Highlights

Well-modified car with competition pedigree
Ready to compete in historic regularity rallies (VHR/VHRS)
Extensively modified to develop 130bhp with Group II braking and suspension
Owned by the seller for over 11 years
Purchased in Malta, a dry climate
Good maintenance history

The Appeal

It's commonly said that Volkswagen invented the hot hatch with the Golf GTi, but it was actually another car, this one precisely, that did it first. The lightweight Renault 5 Alpine 'Atmospheric' arrived two months before the German car and transformed La Régie's little city car into a genuine, serious and entertaining sports car. It was less powerful than the Golf, but that didn't matter because, in Alpine fashion, it was considerably lighter.

The current owner of this 1977 Alpine has continued this philosophy and developed it into a formidable track weapon. Now developing 130bhp thanks to a series of mechanical modifications, and with brakes and suspension brought up to Group II specification, it's ready for VHR and VHRS historic rallies.

As you can see from the photos, this is a very neat and striking car, but it wasn't built to sit still. This is particularly evident inside, which has been stripped out and modified for racing. It's being sold with a valid MOT until February 2028, so it can be used on the road or on track.

The seller states:

"Car with a proven track record, ready to compete in historic regularity rallies. Vehicle prepared for historic regularity rallies (VHR or VHRS); drives like a rally car."

Key Information

Mileage: 50,000 km displayed (odometer has rolled over or been replaced; reading not guaranteed)
Registration country: France (standard registration; serial numbers noted as not matching)
MOT status: Valid until 24 February 2028 with advisories
Technical specifications: 1,397 cc four-cylinder petrol engine (modified to 130 bhp), five-speed manual gearbox
Documentation: Good maintenance history according to the seller

The Details

Classic Alpine metallic blue with black bonnet, flared arches and auxiliary lights
Decals and badges in good condition for a car of this type
Alloy wheels painted Alpine grey
Modified engine with improved fuel system, uprated camshaft, crankshaft and connecting rods, modified exhaust and cylinder head, developing 130 bhp
Braking and suspension brought up to Group II specification
Front seats replaced with bucket seats and seatbelts replaced with harnesses
Door interior panels replaced with carbon fibre panels
Windows replaced with Makrolon polycarbonate
Rear bench seat removed and replaced with helmet storage and spare wheel
Dashboard modified with addition of rev counter and oil pressure gauge
Slight chassis rail deformation noted at inspection (code 6.1.1.a.1)
Slight chassis corrosion noted at inspection (code 6.1.1.c.1)
A few very light rust spots noted on the door
Seller rates the bodywork and paint as very good with few imperfections
We're told the mechanical condition is very good with few imperfections

BEFORE YOU BUY

This sale is subject to Car & Classic's terms and conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also accept the following:

✓ The seller is registered as a private seller, which means that consumer rights arising from European consumer protection legislation do not apply. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic's terms and conditions.

✓ We require non-refundable fees to be paid if you are the successful winner of the auction or your offer is accepted. Please refer to our FAQs and terms and conditions for specific rates.

✓ This vehicle is "sold as seen", on an "as is, where is" basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are provided for guidance only and it is customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle before purchase for your own peace of mind.

✓ VAT is included in the buyer's deposit. VAT may or may not be included in the final offer or bid price, as specified in the listing.

✓ We want the transaction to run smoothly, just as you do, and that's why cars and motorcycles registered in the UK and sold on Car & Classic are subject to an HPI check to verify they have no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and are not subject to a financial charge, allowing you to bid with confidence.

✓ We also check whether vehicles are registered as written off following a total loss claim at the time the listing is placed on Car & Classic and we provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) to help you. The presence or absence of a label does not, however, guarantee the vehicle's status and it is always useful to carry out a full vehicle history check before making an offer on it.

✓ Buyers are responsible for collection or delivery of the vehicle. Importing vehicles may incur additional customs duties and import taxes. If you wish, we can recommend a third-party transport company that can help. For more details and to speak to the team, email auctions@carandclassic.com.