Launched in 1991, the A610 Turbo was Alpine's answer to the Porsche 964 Carrera, and we got behind the wheel 30 years on -
Amazingly, given the A610’s drivetrain configuration and the trickiness of Cadwell, the Alpine proved as accurate, absorbing and faithful on track as on the road, which cemented its brilliance for me. Obviously it impressed the other judges too, though not all. Contributor Kevin Blick summed it up thus: ‘Well, it’s plastic and it’s French and the engine’s at the wrong end and it’s very poor and I don’t like it at all.’ And then placed it fifth out of ten, ahead of the Lancia and TVR.
Meanwhile, the power-to-weight ratio got a massive boost too, the stroke of the 2.5-litre V6 being increased by 10mm, raising its capacity from 2.5 to 3 litres and helping lift power from 197 to 247bhp, a competitive figure for the time. How does it feel 30 years later? Indeed, how does itIt was an unusual-looking car back then and time has not dulled its impact.
The non-availability of parts is the greatest threat to the survival of A610s. Butterworth’s is kept in fine fettle by skilled specialist John Law Engineering in Dunmow, near Stansted airport, and he has also benefited from the unstinting help of Stephen Dell at the Renault Alpine Owners’ Club, a man exceptionally skilled in tracking down new old stock.
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