Real Road Test - Alpine A310 V6 - the Surprising Sportscar!

[@paulbennell3313]

50 year old design and still looks the absolute business!

[@IntyMichael]

I love the homage to the A310 in Neon Genesis Evangelion.

[@qnzman578]

Since I first saw it I've been trying to figure out what kind of car she drove, always thought it was a Fairlady Z

[@UnderfedShmuck]

I fell in love with this car because of that show

[@martinhroch344]

@@qnzman578 I thought it was a Corvette.

[@wendymeredith1308]

First of all there was a Triangle of Doom......now we have a Corner of Disappointment.........and a Dribble of Distraction!!!!

[@earnestbunbury2103]

@@EgoShredder Khloe, Kim, and Kourtney? Oh...

[@edgarbeat275]

The wiper clap of dissatisfaction. That line down the screen would drive me mad 🙂

[@alexselby349]

Mourinho utilises the Corner of Disappointment in most Spurs matches 😁 Great car review!!

[@timbutton4990]

@@edgarbeat275 That would be a deal breaker for me, however I don't think I could squeeze into the drivers seat, not really designed for 21st Century man, or me come to that.

[@edgarbeat275]

@@timbutton4990 Agreed I don't think I could get my size 13 feet on the pedals. I'd pull out the wiring loom lol

[@andrewduffield2322]

The French mastered the perfect compromise between handling and ride comfort. It's a shame that manufacturers have forgotten how to do this now

[@mennofrankfort7584]

I drove this car, one of the last ones, for 7 years. Had the same experiences. On long drives my wife actually felt asleep. And we had a special exhaust. Great car. Simple to maintain. i still miss it...

[@AlexMiedemaFRL]

In the village I was born and raised, we had two car dealerships: FSO and Alpine. So my love for quirky cars started young.

[@martijnkosters9024]

Wow. And also: how?

[@jareknowak8712]

FSO? Fabryka Samochodow Osobowych?

[@AlexMiedemaFRL]

@@jareknowak8712 yes

[@paulie-Gualtieri.]

Wasn't expecting this Ian glorious car.

[@edwinblank58]

I am a Porsche 911 driver since 1978 but I have always liked the Alpine cars. Very light and so French.

[@alanlansdell7533]

"It's not just about the wipers." Whaaaaat am I on the wrong channel?!?!

[@simes205]

What an unhubnut car! I remember seeing these in France in the late 70’s. Always a delight.

[@jfv65]

Even the french highway police used them!

[@robenglish416]

Lovely! When I was 18 I probably chosen the Porsche 911 but now I’m 54 and would go for the Alpine! Might have to do that I don’t care about brands and HP but more about looks, handling and quirkiness! And I earn slightly more!

[@jt-bg6ey]

Been laying a patio decided come inside for a break and boom a hubnut video. Perfect Saturday afternoon tea drinking material. Very nice car 👍

[@Le_Rennais]

The PEUGEOT 604 and the TALBOT TAGORA had that v6 engine too. And the DeLorean DMC-12 too !

[@frothe42]

I really like the Peugeot 604, extremely rare !

[@danielrussell446]

And I think was in volvos as well

[@sean640307]

@@danielrussell446 yes, the "264" and "265" (wagon) had that same motor. It's not surprising, given that the "PRV" actually stood for "Peugeot, Renault, Volvo"

[@harryspeakup8452]

My uncle bought a new manual 604ti back in the day, after years of various 504 variants. I loved it: it was sooo comfortable and sounded lovely

[@ianc7866]

THAT is Gorgeous

[@flemmingsorensen5470]

One of my childhood dream cars - looks like a TGV train for the road 👍👍👍

[@andrewgurney6019]

Great car and so underrated, thanks for sharing.

[@andrewgurney6019]

Mr Hubnut, would love to see you do a review of a Renault Spider, that's was another vastly underrated motor.

[@bradwright9673]

Hi Ian - I have had owned a GTA Turbo (A310 successor ) for 25 years now and its still the best car I own and I will never part with. Great Handling even though rear engines , lovely 80's turbo lag and a forgotten car same as A310. The Alpines really don't get the classic car recognition they deserve imo. You really should drive a GTA next or an A610. Really are right up your street. And you have to love clap hand wipers (and the GTA had electric door catches as extra fun)

[@robertmackenzie5850]

A wonderful car , so glad they brought back the new Alpine 10 a couple of years ago . One of the best cars Ian has tested 👍

[@130rapid]

Oh, these famous wipers! Someone said they work alike the heavy drunker trying to clap. Thanks for this lovely afternoon coffee break's background. :D

[@paulm114]

Wow that’s a beautiful car 😍

[@paulwilliams3710]

WOW did not expect you to test one of them! Nice find

[@HamPaula]

Thank you so much for reacquainting me with my car. Would love to see it In the flesh again 🥰

[@happy_camper]

What a car. I've always loved these. I still have my beloved orange and blue Tomica diecast A310 from when I was a child.

[@Neil-Aspinall]

My bloody God, at last he is featuring a car worth featuring!

[@stephenpointon]

that nose reminds me of my old droop snoop firenza ,boy do i miss that car!

[@bentullett6068]

It's one of the great underrated sports cars ever produced. The styling is a bit of Pontiac TransAm meets Lotus Elcat

[@DrivingSander1970]

I recognise those column stalks from my first car: A Renault 4F4 from 1984. Awesome!

[@RapideWombaticus]

First encountered this machine on Gran Turismo This one looks great in Red

[@wilfamos7314]

Great to watch a new Hubnut road test. Brilliant stuff !! Thank you. The 911 was a lucky encounter for comparison. :-)

[@maxeaves]

Ian, what a FANTASTIC car they are. This was in the era of cool French cars that looked and sounded good too. Thanks for the test drive. Made my day.

[@bombakdik]

My father has had several ones. Also the turbo version. I always liked the PRV engines. Many people compare them unfortunately to the redblock Volvo engines but that is totally unfair to me. A well maintained and looked after PRV engine is bulletproof. Nice sound as well! Have a nice weekend.

[@cme2cau]

Front water pump seal failed on my 2.7. They don’t last long when mr coolant has left the building!

[@bombakdik]

@@cme2cau these things can happen unfortunately. But was probably already longer going than you might think.

[@cme2cau]

Yes I think it was random. My wife was driving at the time and it was quite dramatic!

[@tonycox5625]

Great to have the road Tests back, that was a great little car. And good to have a corner of disappointment back again as well! 👍

[@goplanit]

That is gorgeous, just had a quick search, several for sale in Europe..... I might be tempted.

[@pilou827]

Wait until I found mine😊

[@danieleregoli812]

The Alpine A310 is a wet dream of my childhood days! Loooovely car. Another excellent video!

[@briankay4713]

Beautiful car Ian ... Lucky man to drive one of those .. incredibly rare in the UK ...

[@mattw8332]

Incroyable! What a lovely Alpine! So pleased that the road tests have returned.

[@alansimpson835]

Those headlights are joyous as is that noise

[@stevehallam0850]

I think we need a Top Ten Whackiest Wipers video! Great test drive Ian.

[@HubNut]

I did a general wiper video. kzbin.info/www/bejne/qJfMZ6Greql-eqs

[@stevehallam0850]

@@HubNut Thanks for the reminder. I'd forgotten about that video!

[@edgarbeat275]

You have to look up Luigi Colani rotary wipers on a streamlined bus three spinning wipers. Also the Lancia sibilo wiper that go across the screen full height.

[@vanpastel]

I love those TRX tyres, they're very expensive but they give the cars that came with them from the factory a look that you simply can't get with aftermarket wheels and regular tyres.

[@PetrolheadXH558]

I was aware of the GTA and A610 but didn't know anything about the earlier variants, great video! Also, I loved the drive away at the end...been watching Harry's Garage have we?

[@benjaminmarriott1746]

Such left field exotica. Prv6 powered, a gorgeous stainless exhaust note from that 90° with a refinement and build quality I'd never expect from a french collaboration of that era. An absolute stonker of a test Ian, seriously enjoyed your fun!

[@130rapid]

Michelin TRX system (wheels & tyres) is strong fundament of A310 peciular road behaviour. It gives solid & sporty roadholding with excellent ride comfort. Together. With ANY compromise.

[@frothe42]

Actually, I just did a Google search and you can find TRX replacement tyres!

[@davebuts1921]

For me, I would take the Alpine over the 911 every day.

[@conkerman01]

Woof-Woof. I bloody love Alpines. Sadly I missed the boat on the GTA.

[@seancooke4127]

Lovely design. That V6 would be inclined to forgive many flaws. Awesome. BonNut.

[@volvo480]

I have actually sat in the back of an Alpine A310 for over an hour and I am over 6 ft. Well it wasn't really sitting, I had to spread myself sideways across the rear seats. This was the main reason I've bought a Matra Murena, because that would seat three in relative comfort. (Though getting out the car alongside a high curb meant you had to roll yourself out the car) I don't know if you've mentioned it, Renault didn't have the rights to sell cars under the Alpine name in the UK, as there was a Sunbeam Alpine. The rights belonged to Rootes, then Chrysler UK and finally Peugeot! So when Renault decided to sell RHD Alpines, they had to badge the successor of the A310 as Renault GTA in the UK while Peugeot was selling Simca 1307 as Talbot Alpine.

[@jonathancombe9991]

Wow what an amazing car. That looked like great fun.

[@robertsedgwick1629]

a110 possibly one of my fave cars of all time

[@2dirkjan]

Nice video and a nice car. You don't see them very often. A timeless design and still authentic.

[@cappaculla]

Great video Ian, aswell as the cars you mentioned..Volvo also used the PRV in the 760, 960, Renault put it in the Safrane, 25, and Citroen put it in the XM

[@mehrzahl2219]

Volvo 960 used the inline 6 whiteblock. Not the PRV engine.

[@cappaculla]

@@mehrzahl2219 you are partially correct , early 960s first used the PRV, I know all about the modular whiteblock

[@mehrzahl2219]

@@cappaculla Apparently in Australia and Japan they did use the PRV. Thanks for the heads up, didn't know that!

[@paultaylor9652]

Lovely Jubbly, a truly French car, gotta love a French car as most of my have been over the last 30 years.

[@julianpetterson6975]

IN the 90s I had a Renault 25v6 1986 model it was great. Fast forward to now I have a peugoet 406v6 2003 210bhp sedan love it joy to drive 😊

[@HamPaula]

I imported this actual car in September 1981. I picked it up from Renault Exportation in Paris and drove it back to the UK via Dover. James Rawlings of Renaultsport, Egham in Surrey arranged it for me. On the ferry back a certain F1 champion the late James Hunt was on the ferry with a RHD Mercedes-Benz that he was importing. We had quite a chat in the bar. Both of us drove up to ‘Something to Declare’ at the UK Customs. 😂 Both of us had prearranged cheques to pay import duty etc. I kept the car to the Autumn of 1982 when I had Chequered Flag sell it on a Sale or Return basis. It sold if I remember right for around £9K… I paid around £10.5K including duty. Pros: Awesome looks. Against: Very susceptible to cross winds especially on exposed Motorways. In fact on one trip up the M1 to Birmingham, it swopped lanes when a gusty wind hit it. Scary to say the very least. I was warned by James Rawlings to be very careful in the wet and even dry roads as on the limit these cars had a habit of spinning and swoping ends due to the heavy engine in the rear. In fact I nearly lost it on the A3 on a bend when being chased by a BMW 350CSL !! When I slowed down the driver of the BMW was laughing his head off. In the summer of 1982, I drove it to the South of France and back. On the way down nearing Lyon I picked up a French registered one in Alpine Blue and a white German registered one. It was quite a sight seeing red, white and blue Alpines in the fast lane. Unbelievably there was a 1980 LHD version of the same model that was obviously imported at the London Classic Car Show, Olympia in February. At first I thought it was my car but then realised it wasn’t. Hope the present owner contacts me as I know the full history since new. Oh yes in the snowy winter of 1981/2, it took me nearly 3 hours to get from Effingham to Maidenhead due to the slippery conditions 😱 . I should have taken my 1980 FWD Renault 5 Gordini. The glass fibre body was far stronger than the Lotus one due to the far superior construction. Far safer in a crash too. Finally I really hope the owner or the person who made this video contact me or both of them. I would love to be reacquainted with NAN 969X. Sorry one thing, I understand that a certain Hector Wintle-Smith bought the car from Chequered Flag ( I hope I got his name correct). I believe he was the chairman of the Alpine Renault Club at one point.

[@Kai-Peter.Schellhase]

What a fantastic car with all its little quirks. Excellent review, Ian!👍

[@RichieRouge206]

Regardless of the Corner Of Disappointment, they are the closest thing to Wiper Porn on any car.... marvellous and whacky 😍 such a cool car, one of my friends has one of the last A610s and it’s wonderful. And that engine note.... phwoaarrr. Great review Ian!

[@CauliflowerMcPugg]

I remember stopping on the way home from school back in the 80s to look at a red GTA that was in a showroom, it was GORGEOUS!

[@mpersad]

What a lovely engine note, and so quiet inside the car!

[@roberthart3131]

Just purchased Hubnut Stickers for both of my cars. Vectra C 2007 & Merc190E 1993. Love the reviews Ian. Keep it up !

[@allenmontrasio8962]

As a child of the seventies I used to love this car, alongside the Bagheera and even the humble Renault 17 coupé.

[@trevorburns3634]

I really loved the video...50years ago.wow Ian thats light years ahead of its time.

[@linseyyoung1772]

Ah, I once had a red X reg Bedford Chevanne with a front end not too dissimilar to this! (Well, I say red. It had green two tone front wings after I crumped it a bit...)

[@MrFlux3d]

Sounds just like the Delorean as well. That PRV engine with it's odd firing order has a very particular sound. Awesome video.

[@markjackson3952]

On my lunch break at work, what a delicious car. Always one of my favourites

[@lamiaitaly2549]

I had a matchbox toy one of these and was very frustrated that I never saw a real one on the roads. Good to see a video about it so thank you

[@AndreiTupolev]

That looks an intriguing closed--off road there. I like the people walking past with their dog at 5:55. "Why is that man playing with his windscreen wipers?" "Pay no attention, dear"

[@MrCarGuy]

These Alpines are my guilty pleasure

[@chevyimp5857]

A delicious treat... Thanks to everyone concerned

[@Turnbull50]

Still looks so modern, I would love one of those

[@waynetetley584]

That was a nice surprise. Have liked these since the 70s when I first saw the early 6 light ones in France. Timeless design👍🙂

[@peterriggall8409]

Enjoying you being back into road tests Ian. The sun is shining too....amazing. We had a Volvo 264 with that engine. Had fuel injection. Would make a great boat anchor.

[@Schlipperschlopper]

Would love to see a test of the big Peugeot 604 GTi 2.8 or Ti 2,7 (same engines as the Alpine here but fuel injection) luxury sedan.

[@ClaudeSac]

Hmmmm, this must be one of the more special cars you have been driving and addressing. Very nice. Thanks.

[@jamief1799]

First time I seen one was on wheeler dealers they also did the Holly carb conversation what a awesome looking machine! Very lucky to test one Ian lucky man 👌👍

[@RangeRoverL322idiot]

Great video as always Ian , loved the crazy wiper escapades ! If only Smell-o-vision was a thing , i bet the A310 whift of petrol and baguettes .

[@frothe42]

Wow! This looks like a Bricklin or a DeTomaso, later Alpines look more unique. And I must say this is better than a Porsche, as I feel they are becoming very common. Very nice review!

[@redsorgum]

I see what you mean about the Bricklin, one of my customers here in the US has one.

[@frothe42]

@@redsorgum That is so cool! The Alpine in later years had smooth alloy wheels, but still had those unique wipers! I understand HubNut has an obsession with wipers, but we seem to forget that wipers are extremely important as they aid driving during inclement weather! I love headlamp washers, and especially headlamp wipers!

[@JohnnyPaton]

My old boss had an A610. He drove it about twice a year. He bought it to replace a Lancia Delta HF Integrale Evoluzione that he'd imported from Italy. Ended up selling it and buying a C 36 AMG.

[@Stevieweevietv]

Those wipers are like 'you go first.. NO you go first!' Hilarious and flappy. Lovely car. Looks good for a fun hoon about 👍

[@Strike86]

Marvellous car - really interesting to see how confident you are hooning it so soon after stepping in. It must be a joy to pedal along. The HubNut Wiper Watch™ geeks will be pleased too!

[@HubNut]

To be honest, I was very wary of this car. I think you could drive it much more quickly around bends than I was happy to!

[@televisionandcheese]

I have to say, what excellent production quality in this video!! I really wasn't expecting all this from a hubnut review, really enjoyed it!

[@billybill6604]

That's the gorgeous machine that I crossed path with in my Cx and we flashed lights at one another. Great cars. Lunacy on wheels Great review! I feel like I'm with you in the cabine Ian. That's how good you are

[@jctothel]

The owner is my step dad and loves Citroens too! He’s had a few CXs in the past!

[@Ratty_Rex]

You saved the best until last. The pops and burbles as you lifted off the loud pedal was the cherry on that awesome review. Not jealous at all...... 😜 Great video thanks.

[@rickdorrian975]

Not your usual fayre Hubnut but what an awesome piece of kit! Great job!!!!

[@owensteele1274]

Very long production life for the A310. The wiper action is fantastic. Must be like driving a split-screen car when it's raining. I love the alloys, and the easy-to-read orange-on-black dials are typical of high-end early-'80s Renaults. Beautiful sportscar. Lovely condition.

[@chrispenn715]

Great cars - the latest A110 is really beautiful and will be one of the last ICE sports cars before we all move to EVs - already a classic.

[@ZIGZAG12345]

Evo magazine, that Harry Metcalfe helped build the foundations of, actually did say that in terms of R/R layouts, they actually did think that the Alpines were better than Porsches of the same era. They really rated the GTA/A610 turbo, which was also bloody fast in a straight line too for that time.

[@markonmotoring]

Alpine were often referred to as the French Porche due to the engine being slung out the back. You could see the evolution right upto the A610 which didn't sell at all well in the UK. Not sure why anyone thought that wiper set up was a good idea. Clears about the same as a single wiper but with more complexity.

[@justinellis8864]

Great video! I've always wondered what they were like. A neighbour has a 4 cyl version but it has to be the 6 cyl version with those stunning looks for me. many thanks for sharing. loved this video.

[@scottishcarenthusiastsandtrain]

Great review, those wipers are just crazy but enjoyable at the same time. Not so sure on the driving position but what a great looking car.

[@Jaxs2]

The little Triumph Herald is a bit like that , the offset diving position... and that's a great drive , I think you must just get used to things Maybe take care Matey 😁👍

[@65PCH]

The driving position is unusual but it’s a very comfortable long distance touring car, and absolutely fantastic on the twisties.

[@Jaxs2]

@@65PCH It's such a fantastic looking machine that I don't think it would bother me at all , the quirky the better in my book just love it 😍👍

[@simonhodgetts6530]

Very, very nice - a car I’ve also been intrigued by for many years.......thanks for the video!

[@rollingtroll]

Original looks, comfortable suspensions, great in corners, great engine sound. Must be French. Blown away by its age, I always assumed it was an early 80's model!

[@sa2dcfan]

Glad to see the car reviews return!

[@Xantylon74]

One of the nicest cars Renault ever build.

[@andrewentwistle515]

I always thought even though the Alpine was an odd looking car, it is certainly a rare & unique classic sports car that still exists and drives great & can be enjoyed.

[@EdgyNumber1]

He makes a good point. All the 80's cars that I could pay £50-£250 back in the 90's are disappearing. My Manta GT/E coupe - £300... now no less than £1200 for a patchy one. MG Maestro £80 again, no less than a grand for an okay one. Sports cars too. £300 for an original MR2 but prices skyrocketed. And then I realised so much time has gone by that, during the nineties when the passion for cars _really_ grabbed me, I was looking at 50's-60's car as unobtainium because their rocketting prices. 50 years is a long way back!

[@Nostalgianerd]

*ENVY*

[@tonysargent1699]

Ian, great car, great video. All you needed was Matt Monroe playing through the wigglies! Thankyou for sharing.

[@micheltebraake7915]

Very special indeed. Good road test. Thanks Ian.

[@danielk8046]

That engine, with triple Weber carbs was also fitted to the Talbot Tagora SX

[@jfv65]

And Peugeot 604, 505, 504 coupe, Volvo 760, 262 bertone, 780 bertone, early 960 . And the MVS Venturi, Renault 30 and 25 and Safrane, Laguna, VelSatis and probably some other cars i forgot about. It was a very popular modern engine design that sadly had some technical flaws when it just came out but those were all fixed eventually. The early PRV was just misunderstood because it was an odd fire engine, in essence a 90 degree V8 with 2 cylinders cut off. Which resulted in a weird dizzy cap and, on early PRV cars, a dizzy with 2(!) sets of breaker points. The funky 3 carb setup like on this Alpine didn't help either. You needed to have an above averidge mechanic to keep an early PRV V6 performing optimally. These PRV's do not respond indifferent to neglect.

[@bennyhannover9361]

Yes also Lancia Thema V6, Citroën xXM, Renault Espace V6 and yes when Renault lanced the 30 in 1976 the A310 received the V6 from there. Tuner for Renault during the 60s was Amedee Gordini, the sorcerer, how some race Drivers called him. Among them Sir Stirling.

[@thebaldconvict]

Even from just the thumbnail I can tell I'm going to want one, what a stunning car!! :)

[@OdykKayne]

Oh, that is gorgeous....I'm used to seeing them in a shade of blue, but that red looks phenomenal! As for the loud clock....if you think that's loud, get Borsuq on Autoshite to send you a video of the sound of the clock in his 1995 FSO Polonez Caro! ;) That tire pump is the same one that my parents had for YEARS growing up! No idea when or where they got it, but we used it for our childhood Pontiac 6000 station wagon and our 1993 Dodge Caravan SE after that :)