Alpine A310

Overview

The Alpine A310 arrived in 1971 as the natural successor to the world-rally-conquering A110 Berlinette, tasked with taking Alpine into a new era of more refined and spacious grand touring. While the A110 was a raw, focused rally weapon, the A310 was designed to be a proper grand tourer — longer, wider, with a proper 2+2 interior and dramatically styled Marcello Gandini-influenced bodywork featuring a distinctive rear sail panel and pronounced wheel arch flares. Like its predecessor, the A310 used Alpine’s signature backbone chassis with all-fibreglass body panels, keeping weight well below heavier steel-bodied competitors.

The first phase of A310 production (1971–1976) used a 1.6-litre Renault inline-four producing approximately 127 hp, positioned mid-rear to maintain the ideal weight balance that defined Alpine’s engineering philosophy. The pivotal moment came in 1976 when Alpine introduced the Peugeot-Renault-Volvo (PRV) V6 engine in the A310 — a 2.7-litre unit producing 150 hp that transformed the character from a sports car into a genuine gran turismo. The V6 version was quieter, more refined, and considerably faster, and it remained in production until 1985 when the A310 was replaced by the GTA.

For Azerbaijan’s classic car enthusiasts, the A310 represents a rare opportunity to own an authentic piece of French automotive heritage that predates Alpine’s modern revival. Classic European sports cars from the 1970s and 1980s are uncommon in the Baku market, and the A310’s combination of mid-engine dynamics, distinctive styling, and genuine motorsport DNA makes it a compelling collector’s acquisition for buyers who appreciate something truly different from the mainstream.

Alpine A310 in Pictures

The A310’s Marcello Gandini-influenced styling features a distinctive fastback roofline, bold wheel arch treatment, and a rear sail panel design that was avant-garde for 1971 and remains striking today. The V6 version received subtle but purposeful body updates including a revised front spoiler and wider rear arches.

Alpine A310 — Front View

A310 V6 — GT Fastback Profile

Rear View — Sail Panel Design

Interior — 1970s Sports GT Cabin

A310 V6 (1976) — Second-Phase GT

PRV V6 2.7L — Mid-Mounted Heart

Key Specifications

• Chassis: Backbone steel chassis with all-fibreglass body panels; identical architectural philosophy to the A110 Berlinette but scaled up for GT proportions.
• Engine (4-cyl phase): 1.6L Renault inline-four, approximately 127 hp, mid-rear mounted; shared with Renault R17 and R12 Gordini.
• Engine (V6 phase): 2.7L PRV (Peugeot-Renault-Volvo) V6, 150 hp, mid-rear mounted; same engine family used in Renault 30, Peugeot 604, and Volvo 264.
• Transmission: 5-speed manual gearbox on all variants; rear-wheel drive only.
• Suspension: Independent all around; double wishbones front and rear; designed for excellent balance given the mid-engine weight distribution.
• Weight: Approximately 900–970 kg depending on specification; the fibreglass body construction keeps weight well below steel-bodied rivals.
• Dimensions: 4,200 mm long × 1,740 mm wide; notably larger than the A110 Berlinette; 2+2 seating configuration.
• Performance (V6): 0–100 km/h in approximately 7.0 seconds; top speed 220 km/h; remarkable for a 150 hp car of this era.
• Production numbers: Approximately 11,600 A310s built across the full run; the majority were V6 versions built after 1976.

Variant Comparison

What Makes the A310 Stand Out

• Backbone chassis engineering: Alpine’s signature backbone chassis design gives the A310 a structural rigidity-to-weight ratio that contemporary steel monocoque competitors could not match. The mid-engine placement over the rear axle creates near-perfect 40/60 weight distribution for cornering balance.
• Fibreglass body advantage: The all-fibreglass body panels do not rust — a significant advantage for a 40-50 year old vehicle. Panel damage can be repaired by skilled fibreglass technicians rather than requiring rare factory parts; this makes the A310 more restorable than many contemporary steel-bodied classics.
• PRV V6 character: The 2.7L PRV V6 in the A310 produced a distinctive exhaust note and smooth power delivery that transformed the car from a sports car into a refined GT. This was the same engine that would go on to power the Renault 30, Delorean DMC-12, and early versions of the Renault 25.
• Historic Alpine significance: The A310 represents the bridge between Alpine’s rally heritage (A110 era) and its modern revival (A110 2017-). Owning an A310 connects the owner to the complete Alpine story in a way that neither the original A110 (too old and valuable) nor the modern A110 (too new) can replicate.

Ownership & Maintenance in Azerbaijan

• PRV V6 timing belt: The 2.7L PRV V6 uses a timing belt that must be replaced on a strict schedule — typically every 60,000 km or five years, whichever comes first. PRV V6 timing belt failure is catastrophic and destroys the engine. Verify belt history before purchase and replace immediately if unknown. A specialist mechanic familiar with French classic vehicles is essential for this service.
• Fibreglass body repair: While fibreglass does not rust, it can crack, delaminate, and fade over 40+ years. Inspect all panels carefully for stress cracks around mounting points, the door apertures, and the front and rear fascias. A skilled fibreglass repair technician can remedy most damage, but deep structural cracks in the backbone chassis attachment points require specialist attention.
• Parts sourcing from France and Germany: The A310 requires parts from French and German Alpine specialist suppliers. There is an active French classic Alpine community (Alpine-Club-International, various specialist suppliers) that maintains PRV V6 parts availability. Budget for international shipping costs and extended lead times of 2–4 weeks for non-standard components.
• Backbone chassis integrity inspection: The steel backbone chassis is the structural heart of the A310. Inspect for rust at the backbone tube, differential mount points, and the area where the chassis passes through the centre of the car. Chassis rust is the most serious structural concern on older A310s and can be expensive to properly restore.
• Cooling system vigilance: The PRV V6 is sensitive to overheating. The cooling system — including the radiator, thermostat, water pump, and all hoses — should be freshened on any A310 entering regular use. Use a quality long-life coolant and monitor coolant temperature carefully during the first season of ownership.
• Carburettor maintenance (4-cyl): The 1600 four-cylinder models use Solex carburettors that require periodic cleaning and adjustment. A knowledgeable classic-car carburettor specialist can keep these running well; electronic fuel injection is not standard on these engines.

Alpine A310 vs. Competitors

Cost-of-Ownership Calculator (Azerbaijan)

• Estimated annual fuel use: 1320 litres
• Estimated annual fuel cost: $858
• Total annual ownership estimate: $3458
• Average monthly ownership estimate: $288

Used A310 Buying Checklist

• Timing belt documentation (V6): Non-negotiable on the PRV V6. Verify belt replacement history from stamped service records or specialist invoices. If undocumented, budget immediately for replacement — the consequence of belt failure is complete engine destruction.
• Backbone chassis inspection: With the car on a lift, inspect the backbone chassis tube for surface rust, welds, and any signs of previous repair. Tap the chassis lightly; hollow sounds may indicate internal corrosion. Any significant chassis rust dramatically increases the cost of ownership.
• Fibreglass condition survey: Walk the car in direct sunlight. Look for stress cracks, colour fade inconsistencies (indicating respray), panel waviness, and misaligned body gaps. Check the door sills, the area behind the front wheels, and the rear of the sills for impact damage or delamination.
• Cooling system health: Check coolant colour (should be clean, not brown or oily). Look for white deposits around hose connections. Run the engine to operating temperature and verify the thermostat opens correctly and the coolant fan operates. Any overheating signs are a serious concern on the PRV V6.
• Gearbox and drivetrain check: Test all five gears for clean engagement. Check differential operation — any clunking on tight corners or under load. Verify the CV joint boots are intact and not leaking grease; CV boot replacement on the A310 requires removing the rear suspension assembly.
• Originality assessment: An original, matching-numbers A310 commands a significant premium over a modified or restored example. Verify the engine number matches the chassis plate. Check that the interior, steering wheel, and switchgear are period-correct. Unoriginal modifications reduce collector value.

Alpine A310 in Azerbaijan FAQ

Is the A310 a practical classic car for regular use in Baku?

The A310 is a classic sports car from the 1970s and 1980s and should be treated as a collector vehicle rather than daily transport. It is suitable for weekend driving and occasional longer tours in Azerbaijan’s good-weather months. The fibreglass body does not rust, which is a genuine advantage, but parts availability and specialist service requirements mean it needs a dedicated owner who plans maintenance proactively. For enthusiasts willing to invest the time and care, the A310 rewards with genuinely unique driving character on Azerbaijani roads.

Which A310 is better — the 4-cylinder or the V6?

For most buyers, the V6 is the more desirable car: more refined, faster, more characterful, and the natural continuation of the A310 story. The 4-cylinder cars have a purity argument — they are lighter and simpler — but the V6’s smooth power delivery and the opportunity to own the first V6-engined Alpine makes it the stronger choice for all-round ownership. The V6 also has a larger parts support community globally.

Where can I find service support for the Alpine A310 in Azerbaijan?

The A310 requires a mechanic experienced with French classic vehicles and the PRV V6 engine family. While there are no dedicated Alpine specialists in Baku, knowledgeable European classic car mechanics familiar with Renault and Peugeot of this era can service the A310 competently. Establish relationships with parts suppliers in France (including Club Alpine Renault, ADB Sport) before purchase to ensure parts availability when needed.

Should You Buy an Alpine A310?

The Alpine A310 is one of the most compelling classic European sports cars available to Azerbaijani enthusiasts. Its combination of genuine mid-engine dynamics, lightweight fibreglass construction, distinctive 1970s styling, and the historic connection to Alpine’s motorsport heritage make it a uniquely rewarding ownership proposition for the right buyer. The PRV V6 version in particular represents the A310 at its best — refined, capable, and authentically French in character.

The A310 demands respect as a classic vehicle requiring proactive maintenance and specialist care. Buy the best-documented, most original example you can find, establish parts supply lines before purchase, and treat the car as the collector’s piece it is. For the enthusiast who appreciates something truly rare and historically significant in Azerbaijan’s automotive landscape, the A310 delivers an ownership experience that no modern car can replicate.