Rally Royalty: The 1964 Alpine-Renault A110 1100 V70

There are certain silhouettes in the automotive world that are unmistakably etched into the collective consciousness of petrolheads, and the low-slung, petite, and undeniably purposeful form of the Alpine A110 is certainly one of them.

It is a machine that manages to be both exquisitely beautiful and ruthlessly efficient, a combination that allowed it to dominate the European rally stages of the late 1960s and early 1970s. For those who have long coveted this French icon, a particularly fascinating early example has come to light.

This 1964 Alpine-Renault A110 1100 V70 is not just a static museum piece; it is a well-traveled, race-hardened, and lovingly restored survivor that captures the very essence of what makes these fiberglass-bodied berlinettes so special.

The A110 was the car that truly put Alpine on the map, cementing its folklore status at the inaugural World Rally Championship event in 1973 at Monte Carlo, where the factory team secured an incredible 1-2-3 finish against heavyweights like Porsche and Lancia.

This specific 1964 model, however, carries its own unique history, having lived a life of adventure that rivals the transcontinental rallies its siblings were famous for.

It is a true globe-trotter, having crossed the Atlantic multiple times to be enjoyed by attentive owners in France, Canada, the United States, and the United Kingdom. Its journey is documented in a robust history file dating back to 1978, detailing a life lived to the fullest, including a brave cross-continental road trip from Toronto to Vancouver in the early 90s—a feat of endurance that speaks volumes about the car’s usability.

While it began life with a modest 1,108cc engine, this A110 has evolved over the decades to become a more potent machine. It has been upgraded to 1300 S specification, now sporting a 1,296cc Gordini inline-four engine.

In a car this light, that displacement bump translates to a thrilling increase in performance, further aided by the installation of a five-speed manual gearbox in the early 2000s. This ensures that the driving experience is spirited and engaging, offering the kind of nimble handling and tactile feedback that modern sports cars simply cannot replicate.

It even spent time in the UK competing in hill climbs and club events, fitted with a roll cage and racing harnesses that remain today, hinting at its competition pedigree.

Visually, the car is a masterclass in restoration and taste. Following a comprehensive bodywork restoration in 2012 by The Autoshop Accident Repair Centre in Gloucestershire, it was refinished in that quintessential, deep blue hue that just looks right on an Alpine.

But it is the interior where this example truly sets itself apart. The cabin has been professionally retrimmed in tan leather featuring a diamond-quilted pattern that adds a touch of gentleman-driver luxury to the otherwise purposeful cockpit.

Period-correct details, such as the three-lug factory-style alloy wheels and fog lamps, complete a look that is equal parts aggressive and elegant.

Now residing in California, this A110 presents a rare opportunity to acquire a sorted, documented, and visually stunning example of France’s greatest rally export.

It is being offered without reserve, with a price estimate of $125,000+, representing a significant but worthy investment for a vehicle that offers entry into almost any vintage rally or show field in the world.