Alpine Renault A110 Test Drive
Automotive

Alpine Renault A110 Test Drive

By amanico · Jul 3, 2013 · 25 replies
amanico
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Amanico recounts an impromptu test drive of a vintage Alpine Renault A110, a childhood dream come true. His vivid description captures the raw, unadulterated sports car experience, contrasting it with the more sedate Volvo P1800.

Imagine the situation.

You are having a good glass of Champagne in a garden, with some friends, and suddenly, you hear a strange noise.

A rough motor, screaming on the road, and parking in the house just in front of the garden you are relaxing.

I immediately asked my friends if they knew the guy who drove this car and if this car was not, by coincidence, a Renault...

The answer came before I could take my pills..." This is not a common Renault, but an Alpine Renault, an A 110 ".

" What??? " did I answer, " is there any possibility to pay a visit to your neighbour ", as the fortune smiles to the audacious...

" Yes, of course, the gentleman in question was so curious to meet the owner of this Volvo P 1800 that he would be very pleased to meet you. "

Imagine the feeling...

I always dreamt to take place in an A 110, since my youngest days.

And now, it is just in front of my eyes...



The interior is... Spartan, to say the least. No carpet, to save lightness, nothing else than the essential for the efficiency of the race.







No backseats, either, the comfort is basic, not to say absent, but this is not the purpose of this car.

The pedals are disorienting me, as they are not located in front of my feet, but slightly on the right, and they are very colse to each other, which obliged me to leave my shoes to drive " barefoot " ala Catheram Super 7.



Therefore, the seat is not as distant from the pedals as I would have liked, and I had to find my position... Which I found with difficulty, after a while:

Yeeees!



This model houses a modest 1300, not the 1.6, but Hell, what a car!



Please note that not all the elements are original on this engine.

Modest, it is, but you have to keep in mind that the fiber glass body is very light, with a weight around 600 Kilos, only, for a 1300 which delivers 110 HP. A ratio of circa 5. 50 Kg per Horse Power.

Imagine the sound of the engine...

When you start the engine, it starts " blobbling " in a rough way, but press the accelerator, and you get sudden goose bumps.

It shouts like a feline, a wilde and rough, totally uneducated one.

It calls for high regimes, it wants and desires some brutal treatments, with some regular and impressive backfires, when you let the accelerator.

The brakes are like the direction, very efficient and direct, as well as the chassis.

You are on a TRUE sportcar!

You are at the opposite of a Volvo P 1800, which is comfortable, but heavy, with a firm and heavy direction, a supple but quite calm motor.

The P 1800 is definitely not a sportcar, but rather a quiet GT. To drive quite fast on long distances.

While the A 110 is more calling for short but violent runs.

A last word on the body.

This specimen from 1967 has been restored by a specialist, an A 110 lover and big fan.

Its body is of a supreme elegance, and, somewhat, makes me think about another dream car, the Dino 246.

Here are some pictures I could take during the refill ( of the car ), as my own refill came after in a private and unpublished way. wink









Imagine how you are when you can test one of your dreams, when you can live it for even a short time.

Thanks a lot to the owner of this car, for sharing his passion with me.

It reminded me our watch gatherings... Passion has no limits, no borders.

Best.

Nicolas

About the Automotive Ref. P1800

The P1800 is a distinctive model within the Automotive brand's offerings, recognized for its particular design language and mechanical configuration. This reference is often noted for its specific aesthetic choices that set it apart from other contemporary vehicles produced by the marque. Its introduction marked a notable point in the brand's design evolution, appealing to a segment of enthusiasts seeking a blend of performance and visual character. The P1800's enduring presence in the classic car community underscores its unique position.

This model features a body constructed from steel, contributing to its robust and durable nature. The vehicle's dimensions are characteristic of its era, balancing interior space with exterior proportions. Power is delivered by an internal combustion engine, with early examples utilizing a B18 engine. The vehicle's mechanical layout is conventional for its period, designed for reliability and ease of maintenance, which has contributed to its longevity and appeal among collectors and restorers. The driving experience is often described as engaging, reflecting the engineering priorities of its time.

The P1800 appeals to collectors interested in classic European sports coupes, particularly those who appreciate the brand's history and engineering. Its various iterations and engine specifications provide different points of interest for enthusiasts. The model's design has maintained a consistent following, making it a recognizable and sought-after vehicle in the classic car market. Its role in the brand's heritage is significant, representing a period of design and mechanical development.

Specifications

Caliber
B18 (early models)
Case
Steel
Crystal
Glass

Key Points from the Discussion

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The Discussion
MI
MichaelC
Jul 3, 2013

To get to see that so close, let alone drive it! Very happy for you. Kudos as well to the owner. Simply by being kind, he met the dream of another human. What a great thing to do, something we should all do more frequently.

AM
amanico
Jul 3, 2013

I had to hear a loud " Hey, where are the brakes on your car "! :) Pleasure, just shared pleasure. Yes, my friend, we should do that kind of things more often! All the best, Nicolas

VM
VMM
Jul 3, 2013

It's a car that I've seen in many rallyes around here, and everytime I see it I think exactly the same; that's SMALL and LOW. I wonder if I would fit in there :) After Reading your post I'll try to drive one in the future. Glad to see you enjoying. Thanks for sharing. vte

DO
DonCorson
Jul 3, 2013

Childhood dreams are dreamed to be fulfilled ! Smiling with you, Don

AM
amanico
Jul 3, 2013

To try one, don't miss it! It is an unforgettable moment. Best! Nicolas

TO
Tony C.
Jul 3, 2013

And the body design reflects the peformance-centric mechanics underneath very well. Cheers, Tony C.

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