Alpine Renault GTA turbo

[sparkey]

I've just bought one and am picking it up at the weekend - are they any good?!?

S..

[sparkey]

Well all that seems good then - I hope I've bought a good example!

I've just been reading a selection of period road tests and they're all very positive and rave about the car.

I hope it will be my Classic Le Mans transport this year.

Pictures to follow at the weekend...

S.

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Doofus said:

Had a V6 when I lived in France many years ago. It's a bit late to be asking whether they're any good though, surely?

Not really. If I asked I would normally expect varied responses from those who either love them or hate them and I'd buy it anyway because I just fancy one. I'll only really find out if it's any good (for me) by owning it for a while, regardless of what the general reaction is.
But it is reassuring to find out I'm not the only one who thinks they may be fun!

S..

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I plan to collect it tomorrow morning and then it's a 3 hour drive home so plenty of time to get to know it and I'll take a few pics on the way.

Unfortunately it's likely to raining heavily according to the forecast, so not the ideal scenario for exploring the handling of a car I don't know with a big engine hanging out the back but it should be fun.. It's got strange wipers that both pivot in the middle of the car, which period journos described as "like a very drunk man trying to clap" - should be interesting in a downpour..

S..

[sparkey]

Cheers Blib, I'm looking forward to it!

S..

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eastlmark said:

www.renaultalpineownersclub.co.uk

I did have a look at the Renault Alpine Owners Club and also found the separate Club Alpine Renault. Are they sworn enemies like the "Peoples front of Judea" and "The Judean Peoples front"?

S..

[sparkey]

The pictures:



Unfortunately the gear linkage came apart on the way home, but a helpful breakdown guy with a few cable ties re-instated temporarily so I could get home.

The car's great to drive - lots of turbo lag, but a real kick when the turbo is spooled up. Handling's excellent. It's very quiet with turbo engine at the back.

The car's in great condition except that a number of electrical items don't work, but from reading Alpine forums that seems typical of the model.

Blib was right about the wipers they look like they're about to fall off when they're working, but they do a decent job..

Looking forward to getting to know it now!

S..

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Thanks for all the great comments. I spent a good few hours on Sunday tinkering and I think it's a pretty decent example and it certainly goes well when the turbo wakes up. Lots of things on the "to do" list already, but I think I'll try and get some miles on it during May and flush out any problem, then spend June fixing them ready for a trip to the Le Mans Classic.
Another gratuitous shot - they always look like big cars in photo's but actually they're really low and look a lot more special in the flesh.

[sparkey]

Raize said:

What are the cosmetic differences between A610 and GTA? From what I can see:

Front and rear bumpers different
Popup headlights on A610
Rear wheel vent on A610
Side skirts on A610
The "horizontal cut" along the side bodywork is indented on the GTA but proud on the A610
Different spoiler.

Apart from that it's the same on the skin?

I believe Renault Alpine launched it as a "completely new car" however it is similar underneath, the main difference I believe is that the A610 has a 3.0V6 turbo instead of a 2.5V6 turbo as in the GTA turbo and with a bigger intercooler gives an extra 50bhp (although it's a little bit heavier).