Alpine A310 V6
The Alpine A310 V6 marked Alpine's evolution from the rally-bred A110 into a more refined grand touring machine, while retaining the core philosophy of lightweight rear-engined performance. Introduced in 1976, the A310 V6 replaced the earlier four-cylinder A310 with the PRV (Peugeot-Renault-Volvo) 2.7-liter V6 producing 150 hp. The engine sat behind the rear axle, continuing Alpine's rear-engined tradition but with more sophisticated power delivery than the earlier four-cylinder models. The sleek fastback styling by Michel Harmonique featured pop-up headlights and a distinctive wedge profile that looked modern and purposeful. Construction followed Alpine's proven method of fiberglass body over a tubular steel backbone chassis, keeping weight under 2,400 lbs. The V6's smooth power delivery and improved torque made the A310 easier to drive quickly than its predecessor, though the rear-weight bias still required respect and skill. With a top speed of 137 mph and engaging handling, the A310 V6 offered an alternative to Porsche's 911 for drivers seeking French character and style. Today it's recognized as an important chapter in Alpine's history, bridging the gap between the rally-focused A110 and the later GTA and A610 models.
Check the tubular chassis for rust as the fiberglass body hides structural condition. Verify the PRV V6 has been properly maintained as parts can be challenging to source. Fiberglass body can crack but is repairable by specialists. Interior trim is simple but should be complete. Look for service history and documentation. Earlier 2.7-liter carbureted models are considered more engaging but later fuel-injected 2.8-liter models offer better reliability. Values are rising as collectors discover Alpine's history.
The A310 V6 was produced at Alpine's Dieppe factory from 1976 to 1985, with approximately 2,925 units built. Early models used the 2.7-liter PRV V6 while later versions received a 2.8-liter version with fuel injection. The A310 was more refined than the A110 but maintained Alpine's performance focus.