Highlights

• Phase 2 – benefits from updated suspension design from Renault 5 Turbo
• Mostly original car with straight body
• Imported from Germany in 1985 with first owner, UK owned since
• Mechanically maintained to a high level

The Appeal

This Phase 2 example is presented in a classic white colour with a complementary blue interior. Still in excellent mechanical shape from its excellent maintenance and upkeep, this Alpine is a very usable example, with a few areas such as the interior beginning to show their age. As such, it would be a great base for a rolling restoration project or else could be driven and enjoyed exactly as-is.

The History and Paperwork

• V5c present and current
• Soon to be MOT and Tax exempt in 2025
• Current MOT valid until 23 April 2024, no advisories
• Imported from Germany in 1985 with its first owner
• Various spare parts (bulbs, belts, plugs, etc.), spare wheels present as pictured
• Also included are memorabilia and historic photos, correspondence from previous owners, and German parts catalogue as pictured come with vehicle sale
• The history file also contains accounts of various trips to France with photos, and some Renault promotional brochures

• The previous owner states cooling system; radiator and all hoses fully replaced “a couple years ago”
• The previous owner also said that brand new Solex carburettors were installed
• Fibreglass body repair work in April 2022, totalling £650
• The new carbs, alternator belt, new gear change linkage, clean and polish bodywork, new thermostat and coolant in 2018 totalling £2,473.24
• New heater hoses, clean engine block, new master cylinder, brake pipes, front brake pads, brake bleed fitted in 2019 totalling £2,872.35
• New clutch set in 2020 totalling £2,638.59 
• New front brake callipers, brake fluid, and handbrake pads fitted in May 2021 totalling £900.98

The Interior

• The interior has weathered in well over the years, with some wear present
• The vendor states all interior parts are still available to be purchased through specialist dealers
• The vendor adds that all the electronics are working as they should, with the exception of the heater controls which have been damaged
• However, the heater still functions
• Passenger window does not but vendor assures us they will replace the fuse prior to sale to correct
• Alarm/immobilizer is untested
• The seats are in usable condition, although foam is very thin in front and rear due to age-related deterioration
• The driver’s seat has a large tear as pictured
• The floor mats and carpets are used but functional and complete
• While the dashboard could use some tidying, it remains in good order overall
• The gauges and buttons are in great condition with only some minor signs of fading from age
• Owner states all functioning correctly with some intermittent bouncing around of the speedometer needle at times
• Some sun fading is evident to the steering wheel although it's still in nice shape for its age
• The headlining fabric is sagging in places
• The front boot is in overall good condition, with no signs of any worrying corrosion
• Some cutting of the plastic surrounding the bonnet latch area is seen as pictured, full size spare tire present

The Exterior 

• The body looks really straight overall
• All the fibreglass is intact other than one area of impact on the rear as pictured
• The trim and bumpers are both in good condition, but fading from the sun and some paint peeling has occurred
• The door mirrors are suffering from rust and paint bubbling
• The glass in excellent condition with some marks to be expected for the age
• Rubbers and seals seemingly all present, door seals need replacing as the foam has deteriorated
• Light lenses in good condition but show some sun damage and slight fading
• The paint is in good shape overall, with some marks and scuffs present which do not not detract from the overall appearance
• The tyres are in good condition with plenty of tread - Michelin TRX which are period appropriate
• The alloy wheels are in good condition, but some small marks present, along with some  ageing seen in the clearcoat
• The brightwork is still shining beautifully in most places
• Underside in overall good condition for the age, some heavy surface corrosion present on suspension components and some bushes seen with cracks
• The undertray in good shape visually
• The chassis itself shows only mild surface corrosion in some places
• There would appear to be heavier corrosion around the jacking points

The Mechanics 

• 2.7-litre V6
• Manual gearbox
• A previous owner wired the fan switch to the upper left of the dashboard and toggles the radiator fan on/off
• The owner states it has never overheated and functions without issue if switched on at 90 degrees
• It still requires fuel additive as it is not converted for unleaded petrol 
• The engine compartment is in above-average condition for the age
• Drive belt is in usable condition with some very slight fraying around edges seen
• All maintenance is up to date
• The vendor states there are no known issues - although it sometimes struggles on first start
• The V6 engine reportedly runs smoothly and has strong acceleration once warmed-up
• The vendor states that the suspension provides an excellent ride
• No smoke or strange noises observed
• The engine sounds healthy and ready to run although the vendor adds that a carburettor tune-up would be advisable

Summary