 when Jean Rédélé founded Alpine, a French automotive manufacturer and gained recognition for its lightweight and agile sports cars. In 1961, Alpine introduced the audacious A110 prototype at the Paris Motor Show. The car garnered attention for its striking design and performance potential.

The production version of the Alpine A110 was officially launched in 1962. With its sleek silhouette and rear-engine configuration, it quickly became a competitive force in rallying.

The A110 achieved remarkable success in rallying during the 1960s and 1970s. Notably, it secured victories in prestigious events like the Monte Carlo Rally, solidifying its reputation as a formidable rally car and also contributing to Alpine's reputation as a manufacturer of high-performance sports cars.

Renault's acquisition in 1973 marked a pivotal moment for the iconic sports car brand. This strategic move laid the groundwork for the eventual revival of Alpine and its legendary A110, which, unfortunately, saw production come to a halt in 1977 due to economic challenges and shifting automotive trends.

The official revival of the A110 came in 2016 with the unveiling of the Alpine Vision concept. This signalled Renault's commitment to reintroducing Alpine as a performance-oriented brand.

Modern Resurgence (2017-present)

The modern incarnation of the Alpine A110 was officially launched in 2017 as the Premiere Edition. It retained the spirit of the original A110 while incorporating contemporary design and technology. The modern A110 continued the tradition of lightweight construction, utilising aluminium extensively in its chassis and body to enhance performance. Unlike its predecessor's naturally aspirated engine, the new A110 featured a turbocharged engine, delivering a balance of power and efficiency.

The modern Alpine A110 received widespread acclaim for its driving dynamics whilst winning awards for its design and performance. This reestablished Alpine as a force to be reckoned with in the sports car segment and Alpine has continued to release special editions and models, further enhancing the A110's appeal and maintaining the exclusivity of the brand.

The Current Alpine A110

The A110 stands out with its unique personality, offering a distinct and refreshing departure from the conventional choices in its class. The exterior design strongly echoes the original model whilst tastefully updating the interior, engineer and driver aids. We have a special appreciation for the rear of the car, where the roof seamlessly extends through the rear window to the boot, culminating in a subtle rear lip.

The quirky sports styling continues inside and upon entry immediately feels special with gorgeous quilted sports seats, a well-sized sports steering wheel and a centre console for major controls such as gear selection and ignition. The materials used inside the cabin are beautiful with more quilted leather built into the door cards accented with the French flag and blue stitching. Although some plastic trims can be found around the cabin it still feels much more premium and let's not forget this car is designed to be light with a total weight of only 1,102kg.

Alpine A110 Specification Details

A True Drivers Car

Setting aside the discussion on style and design, let's delve into what truly defines this car, its performance, handling, and the unparalleled driving experience it is purposefully engineered to deliver. As we have discussed this is truly a light-weight sportscar when compared to competitors like the Toyota Supra and the Porsche Cayman. The 4-cylinder turbocharged engine produces a strong 252bhp reaching 62mph in an impressive 4.5 seconds, mainly due to this light-weight construction.

Whilst there might be faster cars, the rear-wheel drive A110 stands out for its sheer enjoyment on UK roads. The accessible power perfectly complements our winding B roads, and when paired with its exceptionally responsive steering, it creates an absolutely sublime driving experience.

We were pleasantly surprised by the A110's ride quality. Even on the roughest roads, the experience was smooth and comfortable, making it a truly delightful companion for everyday drives.

Our Opinion  

Moving into 2024, the A110 emerges as a rare breed, standing out for its distinctive qualities. Not only does it captivate with its visually striking design, but it also elevates the driving experience to unparalleled heights. Behind the wheel, the A110 proves itself to be more than just aesthetically pleasing; it evolves into a symphony of power and agility, seamlessly blending the thrill of performance with precise handling.

What makes the A110 even more exceptional is its fundamental affordability. In an era where high-performance cars often come with exorbitant price tags, the A110 breaks the mould, offering an accessible entry point without compromising on the essence of a true sports car. It embodies the concept of attainable luxury, where the joy of ownership is not reserved for a select few but extends to those who appreciate the fusion of style, performance, and budget-conscious sensibilities. As we step into the future, the A110 emerges not only as a car to be admired and desired but one that aligns with the evolving demands and aspirations of automotive enthusiasts in 2024.