I had one from new, living in France in the 80s, chosen over a Porsche 911. It was very comfortable and quiet over long distances, very quick, especially for the time and good fun to drive. Some care was needed in the rain. The stereo was memorably good. All in all, a great car. (No rattles at all).
I bought one new in 1988. Sold it 3 years later with 77k on the clock. Loved lt. Red black leather, graphic equaliser and volume control on the steering wheel.
I love the dashboard not because it's such a well thought out layout as you'd find in a BMW of that period but because it gives of that nostalgic 80s vibe that we had somehow arrived in the future.
@@meersau5690 What a great thought. In a way that’s what I did having left the UK in 1987 and only returning for a handful of visits since, the last time being over 20 years ago. No doubt I’d be shocked to see how things are these days.
A few years ago, whilst crossing the Jura, I was lucky enough to witness well over 100 French Alpine Club members racing around the hairpins on route to Geneva. One had to be there to appreciate, but it was quite a spectacle particularly on such a challenging road.
I’ve had two GTA’s and I loved both of them. The first was an ‘86 sold new here in New Zealand. The second was a 1990 which was badged as an Alpine (after the Talbot/Chrysler trade mark expired). The steering rack is straight out of a Fuego, so interesting you felt it steered well. Also the brakes are the same size front and rear and straight off an R30. One of the most disconcerting aspects is the bizarre ‘chine walk’ they do at higher motorway speed - a distinct movement from side to side that you have to power through. Another issue is the rear tyres that are unique to the car - still available from Michelin Heritage. Would I have another today? - ABSOLUTELY!
Absolutely love this, looks fantastic, rarity. I’ve never driven one but as an ex-Porsche technician, I know the Porsche range inside out, I can say that the Carrera 3.2 quality of build or driving dynamics are not all they’re cracked up to be…
Outstanding! Good of you to review one of my favorite cars, Perhaps, my absolute favorite French classic of the era. As a teenager in the USA, I wouldn't have typically known about Alpine-Renault 310 series, but because of a family friend who was a well-heeled connoisseur and collector I happened to get to know a pair of them quite well. They were a very early A310, with the 6 headlights under glass, and a later series model (directly preceding the one driven here) in white. This gentleman had imported them via gray market, at a non-trivial expense. The newer of the two had the flared wheel arches, deep dish Gotti modular wheels, and an integrated spoiler on the rear deck. Both were spirited rides and the older one of the pair was the first truly "exotic" car I'd ever been in, having been profoundly changed by a ride its owner took me on at the age of 9, shortly after it arrived in the states. It even had an on-board cellular phone, which I (of course) used to call my Mom, at home, excitedly reporting on the whole experience. This was probably 1979 or '80. Your review reminded me of these fond memories. As an aside, regarding your comment about Hoovie, I suspect that given his age and locale, he wouldn't have known how much of a parts bin special the GTA's interior was and, compared to its American "peers", its aesthetic probably seemed retro-futuristic and posh in spite of that. This is merely speculation but seems a reasonable assumption. Anyway, love the channel, do keep up the good work 27! Cheers!
Back in the late eighties, I was working for Renault UK. I drove quite a few of these cars. Once you got used to them, they were a great, surprisingly fast, agile car. I have carried 2 adults in the rear seats, albeit not for many miles. They are still surprisingly inexpensive. Non Turbo versions, which are still a good car, are very good value. There is an excellent specialist, Alpine Renault Restoration, run by Paul Sage. His late father Jean Sage, who I met a few times, was the Renault Sporting Director.
@@rupertsmedley4210 Hello, your name is not familiar to me, but we could have met. I was After Sales Manager at Croydon 88-90. You probably knew John Bland, he was our Sales Manager.
The PRV is basically a V8 with 2 cylinders cut off. That's also why the block angle is not classic V6 and the ignition sequence is a weird odd-fire. Not every mechanic made the genuine effort to understand it. Fun fact: Volvo re-developed and refined the PRV for the 960 and 780 in which case it was renamed B280F. Power was 20hp more then the old B28. It i remember correctly the GTA Turbo also uses this improved PRV block design. I actually came very close to buying one. But altho these cars have a fibreglass body they do have a backbone chassis ( a bit like Lotus? ) and these chassis can and do rust! So, to prospective buyers, beware and have an inspection done by an Alpine specialist. Well worth it! Fun fact that hardly anybody knows: when Alfa Romeo needed an engine for their 155Ti DTM race car they realised that the Busso wasn't ideal for the task but the PRV V6 WAS! Not really surprising because the block was a fully alu-alloy casting and the block angle was wide so there was a LOT of space for a generous intake plenum and runners and the angle from the heads into header exhaust manifolds was also good. In the AR 155ti application the PRV was extremely succesful in the hands of Nicola Larini. Another succesful PRV application was in the MVS Venturi. Another french sportscar, more upmarket (competition for the V8 Ferrari's) and i think some faster models used twin turbo's. They also raced them at LeMans.
As a teenager hamgimh out in the West End of London, soho, Covent Garden etc (I wonder if the youth of today still call it the West End?) I used to pass the Showroom that was on Long Acre almost at the crossroad of Shaftesbury Avenue, it was tiny and only had one of these on display but my friends and I used to salivate and admire these cars every time we walked past it, we loved it and I still love the way it looks today, timeless classic!
And also cars of today weigh 40-50% more than their '80s counterparts so the difference in performance isn't even close to as big as youngsters today like to think.
I think this car - while not really admired when new - will go down as one of the most uniquely and interestingly designed cars ever, and may even end up being timeless inside and out, in the same way Mies Van Der Rohe architecture is timeless.
Old school memories, quirky interior, but still looks awesome. Later models are not as "pure" in looks to me....still would if i could. In that metallic burgundy
Fantastic review of this glorious and much underrated sports car! Dare to be different anyone? At the present value and prices, I belive there's never been a better time to own one. Congratulations - and thanks - to Greg! Also, in my opinion, a car - a giant slayer - was released that made such an impact it questioned spending so much more for anything else! The Ford Sierra Cosworth. It really was a game changer. Thanks again Jack. An excellent review for such a special car. P.S. So cool you drove past two Ferrari 275GTBs and a 250GT Convertible etc,. saw them yet didn't bat an eyelid!!
Fabulous car very underrated, Renault like Ford have a great racing history and many other cars had a Renault engine, like Lotus, De Lorean. I’d take one just to be different.
Used to own a 610 turbo back in ‘93. Lovely blue colour. I think there were only 12 registered in the UK that year. It was my company car and my fellow director had one in the same colour. We put them together and I reckon that was a one off. When I filled up with petrol nobody knew what it was. I remember that spares were always a problem. Loved it though.
@@michaelbarton4787 They were undoubtedly a step up as you say and personally I really liked the revised styling. They were also badged as an Alpine not a Renault which I think was classier.
I remember back in the day that performance car magazine would always rate the A610 (facelift one of these) in their top performance cars. They loved it
those who want also buy..... it is very popular in Europe... it is a collector's car... for people who have 5 or more cars, then this will be the right one
Always wanted my dad to get one of these. To 8 year old me, the Renault Alpine GTA was a spaceship. I had a poster of a metallic blue turbo on my bedroom wall for years.
Forget an 80s 911, at current prices the competition for a GTA Turbo is a 996 Carrera. I previously had a 996 and currently have a 986 Boxster... I had intended to get back in to another 996 soon but have just spent a fortune on the Boxster and it doesn't make sense to sell it now. Getting a 996 as well as the 986 seems silly... but maybe my coupe needs can be met by a GTA Turbo?! There was a lovely black GTA Turbo on C&C last year and I was sorely tempted but didn't have the funds. If that car came up for sale again I don't think I could resist! Damn they look good in black! I remember seeing one in period, parked near the "Cars of the Stars" museum (or whatever it is/was called) - I'm sure I spent longer staring at that GTA than I did actually in the museum.
I owned a GTA turbo for 4 or 5 years - loved the design and drive but the build quality is relatively poor and it turned out to be very unreliable with various electrical and mechanical issues. Very quick on boost but the nose would get noticeably and disconcertingly light at motorway speeds. I think the interior was designed by Gandini (?) and it does have a nasty, disappointing plastic feel to it . Compared to similar cars of this era 911, 968 etc., which I've also owned, it's a charismatic alternative, but the Porsches would always get you home unlike the Alpine.... Another great video !
A very elegant, sophisticated sports car it probably didn't sell well in the UK because it was too noble and too French in appearance for the masses. It really deserved to sell a lot better in the UK. The general public forgets that Renault competes in Formula 1 and has a rich pedigree heritage in hot hatches that very few manufacturers can match!
I love that you get a hold of this kind of thing. Haven't seen one of these for years! In most of the drive-by shots, when you talk about stability, I can see the poise and control it has. I've watched scores and scores of you vids, and you can visually perceive that this was very composed on the bends! Nice one.....keep em coming
Not quite - the A610 came after and was an evolution of the GTA. The majority of the car was new, with a more powerful 3.0 engine and a wider track. @@neilturner6749
The A610 was very much evolved from the GTA. Same basic design and layout. New panels all round, except the doors, I think. Improved weight distribution, larger engine (3.0 instead of 2.5). Pop up headlights, and many other changes. It sold even less well! And I have one.
One of my favorite car of all time! Thanks for this superior review! These old Alpines are sublime, I adore them much better than the overrated Porsches...... Please test a Volvo 480 Turbo as well! :))
TY Jack 🙏🙏! Remember seeing my first one when they were new. I knew most cars, but thought 'what was that', it looked like a space ship! Still only seen a few decades since.
Great video on a fascinating car. Regarding the interior, I have to say I'm with Hoovie--and I think it's because of the difference between the UK experience with French cars and the what we had across the pond. Renaults in the 80s had already become very rare and were dominated by the awful Alliance marketed by (about to disappear) AMC. Our interiors were either conservative sporty German, Living-room style American, or bland economy. We never got to experience those far more stylish French or Italian interiors... I love your channel, thank you!
I remember, as a kid, being told off for sitting in one of these at the Earls Court Motor show shortly after they were launched. Loved it, and always been a bit sad we don't see more of them around.
Jack, what I love, and what keeps bringing me back to your channel, is that somehow you keep reviewing the cars that piqued my interest as a teen. Sure, Porsche, Ferrari, etc., are all easy pickings but you find the cars that fit some reason never went completely mainstream but are beautiful. I remember walking home from school and seeing this Renault (Alpine) in a dealership window and being awestruck. I feel the same way about so name of the cars you review. Thank you for continually walking me down one of the happiest memory lanes of my childhood. PS. Living in the US and owning 5 Alfa Spiders (in varying states of repair) I love your commitment to Italian pronunciation!! Italy 🇮🇹 Ciao
I couldn't help but notice the non working speedometer. Very familiar unfortunately and a pain to fix. Also the questionable quality of the interior parts in general is something I agree with. But I love it, it drives really nicely. I have a GTA with a 3.0l NA v6 200hp(from later Renault) swap in it (with an exhaust) at my disposal and it's a real experience. Its the engine it should have had. The original NA 2.8l unit with carburettor isn't the best and its not easy to get it to run just right. This Turbo GTA is already a big improvement. Towards the end the comparison is made between the GTA and the 911, that's valid since the configuration is very similar, but really the GTA was aimed more at the 944. I haven't driven a 944 so I wouldn't know but I reckon the transaxle layout makes for a more forgiving and easier to ride car. The GTA is not a car you want to ride carelessly and it takes some experience to get the best performance out of it. And probably the 944 has some better quality materials and interior to suit. But it should really be enjoyed on its own. It is a very rare and fun car to own and drive.
Great review...Saw this at a Renault Garage in the West end back in the 80's and it was the most beautiful car that I as a teenager had seen in a metallic white, sort of sparkled...Would love to get one now...
Yay !, amazing cars. I used to have a GTA 2.5 V6 Turbo, slightly tuned to about 220bhp. Given the light weight it was really fast with superb handling.
I remember CAR Magazine pitching this up against the Esprit Turbo and the 911 Turbo. Of course, the 911 ran away with it but some years later its natural evolution - the A610 - was in Performance Car's CotY and won it outright. Still didn't sell well. Some cars are just too weird to be successful...
I drove a (mid 80s era) Nissan turbo with 4 wheel steering (and a Mazda with the same) and combining those two features, when trying to merge onto an on-ramp, was an accident waiting to happen. Once the turbo finally kicked in, my progress was anything but linear, and the steering went from over steer to understeer, in a series of driver induced oscillations. I am now travelling at over 60MPH while merging, remember. Not at all a pleasant sensation, or memory.
Great test drive Jack, always thought an underrated car. I was a RAC patrol in the 80's, working in a posh part of London and was sent out to a Renault Alpine on the morning after the great October storm of 1987. A tree had come down and completely squashed it. I felt for the owner as nothing could be done for days as the storm had ruined any chance of anything being done quickly.
Always loved these. Here's an extra obscure fact: the sleazy businesses man Ken Masters in the 1980s TV series Howard's Way drove one. This is so of it's time, but somehow still achingly cool. Love your vids Jack 😎
mR 27,youve outdone yourself and before long the rest of the online community will catch on and then subs will skyrocket ,such a beautiful car filmed in a gorgeous setting 10/10
Thank you for this video! Fun facts about this car: 1. It was driven by the main antagonist in El Dorado! 2. They had an awesome Desert Raid buggy version!
@@adamsy8439 He drove a couple of different Renault GTAS through out the series a silver one reg no E99 GLO another silver one reg no KM2, and as you mentioned a blue one I think also with the KM2 registration. Another one of the main characters Charles Frere (Tony Anholt) drove a red Venturi reg no CF2 in the last series
wow! I missed this one in the 80's. There is a NA GTA for sale in Australia for $18k plus. Thanks again Jack. Another great video of a car that is very interesting.
My extra firm High School French teacher would approve your effort. Not sure why or even when I saw my 1st but I have been an Alpine fan for decades. I have 2 RC cars with Alpine A110 bodies and will continue to enjoy those.
That's (as usual) a spot on review. Let it settle and use the mid-range is exactly how to do it. As a continental express they just chomp high speed autobahn miles. I have had two of those. The second was a daily driver for 18 years, it had the full leather and aircon when I bought it with only 5k miles on the clock. I'd have another in a heatbeat (but with two Alpines already I'd be pushing my luck!). It was and still is one of the best cars I have driven. Buying one now would need much care, although mine was utterly reliable it would be very easy to buy a lot of trouble.
My father was a Renault fan for decades. I drove many of the earlier road cars, not stunning performance wise but always handled well (the 16TS rolled into corners but hung on with it's Michelins). The 15 & 17 certainly were ahead of their time in styling. Always loved the 310 which was rallied in Europe.
What a coincidence , I have been seriously interested in buying one for a while as admired them when they were new. Thanks Jack for your usual well balanced , informed opinion and review to help me make a decision.
It's the most widely installed desktop operating system. If you take into account non-desktop systems (phones, routers, IOT devices etc), then Linux is the most widely used, by some margin.
Thanks for the video mate,I wanted one of these in that colour with black leather but the wife wouldn’t let me as we had to put a child seat in the back.Got a 25 V6 turbo with a straight through fat pipe and it was exactly as you describe loads of lag then whoosh up to red line 😊
Yeah the stereo was very similar plus it had a talking computer that warned you of all sorts of things but the most annoying was when the electric boot closure had been slammed down by wifey and it would repeat “boot not shut” that brings back memories 😊
I loved these when they came out but we never got them in Canada. Such a cool looking car and so French and quirky.. what's not to like? Great review, Jack.
Being in the US, I've never even seen one. I hope to just see one some day. Very interesting. We got the Delorean here witch is kind of the same thing. Thank you.
The DeLorean is not at all the same thing even if they share the same engine. Alpine's are really cool. When I was a kid, I 'd still see them on the road from time to time. Now, I mostly see them at czr shows. I've always loved them. The previous cars (A110 and A310) are incredibly small. You just have to see them in the metal the realize how tiny they are.
Silly solution but the turbo lag could possibly be slightly mitigated by having a smaller turbo? You might lose some power at the top end as result of downsizing but the acceleration and throttle response will be there. Not that it makes much sense to downsize anyway as this car is built for the track. I love that spooling noise though! This car has won my heart!
Hello Jack, Great to see a French super car on your channel. Certainly a car ahead of it's time! How about a video on the Venturi Atlantique? Very rare in the uk yet, very understated. Great channel by the way.
a friend of mine had one and quite liked it, although he said it could be twitchy in the wet with the engine at the back. But he had a heck of a time trying to sell it and eventually took much less for it than he hoped. Nowdays he has ... a late 1970s 911.
Great car, I and two mates each owned one. From point to point it was extremely quick. I had a 928S2 and a Maserati Merak SS at the same Time, and if in a hurry I'd take the Alpine every time. I remember the Radio controls were on the steering wheel, which was very early for that feature.
I like the PRV roar. A bit like the old Dodge V6, with the unusual 90° angle and the odd firing order. But who wonders, both were born as a V8 and basically had 2 cylinders cut out.
Yep my father bought my mother a 911 turbo in 1980’S I was only a 6 or 7 at the time she had it for 2 weeks and hated it and at the dealer was a beautiful red Renault alpine turbo and she loved it
Sounds similar to the 2.2 audi 5cyl, I love it, I seen a red one being driven by a absolute lunatic back in the 90's and I've been a fan of them ever since.
I Remember reading about these in Autocar when they came out, loved the look of them then, and still do! This one sounds great too😎, I hope to see it on the track one day🙂
Well for starters it sounds exactly like an 18 wheeler so that does help. Plus the steering wheel is on the wrong side of the car (I hear you Birts want your steering wheel on the passenger side, though I can't fathom why, next thing you'll tell me is that you also enjoy driving on the wrong side of the road as well, maybe it's the lack of sunshine that's doing it) I think it's a fantastic looking car, though I may be in the minority on that. The long, low roofline that tapers slowly off in the rear is seriously sexy. It was fairly quick for it's time too, but I can't imagine it's very nimble. It's probably stable at speed due to the wheelbase but that also makes it loathe to change directions.
You’re missing the point about the steering wheel being in the wrong side - this is a French product and was initially only available in its “natural” state with the wheel on the left. The vast majority of these produced can thus be driven to a modest degree of competency by former colonials who refused to pay their fair share of tax and ruined some lovely tea.
I want it so much my tummy hurts! It has a stacked stereo with a graphic equaliser ffs! Quirky and gorgeous and I’d love one. Great cars as always Jaque,,,,
I had one from new, living in France in the 80s, chosen over a Porsche 911. It was very comfortable and quiet over long distances, very quick, especially for the time and good fun to drive. Some care was needed in the rain. The stereo was memorably good. All in all, a great car. (No rattles at all).
I have always prefered the beautiful Venturi 200 over the GTA, same engine but better handling and interior 😉
Great Vid. My dad had a D reg red v6 turbo from new, I was 9 or 10 and thought it was briliant!
I bought one new in 1988. Sold it 3 years later with 77k on the clock. Loved lt. Red black leather, graphic equaliser and volume control on the steering wheel.
Didn't like driving it much then !!! lol
Probably one of the most underrated RUclips channels ever IMO.
Can't agree more.
why is that
yes ,it´s always sending mixed feelings about the cars all cars are bad but all are far out
I love the dashboard not because it's such a well thought out layout as you'd find in a BMW of that period but because it gives of that nostalgic 80s vibe that we had somehow arrived in the future.
We should have stopped time in the 80s 🥰
@@meersau5690 What a great thought. In a way that’s what I did having left the UK in 1987 and only returning for a handful of visits since, the last time being over 20 years ago. No doubt I’d be shocked to see how things are these days.
Your pronunciation of "Grand Tourisme Alpine" wasn't terrible at all. In fact, it was almost perfect.
'Wimbledon' was a bit trickier!
😂😂😂@@samurai-capybara
@@samurai-capybara 😉
Agreed 👍
English pronunciation:
"Gr-Rand Tour-Ris-Me Al-Pine" 😛
A few years ago, whilst crossing the Jura, I was lucky enough to witness well over 100 French Alpine Club members racing around the hairpins on route to Geneva. One had to be there to appreciate, but it was quite a spectacle particularly on such a challenging road.
I think you're right Jack, selling it as a Renault was a big marketing mistake, when you're going up against a Porsche.
they could have sold it as Facel Alpine
Renault dominated in motorsports. They could rival Porsche with no effort.
@@Toxic2T
Yeah I think people forget that.
I remember the F1 versions of the mk2 Rs225 in particular sold well and still command good money.
Glorious and way more interesting than a 911.
For those doubting the looks, have a look at the very last of these - the A610.
Wonderful.....
I really love 911s... but I'd agree this is a far more interesting car! And some may disagree but I think a little prettier, too.
Oh my, this IS a surprise!!
Thanks so much Jack, for featuring one of my all time favourites!
Greetings from the Netherlands
Look at that interior! Look at that switch gear! Ugh, gorgeous.
Love it!
Dat french quirkyness, eh
Fab
Probably one of the most underrated cars ever IMO.
Not to take the spot light off the Renault, but that group of Ferraris you passed at 7:02 was NUTS!!
I’ve had two GTA’s and I loved both of them. The first was an ‘86 sold new here in New Zealand. The second was a 1990 which was badged as an Alpine (after the Talbot/Chrysler trade mark expired). The steering rack is straight out of a Fuego, so interesting you felt it steered well. Also the brakes are the same size front and rear and straight off an R30. One of the most disconcerting aspects is the bizarre ‘chine walk’ they do at higher motorway speed - a distinct movement from side to side that you have to power through. Another issue is the rear tyres that are unique to the car - still available from Michelin Heritage. Would I have another today? - ABSOLUTELY!
Snap!
Here in Argentina the Fuego GTA Max was based off this cars look.
Not too disconcerting ... it was still capable of 250kph on the Southern Motorway (heading north from the Bombays).
Absolutely love this, looks fantastic, rarity.
I’ve never driven one but as an ex-Porsche technician, I know the Porsche range inside out, I can say that the Carrera 3.2 quality of build or driving dynamics are not all they’re cracked up to be…
I have never heard a PRV engine sound like it does in this video. Kinda cool. Actually sounds a bit like an inline 5 at some moments in the video...
Mine sounded exactly the same. The 2.5 V6 is in a Odd-fire configuration. So different to the 2.7 and 2.8 versions.
@@TheSaabClinicUKthat explains why is has a bit of a VR6 type sound to it whereas the 2.7 sounded more like a regular V6
This has a even fire crank the normal had the Boxer like crank
Yes, great sounding engine. With the turbo just in the background. Wonderful.
@@matthpotte It does sound a lot like a VR6!
Outstanding! Good of you to review one of my favorite cars, Perhaps, my absolute favorite French classic of the era. As a teenager in the USA, I wouldn't have typically known about Alpine-Renault 310 series, but because of a family friend who was a well-heeled connoisseur and collector I happened to get to know a pair of them quite well. They were a very early A310, with the 6 headlights under glass, and a later series model (directly preceding the one driven here) in white. This gentleman had imported them via gray market, at a non-trivial expense. The newer of the two had the flared wheel arches, deep dish Gotti modular wheels, and an integrated spoiler on the rear deck. Both were spirited rides and the older one of the pair was the first truly "exotic" car I'd ever been in, having been profoundly changed by a ride its owner took me on at the age of 9, shortly after it arrived in the states. It even had an on-board cellular phone, which I (of course) used to call my Mom, at home, excitedly reporting on the whole experience. This was probably 1979 or '80. Your review reminded me of these fond memories. As an aside, regarding your comment about Hoovie, I suspect that given his age and locale, he wouldn't have known how much of a parts bin special the GTA's interior was and, compared to its American "peers", its aesthetic probably seemed retro-futuristic and posh in spite of that. This is merely speculation but seems a reasonable assumption. Anyway, love the channel, do keep up the good work 27! Cheers!
When I want to relax I watch this channel. It has this sweet space around it.
Back in the late eighties, I was working for Renault UK. I drove quite a few of these cars. Once you got used to them, they were a great, surprisingly fast, agile car. I have carried 2 adults in the rear seats, albeit not for many miles. They are still surprisingly inexpensive. Non Turbo versions, which are still a good car, are very good value. There is an excellent specialist, Alpine Renault Restoration, run by Paul Sage. His late father Jean Sage, who I met a few times, was the Renault Sporting Director.
I was at Renault London from `86 to `89 - did we meet Robin? Regards, Rupert
@@rupertsmedley4210 Hello, your name is not familiar to me, but we could have met. I was After Sales Manager at Croydon 88-90. You probably knew John Bland, he was our Sales Manager.
The PRV is basically a V8 with 2 cylinders cut off. That's also why the block angle is not classic V6 and the ignition sequence is a weird odd-fire. Not every mechanic made the genuine effort to understand it.
Fun fact: Volvo re-developed and refined the PRV for the 960 and 780 in which case it was renamed B280F. Power was 20hp more then the old B28.
It i remember correctly the GTA Turbo also uses this improved PRV block design.
I actually came very close to buying one. But altho these cars have a fibreglass body they do have a backbone chassis ( a bit like Lotus? ) and these chassis can and do rust!
So, to prospective buyers, beware and have an inspection done by an Alpine specialist. Well worth it!
Fun fact that hardly anybody knows: when Alfa Romeo needed an engine for their 155Ti DTM race car they realised that the Busso wasn't ideal for the task but the PRV V6 WAS! Not really surprising because the block was a fully alu-alloy casting and the block angle was wide so there was a LOT of space for a generous intake plenum and runners and the angle from the heads into header exhaust manifolds was also good. In the AR 155ti application the PRV was extremely succesful in the hands of Nicola Larini.
Another succesful PRV application was in the MVS Venturi. Another french sportscar, more upmarket (competition for the V8 Ferrari's) and i think some faster models used twin turbo's. They also raced them at LeMans.
I'm pretty sure the F1 engine was based around this engine block
Epic car! imagined being wealthy businessman in 1985 driving around this GTA in la Defence in Paris playing Jean Michel Jarre Zoo Look album🎉
I'd prefer Oxygene, but I get your point. Either way it would be fantastic!
Remember years ago in a magazine they had a limited edition le mans version sort of metallic purple colour absolutely beautiful.
Not sure that the 911 is more conventionally pretty, it's just more familiar... Good review, Jack, on another oddball car. Keep them coming
Pretty sure the market has determined that the 911 is as ‘conventionally pretty’ as they come. This thing…yikes. A complete hodge podge of other cars.
@@f.kieranfinney457 911's appeal to some. Not to me. Not the older ones certainly.
As a teenager hamgimh out in the West End of London, soho, Covent Garden etc (I wonder if the youth of today still call it the West End?) I used to pass the Showroom that was on Long Acre almost at the crossroad of Shaftesbury Avenue, it was tiny and only had one of these on display but my friends and I used to salivate and admire these cars every time we walked past it, we loved it and I still love the way it looks today, timeless classic!
200BHP was a lot of power in the 1980s. Family cars were more like 90BHP.
And also cars of today weigh 40-50% more than their '80s counterparts so the difference in performance isn't even close to as big as youngsters today like to think.
I think this car - while not really admired when new - will go down as one of the most uniquely and interestingly designed cars ever, and may even end up being timeless inside and out, in the same way Mies Van Der Rohe architecture is timeless.
Old school memories, quirky interior, but still looks awesome. Later models are not as "pure" in looks to me....still would if i could. In that metallic burgundy
the sound around 11 minutes in this video is just f.....g great.
Fantastic review of this glorious and much underrated sports car! Dare to be different anyone? At the present value and prices, I belive there's never been a better time to own one. Congratulations - and thanks - to Greg!
Also, in my opinion, a car - a giant slayer - was released that made such an impact it questioned spending so much more for anything else! The Ford Sierra Cosworth. It really was a game changer.
Thanks again Jack. An excellent review for such a special car.
P.S. So cool you drove past two Ferrari 275GTBs and a 250GT Convertible etc,. saw them yet didn't bat an eyelid!!
Great, honest review! Now you can review my A610, when it's roadworthy again. I'm hoping that will be later this year. I'll be in touch!
Fabulous car very underrated, Renault like Ford have a great racing history and many other cars had a Renault engine, like Lotus, De Lorean.
I’d take one just to be different.
I was born in 76 and I loved a310. Unique design. A french way for sportcars... with no future.
Wow! I have never heard a PRV V6 sound that good! Really cool car!
Used to own a 610 turbo back in ‘93. Lovely blue colour. I think there were only 12 registered in the UK that year. It was my company car and my fellow director had one in the same colour. We put them together and I reckon that was a one off. When I filled up with petrol nobody knew what it was. I remember that spares were always a problem. Loved it though.
I liked the GTAs but think the 610s were a step up plus the pop-up headlights ofcourse !
@@michaelbarton4787 They were undoubtedly a step up as you say and personally I really liked the revised styling. They were also badged as an Alpine not a Renault which I think was classier.
I remember back in the day that performance car magazine would always rate the A610 (facelift one of these) in their top performance cars. They loved it
That was the most interesting exhaust note when he took off at the start! A mix of a detroit diesel, the turbo noise and a typical 6 cylinder
I've never seen one of these before, but I kept being reminded of the Starion.
My late uncle had a 310, this one here and then the wonderful looking LeMans with 250 PS. I always loved these cars and they were terribly underrated
Yes. Yes yes. I remember it advertised in mt dad's car magazines I read as a kid. Loved the looks... That dash I thought was pure future in the 80's
those who want also buy..... it is very popular in Europe... it is a collector's car... for people who have 5 or more cars, then this will be the right one
Always wanted my dad to get one of these. To 8 year old me, the Renault Alpine GTA was a spaceship. I had a poster of a metallic blue turbo on my bedroom wall for years.
Forget an 80s 911, at current prices the competition for a GTA Turbo is a 996 Carrera.
I previously had a 996 and currently have a 986 Boxster... I had intended to get back in to another 996 soon but have just spent a fortune on the Boxster and it doesn't make sense to sell it now. Getting a 996 as well as the 986 seems silly... but maybe my coupe needs can be met by a GTA Turbo?!
There was a lovely black GTA Turbo on C&C last year and I was sorely tempted but didn't have the funds. If that car came up for sale again I don't think I could resist! Damn they look good in black!
I remember seeing one in period, parked near the "Cars of the Stars" museum (or whatever it is/was called) - I'm sure I spent longer staring at that GTA than I did actually in the museum.
I owned a GTA turbo for 4 or 5 years - loved the design and drive but the build quality is relatively poor and it turned out to be very unreliable with various electrical and mechanical issues. Very quick on boost but the nose would get noticeably and disconcertingly light at motorway speeds. I think the interior was designed by Gandini (?) and it does have a nasty, disappointing plastic feel to it .
Compared to similar cars of this era 911, 968 etc., which I've also owned, it's a charismatic alternative, but the Porsches would always get you home unlike the Alpine....
Another great video !
I own a GTA Turbo and most have a category status due to lack of some parts especially body parts i.e. rear lights etc
A very elegant, sophisticated sports car it probably didn't sell well in the UK because it was too noble and too French in appearance for the masses. It really deserved to sell a lot better in the UK. The general public forgets that Renault competes in Formula 1 and has a rich pedigree heritage in hot hatches that very few manufacturers can match!
I love that you get a hold of this kind of thing. Haven't seen one of these for years! In most of the drive-by shots, when you talk about stability, I can see the poise and control it has. I've watched scores and scores of you vids, and you can visually perceive that this was very composed on the bends!
Nice one.....keep em coming
Always drooled over Alpine cars. My favourite was the A610 turbo.
Great video Jack.
Aren’t the A610 and the Renault GTA the same car?
Not quite - the A610 came after and was an evolution of the GTA.
The majority of the car was new, with a more powerful 3.0 engine and a wider track. @@neilturner6749
@@neilturner6749 Not exactly. Of Course, the A610 is inspired by the GTA, but it's another car with increased performance
The A610 was very much evolved from the GTA. Same basic design and layout. New panels all round, except the doors, I think. Improved weight distribution, larger engine (3.0 instead of 2.5). Pop up headlights, and many other changes. It sold even less well! And I have one.
@@andrewberridge4630 Congratulations! My dream is to own one soon... And I have worked on it 😉
One of my favorite car of all time! Thanks for this superior review! These old Alpines are sublime, I adore them much better than the overrated Porsches......
Please test a Volvo 480 Turbo as well! :))
This is one of my personal favorite cars! I wish more people remembered it.
TY Jack 🙏🙏! Remember seeing my first one when they were new. I knew most cars, but thought 'what was that', it looked like a space ship! Still only seen a few decades since.
What a 😯 at 7:03 .... Jack switched to mute mode... and was wondering, will I stop and start discussing with those petrolhead ?
That might be the best sounding V6 I've ever heard 🥴
Apart from Busso engined Alfa Romeo
you should hear My Na BOA with a full stainless system at full chat
Evor 400/410 would blow it to bits sound wise.. honda nsx at full chat ? U have been living under a rock pal 😂😂😂😂
Volkswagen VR6?
I'd say quite good sounds due to the turbo, the NA version doesn't sound great. Certainly not on the level of 12V Busso or Dino V6
Great review… quick and to the point…without leaving out important info😊
Great video on a fascinating car. Regarding the interior, I have to say I'm with Hoovie--and I think it's because of the difference between the UK experience with French cars and the what we had across the pond. Renaults in the 80s had already become very rare and were dominated by the awful Alliance marketed by (about to disappear) AMC. Our interiors were either conservative sporty German, Living-room style American, or bland economy. We never got to experience those far more stylish French or Italian interiors... I love your channel, thank you!
I remember, as a kid, being told off for sitting in one of these at the Earls Court Motor show shortly after they were launched. Loved it, and always been a bit sad we don't see more of them around.
Jack, what I love, and what keeps bringing me back to your channel, is that somehow you keep reviewing the cars that piqued my interest as a teen. Sure, Porsche, Ferrari, etc., are all easy pickings but you find the cars that fit some reason never went completely mainstream but are beautiful.
I remember walking home from school and seeing this Renault (Alpine) in a dealership window and being awestruck. I feel the same way about so name of the cars you review. Thank you for continually walking me down one of the happiest memory lanes of my childhood.
PS. Living in the US and owning 5 Alfa Spiders (in varying states of repair) I love your commitment to Italian pronunciation!! Italy 🇮🇹 Ciao
My old boss had one of these as a weekend car. I had a go on a few occasions as he used to let us drive his cars. Fantastic thing.
I love all the Alpines. The new one should have been made rear engined too.
They are !
This lump was longitudinal, the A110 NG is transverse but still central rear 😅
Oh I love these! great episode Jack
I couldn't help but notice the non working speedometer. Very familiar unfortunately and a pain to fix. Also the questionable quality of the interior parts in general is something I agree with. But I love it, it drives really nicely. I have a GTA with a 3.0l NA v6 200hp(from later Renault) swap in it (with an exhaust) at my disposal and it's a real experience. Its the engine it should have had. The original NA 2.8l unit with carburettor isn't the best and its not easy to get it to run just right. This Turbo GTA is already a big improvement.
Towards the end the comparison is made between the GTA and the 911, that's valid since the configuration is very similar, but really the GTA was aimed more at the 944. I haven't driven a 944 so I wouldn't know but I reckon the transaxle layout makes for a more forgiving and easier to ride car. The GTA is not a car you want to ride carelessly and it takes some experience to get the best performance out of it. And probably the 944 has some better quality materials and interior to suit. But it should really be enjoyed on its own. It is a very rare and fun car to own and drive.
Great review...Saw this at a Renault Garage in the West end back in the 80's and it was the most beautiful car that I as a teenager had seen in a metallic white, sort of sparkled...Would love to get one now...
Yay !, amazing cars. I used to have a GTA 2.5 V6 Turbo, slightly tuned to about 220bhp. Given the light weight it was really fast with superb handling.
Awesome stuff as always Jack buddy 👍
Nice exhaust setup, sounds like a right beast!
Beautiful car from every angle. We had a lot of Renaults in Argentina (built there) but never one of these. Thanks I enjoy watching.
I remember CAR Magazine pitching this up against the Esprit Turbo and the 911 Turbo. Of course, the 911 ran away with it but some years later its natural evolution - the A610 - was in Performance Car's CotY and won it outright. Still didn't sell well. Some cars are just too weird to be successful...
I drove a (mid 80s era) Nissan turbo with 4 wheel steering (and a Mazda with the same) and combining those two features, when trying to merge onto an on-ramp, was an accident waiting to happen. Once the turbo finally kicked in, my progress was anything but linear, and the steering went from over steer to understeer, in a series of driver induced oscillations. I am now travelling at over 60MPH while merging, remember. Not at all a pleasant sensation, or memory.
Great test drive Jack, always thought an underrated car. I was a RAC patrol in the 80's, working in a posh part of London and was sent out to a Renault Alpine on the morning after the great October storm of 1987. A tree had come down and completely squashed it. I felt for the owner as nothing could be done for days as the storm had ruined any chance of anything being done quickly.
Always had a soft spot for these. This is a seriously cool example.
Always loved these. Here's an extra obscure fact: the sleazy businesses man Ken Masters in the 1980s TV series Howard's Way drove one. This is so of it's time, but somehow still achingly cool. Love your vids Jack 😎
mR 27,youve outdone yourself and before long the rest of the online community will catch on and then subs will skyrocket ,such a beautiful car filmed in a gorgeous setting 10/10
Thank you for this video! Fun facts about this car: 1. It was driven by the main antagonist in El Dorado! 2. They had an awesome Desert Raid buggy version!
Love it! Sounds much better than my father- in-law's Renault 9 AT.... Same speedo problem, must be a 1985 thing.
Ken Masters ( Stephen Yardley) drove one in the 198Os BBC TV series Howard’s Way
A blue one......loved that show too
@@adamsy8439 He drove a couple of different Renault GTAS through out the series a silver one reg no E99 GLO another silver one reg no KM2, and as you mentioned a blue one I think also with the KM2 registration.
Another one of the main characters Charles Frere (Tony Anholt) drove a red Venturi reg no CF2 in the last series
wow! I missed this one in the 80's. There is a NA GTA for sale in Australia for $18k plus. Thanks again Jack. Another great video of a car that is very interesting.
My extra firm High School French teacher would approve your effort. Not sure why or even when I saw my 1st but I have been an Alpine fan for decades. I have 2 RC cars with Alpine A110 bodies and will continue to enjoy those.
That's (as usual) a spot on review. Let it settle and use the mid-range is exactly how to do it. As a continental express they just chomp high speed autobahn miles. I have had two of those. The second was a daily driver for 18 years, it had the full leather and aircon when I bought it with only 5k miles on the clock. I'd have another in a heatbeat (but with two Alpines already I'd be pushing my luck!).
It was and still is one of the best cars I have driven. Buying one now would need much care, although mine was utterly reliable it would be very easy to buy a lot of trouble.
My father was a Renault fan for decades. I drove many of the earlier road cars, not stunning performance wise but always handled well (the 16TS rolled into corners but hung on with it's Michelins). The 15 & 17 certainly were ahead of their time in styling. Always loved the 310 which was rallied in Europe.
What a coincidence , I have been seriously interested in buying one for a while as admired them when they were new. Thanks Jack for your usual well balanced , informed opinion and review to help me make a decision.
Microsoft Windows is the most UNpopular operating system in the world - but it is the most widely installed... 🤓
Well said.
Why?? Gamers use Windows a lot.. no?
@@Jason.cbr1000rr because it is the most installed system - but that still does not make it popular...
It's the most widely installed desktop operating system.
If you take into account non-desktop systems (phones, routers, IOT devices etc), then Linux is the most widely used, by some margin.
Which makes it the most popular...do not mistake popular with hated.
Thanks for the video mate,I wanted one of these in that colour with black leather but the wife wouldn’t let me as we had to put a child seat in the back.Got a 25 V6 turbo with a straight through fat pipe and it was exactly as you describe loads of lag then whoosh up to red line 😊
A Renault 25 Turbo was the top of the pile for me growing up.... what a privilege for you owning one.
I'm almost certain that stereo is the same as the one fitted in the 25's maybe you remember?
Yeah the stereo was very similar plus it had a talking computer that warned you of all sorts of things but the most annoying was when the electric boot closure had been slammed down by wifey and it would repeat “boot not shut” that brings back memories 😊
I loved these when they came out but we never got them in Canada. Such a cool looking car and so French and quirky.. what's not to like? Great review, Jack.
Being in the US, I've never even seen one. I hope to just see one some day. Very interesting. We got the Delorean here witch is kind of the same thing. Thank you.
Witch 🧙?
The DeLorean is not at all the same thing even if they share the same engine.
Alpine's are really cool. When I was a kid, I 'd still see them on the road from time to time. Now, I mostly see them at czr shows.
I've always loved them. The previous cars (A110 and A310) are incredibly small. You just have to see them in the metal the realize how tiny they are.
Silly solution but the turbo lag could possibly be slightly mitigated by having a smaller turbo? You might lose some power at the top end as result of downsizing but the acceleration and throttle response will be there.
Not that it makes much sense to downsize anyway as this car is built for the track.
I love that spooling noise though! This car has won my heart!
You forgot the wacky wipers 😊 very cool cars and loved the exhaust ❤️
The wipers came from Panhards 1960 super high tech 2 cyl aluminum coupe 24CT! Was also installed in the older Alpines!
I liked the look of it as a child. Wedge-shaped cars are so cool. Your videos hit the spot… 👦
A very cool car for not a ton of money that still is enjoyable to drive. This would get a lot of attention at a car meet. Thanks for sharing!
Great to see this car featured. I owned two back in the day.
Hello Jack,
Great to see a French super car on your channel. Certainly a car ahead of it's time! How about a video on the Venturi Atlantique? Very rare in the uk yet, very understated. Great channel by the way.
a friend of mine had one and quite liked it, although he said it could be twitchy in the wet with the engine at the back. But he had a heck of a time trying to sell it and eventually took much less for it than he hoped. Nowdays he has ... a late 1970s 911.
Great car, I and two mates each owned one. From point to point it was extremely quick. I had a 928S2 and a Maserati Merak SS at the same Time, and if in a hurry I'd take the Alpine every time.
I remember the Radio controls were on the steering wheel, which was very early for that feature.
There is one of these laying on a garage forecourt in Dumfries South West Scotland. It’s deteriorating fast and needs somebody to rescue it.
one near me too
I can't walk the dog there no more - breaks my heart
Nobody notice the FERRARI’s???? 2 275GTB’s and what looks like a 330GTC??? Holy shit!! Jack!! Pull over!
Theyve probably broken down 😂
That was the camera team of Jack :-)
7:03
I was looking for this comment.
Is it all the various RUclips spanners waiting to rip along the piece of road we all know Harry Metcalfe uses for his road tests? 😎
I like the PRV roar.
A bit like the old Dodge V6, with the unusual 90° angle and the odd firing order.
But who wonders, both were born as a V8 and basically had 2 cylinders cut out.
Yep my father bought my mother a 911 turbo in 1980’S I was only a 6 or 7 at the time she had it for 2 weeks and hated it and at the dealer was a beautiful red Renault alpine turbo and she loved it
always loved these, never knew about the A310 though
thanks for opening my eyes man
I always loved these, but the best version is the facelifted pop up headlamp 'Marcus Tandy' special edition A610
Sounds similar to the 2.2 audi 5cyl, I love it, I seen a red one being driven by a absolute lunatic back in the 90's and I've been a fan of them ever since.
more like the VR6!
I Remember reading about these in Autocar when they came out, loved the look of them then, and still do! This one sounds great too😎, I hope to see it on the track one day🙂
Well for starters it sounds exactly like an 18 wheeler so that does help. Plus the steering wheel is on the wrong side of the car (I hear you Birts want your steering wheel on the passenger side, though I can't fathom why, next thing you'll tell me is that you also enjoy driving on the wrong side of the road as well, maybe it's the lack of sunshine that's doing it) I think it's a fantastic looking car, though I may be in the minority on that. The long, low roofline that tapers slowly off in the rear is seriously sexy. It was fairly quick for it's time too, but I can't imagine it's very nimble. It's probably stable at speed due to the wheelbase but that also makes it loathe to change directions.
You’re missing the point about the steering wheel being in the wrong side - this is a French product and was initially only available in its “natural” state with the wheel on the left. The vast majority of these produced can thus be driven to a modest degree of competency by former colonials who refused to pay their fair share of tax and ruined some lovely tea.
I want it so much my tummy hurts! It has a stacked stereo with a graphic equaliser ffs! Quirky and gorgeous and I’d love one. Great cars as always Jaque,,,,