Alpine A310 V6: The Underrated French Icon of the 1970s and 80s

Hidden Legend - There’s something magical about rediscovering a car that once stood in the shadows of the automotive giants. Every so often, history leaves behind a machine that, while not as celebrated as its rivals, carried just as much spirit and ambition. One such car is the Alpine A310 V6—a sleek, daring French sports car that tried to carve its place alongside none other than Porsche’s legendary 911. Today, when we look back, it feels like opening a time capsule from the 1970s and 1980s, where passion for speed and design outweighed corporate conservatism.

The Alpine A310 V6 was crafted when Alpine recognized the need for more firepower, and the story took a fascinating turn in 1976 with the arrival of the long-awaited PRV V6—a joint creation of Peugeot, Renault, and Volvo. (Picture from: Autoevolution)

The story of Alpine itself starts much earlier, in 1955, when Jean Rédélé, a rally driver with big dreams, created the company. His first notable achievement came with the A106, a lightweight little machine based on the humble Renault 4CV. This was no grand tourer or exotic beast, but it laid the foundation for what Alpine would soon become: a brand obsessed with lightweight construction, agility, and motorsport. Just a few years later, the A110 arrived and became a sensation. With its rear engine and Renault power, it dominated both showrooms and rally stages, even clinching the very first World Rally Championship manufacturers’ title. That victory cemented Alpine’s place in history.

The Alpine A310, unveiled in 1971 at the Geneva Motor Show, marked a striking leap forward with its fiberglass bodywork, futuristic lines, and sharper aerodynamics than its predecessor, A110. (Picture from: Autoevolution)

When Renault took Alpine under its wing in 1973, the A110 was already a legend. But Alpine wanted something more modern, something that could look the 911 in the eye. Enter the A310, unveiled in 1971 at the Geneva Motor Show. At first glance, it was a striking leap forward—fiberglass bodywork, futuristic lines, and aerodynamics far sharper than its predecessor. Beneath the skin, however, it carried the same Gordini-tuned 1.6-liter inline-four as the A110. On paper, 122 horsepower for a lightweight coupe sounded exciting, but in practice, the car felt sluggish compared to the raw edge of the A110. It was prone to oversteer, a trait loved by seasoned drivers but feared by newcomers.

The transformation of the Alpine A310 into the A310 V6 was more than mechanical, as French designer Robert Opron gave it subtle aesthetic updates that created a sharper and more mature look. (Picture from: Autoevolution)

Alpine knew the car needed more firepower, and that’s where the story really gets interesting. The long-awaited PRV V6—a joint effort between Peugeot, Renault, and Volvo—finally arrived in 1976, and with it, the A310 evolved into the A310 V6. The transformation was more than just mechanical. 

The Alpine A310 V6 interior combines deep black leather seats, bold red accents, and a driver-focused cockpit that exudes both vintage charm and sporty character. (Picture from: Autoevolution)

Styled by French designer Robert Opron, the car received subtle aesthetic updates that gave it a sharper, more mature look. Under the rear deck, the 2.6-liter V6 produced 147 horsepower, and though the car was heavier, the new torque delivery gave it the performance it had always needed. Handling was also refined with better suspension and improved weight distribution, making it less intimidating while still keeping that thrilling edge.

The Alpine A310 V6 housed a 2.6-liter engine producing 147 horsepower, and although heavier, its improved torque finally delivered the performance it always needed. (Picture from: Autoevolution)

By the early 1980s, the A310 V6 continued to evolve. Borrowing the rear suspension setup from the Renault 5 Turbo, it became more balanced and more composed. The inevitable comparisons to the Porsche 911 of the same era started to roll in. The German icon was more polished, sure, but the French rival had a wilder personality and a price tag that made it accessible to drivers who wanted something exotic without the badge tax.

The Alpine A310 V6, shown here in its rare 'Pack GT' variant, remains a well-kept secret today—less famous than the Porsche 911 yet all the more intriguing for it. (Picture from: Autoevolution)

Alpine didn’t stop there. In 1982, the company introduced optional packages that gave the A310 even more bite. The “Pack GT” widened its stance with flared arches, spoilers, and bigger wheels, improving both looks and high-speed stability. The rarer “Pack GT Boulogne” took things a step further with a 2.9-liter version of the PRV V6, twin triple-throat Weber carburetors, and a healthy 190 horsepower. With only 27 units ever built in that spec, it remains one of the rarest and most desirable versions of the A310 today.

The Alpine A310 V6 wasn’t just a road car, as it also made its mark in motorsport by winning the French Rally Championship in 1977 despite never reaching the rallying heights of the A110. (Picture from: Autoevolution)

The A310 V6 wasn’t just a road car—it also had its moments in motorsport. While it never reached the rallying heights of the A110, it still grabbed a French Rally Championship title in 1977 and even ventured into endurance racing, including appearances at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Success on the track may have been mixed, but the effort showed Alpine’s determination to keep its spirit alive. | -wOwjs5r8rg |

Fast forward to today, and the A310 V6 feels like a well-kept secret. It may not have achieved the fame of the Porsche 911, but that’s exactly what makes it so intriguing. With fewer than 10,000 units produced, surviving examples are rare yet surprisingly affordable compared to classic 911s of the same era. Around $25,000 can still secure one, offering enthusiasts a ticket into a unique slice of automotive history.

The rarer “Pack GT Boulogne” elevated the A310 with a 2.9-liter PRV V6, twin triple-throat Weber carburetors, and 190 horsepower, and with only 27 ever built, it remains among the rarest and most desirable versions today. (Picture from: DelessenceDansMesVeines)

What makes the Alpine A310 V6 so captivating is not just its performance, but its story. It’s a reminder that the pursuit of greatness doesn’t always lead to mainstream glory. Sometimes, it leads to something more special—a car that dares to be different, that carries the flair of French design, and that still delivers thrills decades after its debut. For those who seek charm beyond the obvious choices, the A310 V6 isn’t just a forgotten sports car; it’s a rediscovery worth celebrating. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | AUTOEVOLUTION | GTPLANET | DELESSENCEDANSMESVEINES | RETROMANIA4EVER IN X | LIENHARDRACING IN X  ]

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