Alpine A110 1600S
The Alpine A110 1600S represents the pinnacle of the original A110 line, featuring the most powerful engine variant offered in the classic series. Built on Alpine's philosophy of lightweight construction, the 1600S utilized a fiberglass body over a backbone chassis, keeping weight to an astonishing 1,190 lbs. The rear-mounted 1.6-liter Renault-Gordini engine produced 138 hp through dual Weber carburetors, giving this tiny French sports car extraordinary performance. The 1600S earned legendary status through rally victories, including winning the inaugural World Rally Championship in 1973. Its delicate handling, exceptional power-to-weight ratio, and distinctive rear-engine character made it one of the most engaging sports cars of its era. Today, the 1600S is the most sought-after classic Alpine variant, with pristine examples commanding premium prices.
Verify matching numbers for engine and chassis, as many A110s were rebuilt with different engines over the years. Check for rust in the steel backbone chassis - the fiberglass body hides frame condition. Original 1600S models should have the twin Weber 45 DCOE carburetor setup. Documentation proving rally history or original ownership significantly increases value. Parts availability is limited but a dedicated community and specialists exist.
The 1600S was the homologation special that allowed Alpine to compete in Group 4 rallying. Each car was hand-built at the Alpine factory in Dieppe, France. The S designation indicated the 'Sport' specification with upgraded suspension, wider wheels, and the most powerful engine tune Alpine offered.