Highlights

Extensively campaigned in European rallies from 1975 to 1979
Very desirable 1600 VB (1600 S)
One of the most sought-after of all A110 variants
UK registered since 1989 and used for Road and Historic Stage Rallies
Acquired by the vendor in 1998 and prepared to compete in Regularity events
Previously issued with an MSA Competition Logbook and FIVA Identity Card
Accompanied by a comprehensive history file including photographs of the car in competition and event results

The Appeal

Dominating the World Rally Championship from the outset, Alpine proved that being small and light counted for more than horsepower on tight stages and loose surfaces. Weighing in at just over 700 kilograms and achieving excellent traction by placing the engine over the driven rear axle, the A110 has become a totemic symbol of the golden age of rallying.

For the most competitive entrants, the 1600 VB (1600 S) was the one to have and we’re delighted to offer one such example which dates from 1971. Delivered new in France, this car was extensively campaigned in rallies from 1975 to 1979 and has participated in numerous historic competitions since its arrival in the UK in 1989.

The vendor has owned the Alpine since 1998 and has successfully taken part in Regularity events throughout their custodianship. The car has previously held an MSA Competition Logbook and FIVA Identity Card for when it competed in Stage Rallies and Targa events, both of which it has undergone extensive preparation for in the past.

While a popular entrant in classic motorsport today, seldom does an A110 with period competition history appear on the market, let alone one so special as a genuine 1600 VB. That makes this an unmissable opportunity for those seeking an historic rally car with rich provenance. It’s in fantastic overall condition, beautifully prepared and replete with documentation relating to its illustrious history.

History and Paperwork

Manufactured in July 1971
Genuine 1600 VB (1600 S) - amongst the most sought-after of all A110 variants
Delivered to a Mr Marchetti on 30th July 1971
Seven registered keepers in France before being registered in the UK on 14th August 1989
First registered in the UK on 14th August 1989 to C. Knowles-Fitton who piloted the car on several UK road rallies including the Targa Rusticana
Sold to Mr A. Whitney in February 1994, who began restoration of the body with 'Roadspeed Performance and Servicing'
Work continued with Dave Astbury of 'The Cottage Workshop' to complete the car for Historic Stage Rallies
It competed in rounds of the HRCR Stage Rally championship and the Ypres Historic in June 1996
Purchased by the current owner in November 1998
The car competed in various Regularity events in the UK and Europe including the HRCR Classic Trophy on several occasions
The car has also taken part in sprints which include Crystal Palace(twice), Wiscombe hill climb and the Firle Stage demonstration event in 2022
Has been issued with an MSA competition car logbook, an historic rally vehicle identity form, and a FIVA identity card in the past (none of these are current)
UK V5C present
Exempt from road tax and MOT testing
The history file tells of its past competition success with a collection of event results, photographs of the car in action and invoices detailing servicing, restoration and competition preparation work

The Condition

Refinished in French Metallic Blue (Renault colour 462) - the iconic Alpine scheme to this day
Group 4 specification plastic bumpers
Laminated and heated front screen and perspex rear screen
Steel front skid plate, tunnel aluminium skid plate and Kevlar sump guard
Long-range front-mounted aluminium foam-filled and baffled fuel tanks
Battery relocated to inside the car within a secure battery box
Bob Brain six-point roll cage with door bars
Cloth-covered Kevlar seats in the style of the original Alpine works seats
Four-point safety harnesses
Plumbed-in fire extinguisher system - replaced by the current owner with an FIA-approved FEV System (which is currently in date)
Map pockets, footrest, interior light and map light
Aifab Gemini trip and Sinn watch mounts with P lights
Peltor intercom
Spill Kit and small ground sheet stowed forward of the petrol tank
Comprehensive spares package available subject to separate negotiation

Additionally supplied with a running spares kit bag with the following contents:

Spare wheel clamp
Distributor base plate, points and condenser
Luminition electronic ignition module and trigger sensor
Three-pin connector
Distributor cap and rotor arm
Spark Plugs
Sparkplug socket, wrench and extension bars
Long nose pliers
Ignition leads
Fuses
Three wheels stud sand nuts
Fan Belts 737 and 887
Wiper arm and blade
Bulb kit
FIA cut-out key
Caps for water header bottle, swirl pot, oil filler
Water heater pipe blanks
Radiator muff and ties

Stowed in the cabin are the following:

OK/SOS board (stowed in the right-hand side passenger pocket)
Warning triangle
Locking wheel nut (externally on rear of pocket)
Left-hand side passenger pocket
Tyre sealant
First aid kit (behind the passenger seat right-hand side)
Wheel brace, jack and handle
Spare wheel (5.5 x13 one-piece aluminium Alpine) and tyre
Inner tube and tow rope (both inwheel centre)
Tow strap and guide (for fitment if the front guard is removed and regulations require)

Now finished in Alpine’s iconic French Metallic Blue and complete with auxiliary spot lamps, competition wheels and various period-correct vinyls, this A110 evokes the World Rally Championship-winning cars of the early ‘70s. Having previously undergone bodywork restoration, the glass fibre shell remains in very good condition, as does the paintwork. Naturally, the car has accrued some small bruises from competition use, but we feel this patina adds to the overall look, rather than detracting as it might on a non-competition car.

The inside exhibits evidence of extensive rally preparation, with a raft of safety features while looking period-correct. The seats, for example, are cloth-covered kevlar - harnessing the best of today’s motorsport tech, while looking just like Alpine works seats of the period. We understand all the timing and communication systems are in good order, as are the various electrical items which can easily be serviced thanks to the fact the fusebox and various relays are now located beside the driver’s door.

The Mechanics

1,565 cc four-cylinder Renault engine
Gas flowed cylinder head fitted with Bronze guides and free-flow exhaust system
Lightened flywheel and balanced rotating and reciprocating components
Forged pistons
Twin 45 DCOE Weber carburettors
Uprated camshaft of 304 deg. duration
Four-branch exhaust manifold with re-packable exhaust box (to meet Motorsport noise requirements)
Aluminium finned and baffled sump
Twin coils with Lumenition ignition, electronic rev limiter and shift lights
High output alternator
Oil cooler with electric fan and oil thermostat
353-20 gearbox fitted with closer ratio gear set 3.450/2.230/1.600/1.210/0.930 and uprated 3.875 differential
Group 4 big brake conversion fitted front and back with Tilton 74 Series single circuit master cylinder
Hydraulic handbrake
Adjustable competition shock absorbers front and rear, uprated competition springs (550 Lbs front, 475 Lbs rear) with flat ends fitted front and rear
Reinforced and skidded front wishbones
Lower wishbone steady brace fitted
Quick steering rack with modified steering arms
Thirteen-inch Gotti split aluminium rims with steel centres fitted with 185/70 tyres

Following the vendor’s acquisition of the car in 1998, a long-range fuel tank made by Gartrac was fitted, the transmission was changed to provide taller gearing (a rebuilt 353-20 gearbox was supplied by Dave Astbury) and the engine was rebuilt with a milder camshaft, again by Dave Astbury.

The current specifications are as listed above, and we’re assured the car drives immensely well across a variety of surfaces. The vendor has made extensive use of the car, ensuring it remains reliable and carrying out any servicing it requires in readiness for the next event.

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