Alpine A110 owners

[K800 RUM]

Any idea how many of the 1955 PE cars were sold in the UK?

[bcr5784]

K800 RUM said:

Any idea how many of the 1955 PE cars were sold in the UK?

Around 130 I believe - but there are a few press cars floating around too and I'm not sure what has happened to them.

[jcuthell]

K800 RUM said:

Any idea how many of the 1955 PE cars were sold in the UK?

I think the dealer told me 141 in total black was lowest number about 11 or 12. Not sure if that included press cars.

[WakeFlakes]

bcr5784 said:

Barry, I wrote an A110 buyers guide when at a loose end under lockdown. You might find some of it useful - particularly the stuff about oddment storage and luggage. It's here. https://www.renaultalpine.co.uk/viewtopic.php?f=2&...

Edited by bcr5784 on Monday 21st September 11:28

I assume you need to be a member to view the document? I registered last week but haven’t had my account activated yet. Do you have an external link?

[bcr5784]

WakeFlakes said:

I assume you need to be a member to view the document? I registered last week but haven’t had my account activated yet. Do you have an external link?

I didn't think you did, but if you can't get it that way PM me (that will give me your email address) and I will send it as an attachment.

[Sporky]

WakeFlakes said:

I assume you need to be a member to view the document? I registered last week but haven’t had my account activated yet. Do you have an external link?

Good luck getting it working. Mine was eventually activated (I think it was 6 months after registering) but as soon as I changed the password it stopped again. It's not a very active place though so I didn't bother going through it again.

bcr's buyer's guide was posted here as well (though I don't know if it's been updated):

https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...

[bcr5784]

Sporky said:

Good luck getting it working. Mine was eventually activated (I think it was 6 months after registering) but as soon as I changed the password it stopped again. It's not a very active place though so I didn't bother going through it again.

bcr's buyer's guide was posted here as well (though I don't know if it's been updated):

https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...

Forgot about that - just checked, it is the latest version. I don't think there is anything significant I would add except perhaps a reference to Life110 - David Pook is a chassis engineer and A110 owner who offers some suspension upgrades which seem very well regarded. He also does a remap, but I haven't seen a review of that. He also offers some longer replacement shift paddles.

[BarryGibb]

bcr5784 said:

Sporky said:

Good luck getting it working. Mine was eventually activated (I think it was 6 months after registering) but as soon as I changed the password it stopped again. It's not a very active place though so I didn't bother going through it again.

bcr's buyer's guide was posted here as well (though I don't know if it's been updated):

https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...

Forgot about that - just checked, it is the latest version. I don't think there is anything significant I would add except perhaps a reference to Life110 - David Pook is a chassis engineer and A110 owner who offers some suspension upgrades which seem very well regarded. He also does a remap, but I haven't seen a review of that. He also offers some longer replacement shift paddles.

DMS remap covered in EVO recently (#277)

https://life110.co.uk/blogs/news/review-of-the-lif...

[Venisonpie]

I had a proper 9/10ths drive on some decent B roads in the Cotswolds earlier which revealed quite a bit about the car. It's now done over 500 miles and is freeing up nicely.

The drive train and low weight really do lead to effortless progress, it doesn't really matter which gear you choose it's always urgent. I found myself barreling along at rude speeds and really had to reign things in. The way it goes, stops and changes direction is superb for road use.

What I wasn't expecting was how loose it feels once pressing on, quite a lot of yawing in the twisties and dive under braking. I think I might sacrifice a bit of suppleness for a bit more body control.

On the motorway it's a great GT and despite travelling at .9 leptons it was still returning 38mpg. Cruise control is not ideal with the activation button by your left elbow and the sat nav is irritating with the volume control difficult to change while on the move.

There is an irritating rattle from behind the passenger seat which I can't locate and the brakes have developed a low speed squeak but I suspect the latter will clear after a hard press on the pedal.

As a driving experience it is so enjoyable and a great balance of engagement and livability. Looking forward to exploring it more.

[bcr5784]

Venisonpie said:

What I wasn't expecting was how loose it feels once pressing on, quite a lot of yawing in the twisties and dive under braking. I think I might sacrifice a bit of suppleness for a bit more body control.

As you say there is more body movement than is the norm - but I'd use the word "mobile" rather than "loose" when pressing on - it's certainly a car that prefers to be driven smoothly rather than thrown around. Might be worth trying Life110 geo settings or perhaps his springs as well if you want a bit more control. Personally think the S goes too far, but the Life110 mods might be a good compromise. Personally I'll be trying his geo settings - and if your car really is very loose might be worth checking yours, I've certainly found the car is quite sensitive to small changes from spec.

Regarding the volume control, I find all the controls on the "media stalk" very useful, though it's not the most impressive piece of engineering.

[K800 RUM]

My wife and daughters all suffer from travel sickness in a car. The only car they never feel sick in is my Caterham. No matter how hard I drive it and fling it into corners there are no ill effects. Perhaps its the fresh air blowing by.

I just feel after 13 years of 7 ownership and over 40K miles it is time for a change to something more useable & comfortable that is still fun. Also the Mrs will hopefully enjoy driving it. I'm now beginning to worry if it does pitch & roll quite a bit when pushing on I am going to get complains from passengers feeling poorly.

What do people think. I am not interested in the S with firmer suspension as its out of my budget.

[bcr5784]

K800 RUM said:

My wife and daughters all suffer from travel sickness in a car. The only car they never feel sick in is my Caterham. No matter how hard I drive it and fling it into corners there are no ill effects. Perhaps its the fresh air blowing by.

I just feel after 13 years of 7 ownership and over 40K miles it is time for a change to something more useable & comfortable that is still fun. Also the Mrs will hopefully enjoy driving it. I'm now beginning to worry if it does pitch & roll quite a bit when pushing on I am going to get complains from passengers feeling poorly.

What do people think. I am not interested in the S with firmer suspension as its out of my budget.

In terms of body motion the only car I have driven which is comparable in pitch (and may well be before your time) is an Elan (the original). Actually Caterhams with a road biased set up do roll quite a bit, but pitch is very well controlled. Whether it will upset your passengers is only something a test drive will tell - to be honest no-one can really advise you. You have the perfect excuse (if you need one) to try one.

[K800 RUM]

Thanks bcr

You are right, I think an extended test drive is in order. Yes I am to young to remember an original Elan in period. Funnily enough there is one in my village, lovely little car. I cut my teeth in various Mini's in the early 80's. They gradually got more power & the way they handled with a wheel at each corner taught me a lot about car control. Great fun.

[Stone Cold]

Hi all I have a test drive on Sat (Winchester) anything specifically to look for, check? It will be a mix of motorway and A roads
Also, what sort of deals are there, if any? I’d be looking at the Legende I think as I like my creature comforts and would be looking at £10k down, 4 year PCP
Cheers

[bcr5784]

Stone Cold said:

Hi all I have a test drive on Sat (Winchester) anything specifically to look for, check? It will be a mix of motorway and A roads
Also, what sort of deals are there, if any? I’d be looking at the Legende I think as I like my creature comforts and would be looking at £10k down, 4 year PCP
Cheers

If you haven't read my buyers guide -
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&... - it may give you some help. The Legende doesn't necessarily have more creature comforts than the Pure - though it does have more as standard. As my guide says, if you don't need the seat adjustment (or optional heating) of the Legende seats - and the buckets fit you - you may find the Pure more comfortable. Seats apart there need be no difference between how a Legende and a Pure may be configured. The Legende GT is different, but pricey.

If you listen to music I'd take a USB or SD along with you. As I say the Focal system sounds very good, but I am not keen on the subwoofer. I have seen it said that the basic system is quite decent, but I haven't heard it myself.

Check whether the car has the big brakes - which are terrific. The standard ones should be perfectly adequate - but Venison Pie preferred the feel of the big brakes.

If the car has the sports exhaust give it a listen (select Sport). Not everyone likes it.

Deals - I have no idea - hope the rest helps.

[s111dpc]

Agree with everything BCR says. If you’re seeing Jason ask for the ‘long’ test drive, takes about 30-40 minutes and gives you a good insight into the cars ability. In terms of finance, I took my ‘S’ on a very similar basis to what you’re proposing but didn’t secure a discount I’m afraid. Enjoy the test drive

[Fudgie01]

Mines just clicked over 20k, after a very reasonable priced service carried out at Winchester and with a clean bill of health I’m looking forward to a fun winter commute through the cotswolds each day. With that in mind and as the leafs are about to drop, what are people’s thoughts on fitting this https://www.zunsport.com/en/alpine-grilles ?

[s111dpc]

Not seen those before. Can’t comment personally but an owner on another forum was saying how much ‘gunk’ had collected in his radiators recently so might not be a bad idea.

[Venisonpie]

Stone Cold said:

Hi all I have a test drive on Sat (Winchester) anything specifically to look for, check? It will be a mix of motorway and A roads
Also, what sort of deals are there, if any? I’d be looking at the Legende I think as I like my creature comforts and would be looking at £10k down, 4 year PCP
Cheers

My recent deal.

Showroom Legende, list price 54k
Negotiated to 50k
24 mth PCP @ 6000 miles
10k in
275 p/m

4.9% apr not great but liked that the risk of potential falling used values (cv19 impact) was with the finance company and not me.

Ammortised 691 per month.

[Sporky]

s111dpc said:

Agree with everything BCR says. If you’re seeing Jason ask for the ‘long’ test drive, takes about 30-40 minutes and gives you a good insight into the cars ability. In terms of finance, I took my ‘S’ on a very similar basis to what you’re proposing but didn’t secure a discount I’m afraid. Enjoy the test drive

No idea what the normal route is, but I do like the A31. Not too busy, interesting variation, nice mix of roundabouts and straights, and it's neither glassy smooth nor overly scarred. It's a pretty decent way to try out a lot of a car's ability.

I'd echo what's been said about the sports exhaust - see if you like it - and definitely try the bucket seats as well as the comfort ones.