Renault Alpine A310 V6
The 1972 Renault Alpine A310 V6 represented Alpine's evolution from a specialist rally car manufacturer into a producer of more refined, grand touring-oriented sports cars. While the A110 was a brilliant but uncompromising rally weapon, the A310 V6 sought to broaden Alpine's appeal by offering more comfort, more refinement, and the smooth power delivery of a six-cylinder engine.
Note: The A310 was introduced in 1971 with a four-cylinder engine, and the V6 variant arrived in 1976. The A310 V6 was powered by the 2,664cc PRV (Peugeot-Renault-Volvo) V6 engine, a jointly developed unit that was used across multiple French and Swedish cars. In Alpine specification, the engine produced approximately 150 horsepower, a figure that provided brisk performance given the car's fiberglass construction and relatively light weight.
The body was a significant departure from the A110's curvaceous form. Robert Opron's design featured angular lines, a wedge-shaped profile, and large glass areas that were thoroughly modern for the mid-1970s. The fiberglass construction continued from the A110, keeping weight manageable despite the A310's larger dimensions. The body was mounted on a steel backbone chassis, similar in concept to the A110 but more substantial.
Like its predecessor, the A310 placed its engine behind the rear axle. This configuration provided excellent traction and the distinctive weight distribution that Alpine drivers expected. The handling characteristics were similar to the A110's, with the rear-weight bias creating a tendency toward oversteer that could be exploited by experienced drivers or surprise less skilled ones.
The interior was a marked improvement over the A110, with more space, better ergonomics, and higher-quality materials. The dashboard featured comprehensive instrumentation, and the seats provided good support. Air conditioning and a quality audio system were available options, reflecting the A310's grand touring aspirations.
The A310 V6 proved successful in rallying, though it was less dominant than the A110 had been. It won national rally championships in France and competed internationally, demonstrating that the new design retained the competitive capabilities of its predecessor despite the emphasis on comfort.
The A310 V6 was produced from 1976 to 1984, with Alpine building approximately 9,276 V6 variants. Today, the A310 V6 offers an affordable entry into Alpine ownership, with prices well below the A110. The car provides a genuinely engaging driving experience with the charisma of a French sports car and the practicality to serve as a regular driver.
The steel backbone chassis is the primary corrosion concern — inspect thoroughly. The PRV V6 is generally reliable but check for overheating issues and timing chain condition. The rear-engine handling requires experience. Check fiberglass body panels for cracks and repairs. Verify that the interior trim is in good condition as replacement parts are scarce. French-market cars are most common and easiest to source parts for.
Produced at the Alpine factory in Dieppe, France from 1976 to 1984. The PRV V6 engine was sourced from the joint Peugeot-Renault-Volvo engine consortium. Total V6 variant production was approximately 9,276 units.