Perhaps the most iconic Alpine-Renault ever produced was the A110, and it was introduced in 1962 as the replacement to the A108. The model proved to be highly successful in rallying, and in 1969, A110s swept the top three positions in the Coupe des Alpes rally and one finished 3rd in the Rallye Monte Carlo in both 1969 and 1970. The Alpine-Renault’s competition record continued to improve throughout the following years, winning the World Rally Championship in 1971 and 1973.

The Version 85 model of the A110 was marketed by the company as an entry-level model, and it was first introduced in 1970. With an engine sourced from a Renault 12 that could only produce 81 brake horsepower and its curb weight of 700 kilograms, the A110 could achieve a top speed of 180 km/h, making it highly exciting to drive. The V85 had been renamed the 1300 by the time the model was discontinued in 1976. By that time, 2,890 examples had been produced over the model’s six-year production run.

This particular A110 is a V85 model that was built on 10 March 1973 and delivered new to France. It was originally finished in yellow and fitted with a five-speed manual transmission and lightweight alloy wheels. It has recently undergone a full restoration, with the intention of rallying in mind. The car has been fitted with a thick-rimmed competition steering wheel, leather and alcantara trimmed seats, a battery cut-off switch that is ideally located in the centre of the dash, and a fire extinguisher placed in the passenger footwell.

Alpine A110s have always had a passionate following in Europe, especially in their native France. A V85 is the ideal entry-level vehicle in the A110 range, as it is easier to drive in respect to its more powerful siblings, the 1600S and 1800 Gr.IV, and as it is also cheaper to maintain, it is an ideal automobile for learning the ins and outs of the art of rallying. The V85 makes up a sizable portion of the production run for the A110, and they have always offered great value for the performance they provide. Following its recent restoration, this particular A110 would certainly revel in carving up country roads throughout Europe.