https://www.facebook.com/113359711796748/

Wheels & Wonders, New York, NY (2025)

10/26/2025

1996 Alpina B3 3.2 Coupé – The Refined E36 Performance Icon

The Alpina B3 3.2 Coupé represented the pinnacle of Alpina’s evolution of the BMW E36 platform. Blending luxury, exclusivity, and motorsport engineering, it offered a more mature alternative to BMW’s M3 while maintaining similar levels of performance. With its hand-built engine, distinctive styling, and signature comfort, the B3 3.2 stood as one of Alpina’s most balanced creations of the 1990s.

Overview
Manufacturer: Alpina (Buchloe, Germany)
Years: 1996–1999
Body Style: 2-door coupé (also available as sedan, convertible, and touring)
Layout: Front-engine, rear-wheel drive
Production: ~341 units (Coupé version; total across all variants: ~783)
The B3 3.2 offered the perfect middle ground between a refined grand tourer and a razor-sharp sports car, combining Alpina’s bespoke craftsmanship with BMW’s robust engineering base.

Engine & Performance
Engine: 3.2L inline-six (Alpina-tuned BMW S52, 24-valve DOHC)
Power: 265 hp (195 kW) @ 5,800 rpm
Torque: 330 Nm (243 lb-ft) @ 4,500 rpm
Transmission: 5-speed manual or optional Switch-Tronic automatic
Performance:
0–100 km/h: ~5.7 seconds
Top speed: ~260 km/h (162 mph)
The Alpina-tuned engine delivered effortless mid-range torque and refined high-end performance, making it as comfortable on the Autobahn as it was on a winding back road.

Chassis & Handling
Chassis: Reinforced E36 unibody with Alpina suspension tuning
Suspension: MacPherson strut (front) / multi-link Z-axle (rear), Alpina dampers and springs
Brakes: Upgraded discs with performance pads
Weight: ~1,450 kg
The B3 3.2’s chassis was tuned for precision and composure rather than raw aggression. It combined superb grip with Alpina’s trademark ride comfort, making it a true driver’s car for long-distance touring.

Design & Features
Exterior:
Distinctive Alpina front spoiler and subtle rear lip
Signature 17-inch multi-spoke Alpina wheels
Optional pinstriping and model badging
Unique Alpina Blue and Montreal Blue paint options
Interior:
Lavalina hand-stitched leather upholstery
Alpina instrument cluster with blue dials
Individual production plaque on center console
Wood trim and Switch-Tronic buttons on automatic models

Special Notes
Each B3 3.2 was individually hand-assembled in Buchloe, Germany, using BMW 328i and M3 components as a foundation. The engine was extensively modified by Alpina engineers for smoother power delivery and enhanced reliability.
The B3 3.2 Coupé also marked one of the last purely analog Alpina models before the company transitioned into more electronically controlled performance cars in the 2000s.

Legacy & Collectibility
The 1996–1999 Alpina B3 3.2 Coupé remains one of the most desirable E36-based Alpinas due to its rarity, balanced performance, and impeccable build quality. It provides a more sophisticated, grand-touring experience compared to the raw M3, while retaining genuine driver engagement.
Today, collectors seek well-preserved examples for their craftsmanship, exclusivity, and historical importance in Alpina’s lineage. With production numbers under 800, it stands as a testament to Alpina’s philosophy: understated performance, refined luxury, and timeless design.

10/26/2025

1982 Alpina B7 S Turbo – The Super Saloon that Beat the M5
The Alpina B7 S Turbo was one of the most powerful and exclusive sedans of the early 1980s — a true Autobahn missile that predated and outperformed the first BMW M5. Based on the BMW E12 5 Series, this hand-built masterpiece from Buchloe combined extreme turbocharged performance with luxury and refinement, defining Alpina’s reputation for creating world-class performance saloons.

Overview
Manufacturer: Alpina Burkard Bovensiepen GmbH (Buchloe, Germany)
Years: 1981–1982
Body Style: 4-door saloon (E12 platform)
Layout: Front-engine, rear-wheel drive
Production: 60 units total
Developed as the ultimate evolution of the earlier B7 Turbo, the B7 S Turbo represented the peak of Alpina’s engineering during the turbo era — powerful, exclusive, and elegantly understated.

Engine & Performance
Engine: 3.5L inline-six (BMW M30-based, Alpina-tuned, turbocharged)
Turbocharger: K*K K27
Power: 330 hp (243 kW) @ 5,800 rpm
Torque: 500 Nm (369 lb-ft) @ 3,000 rpm
Transmission: 5-speed Getrag manual
Performance:
0–100 km/h: ~5.8 seconds
Top speed: 262 km/h (163 mph)
At the time, the B7 S Turbo was the fastest four-door sedan in the world, eclipsing most contemporary sports cars. Alpina’s careful tuning delivered immense mid-range thrust with smooth, linear turbo power delivery.

Chassis & Handling
Chassis: Modified BMW E12 structure with reinforced suspension mounts
Suspension: Alpina springs and Bilstein gas dampers
Brakes: Ventilated discs with Alpina-specific calipers
Steering: Power-assisted recirculating ball
Weight: ~1,460 kg
Despite its power, the B7 S Turbo retained a refined, composed character. The suspension tuning achieved a balance between high-speed stability and comfortable long-distance cruising — ideal for crossing Europe at triple-digit speeds.

Design & Features
Exterior:
Available only in Alpina Green Metallic or Alpina Blue Metallic
Alpina aerodynamic front spoiler and discreet rear lip
16-inch Alpina turbine-style alloy wheels
Subtle “B7 S Turbo” badging on the trunk lid
Interior:
Recaro sports seats with Alpina cloth or leather upholstery
Lavalina leather steering wheel and gear k**b
Unique numbered plaque on the dashboard
Alpina instrumentation with 300 km/h speedometer and boost gauge

Special Notes
Each B7 S Turbo was built entirely by Alpina at their Buchloe facility, not by BMW. It showcased Alpina’s technical expertise — from bespoke turbocharging and engine internals to precision fuel management and custom suspension geometry.
Only 60 examples were ever produced, making it one of Alpina’s rarest and most desirable classics. It bridged the gap between the raw turbo power of the late 1970s and the refined performance luxury sedans of the later 1980s.

Legacy & Collectibility
The 1982 Alpina B7 S Turbo is now regarded as one of the most significant Alpinas ever built — the car that cemented the brand’s status as a genuine manufacturer rather than a tuner. It offered M1-level performance in a practical four-door package years before BMW’s own M5 existed.
Today, the B7 S Turbo is a highly collectible icon, representing the pinnacle of early Alpina engineering. Its rarity, hand-built nature, and extraordinary performance make it one of the most coveted performance sedans of the 1980s — a true legend of the turbo era.

10/26/2025

1973 BMW 2002 tii Alpina A4S – The Ultimate Evolution of the 2002 Era
The BMW 2002 tii Alpina A4S stands as one of the most iconic and thrilling versions of BMW’s legendary 2002 series. Developed by Alpina in the early 1970s, the A4S was a hand-built, motorsport-inspired evolution of the 2002 tii — combining lightweight construction, precise engineering, and an uprated fuel-injected engine. It represented the perfect balance between road usability and track performance, embodying the spirit that later defined the BMW M division.

Overview
Manufacturer: BMW (Germany), modified by Alpina Burkard Bovensiepen GmbH
Years: 1972–1974 (based on BMW 2002 tii production)
Body Style: 2-door saloon (coupe)
Layout: Front-engine, rear-wheel drive
Production: Limited – fewer than 50 Alpina A4S units built
Built at a time when Alpina was transitioning from a tuning company to a recognized manufacturer, the A4S was not a standard model but a bespoke conversion available directly through Alpina or select BMW dealers.

Engine & Performance
Engine: 2.0L inline-4, BMW M10 block (Alpina-tuned with Kugelfischer injection)
Power: 160–170 hp @ 6,200 rpm
Torque: 200 Nm @ 4,500 rpm
Transmission: 5-speed Getrag manual (close-ratio)
Performance:
0–100 km/h: ~7.0 seconds
Top speed: ~210 km/h (130 mph)
The Alpina A4S featured the A4 cylinder head with modified combustion chambers, larger valves, high-compression pistons, a sport camshaft, and reworked injection calibration. Combined with free-flow exhaust and revised gearing, it transformed the 2002 tii into a lightweight performance car with remarkable mid-range punch.

Chassis & Handling
Chassis: Reinforced BMW 2002 unit body
Suspension: Alpina uprated springs and Bilstein dampers
Brakes: Ventilated front discs, upgraded pads
Wheels: 13- or 14-inch Alpina alloy wheels
Weight: ~990 kg
The A4S was renowned for its balance — neutral steering, sharp turn-in, and excellent feedback. With Alpina’s suspension setup, it became even more agile than the already capable 2002 tii, while maintaining comfort for daily driving.

Design & Features
Exterior:
Subtle Alpina front air dam and striping
Lightweight alloy wheels in signature Alpina design
Discreet “Alpina” badging on the trunk and grille
Optional racing mirrors and auxiliary lamps
Interior:
Alpina steering wheel and wooden shift k**b
Optional Recaro sport seats
Additional instrumentation (oil temp, pressure gauges)
Classic 2002 dashboard with period Alpina details

Special Notes
The Alpina A4S was the final and most developed 2002-based Alpina model before the arrival of the BMW 3 Series (E21).
Each car was individually tuned, with engine output varying slightly depending on specification.
Many A4S models were used for club racing and hill climbs across Europe, showcasing Alpina’s motorsport roots.

Legacy & Collectibility
The BMW 2002 tii Alpina A4S remains one of the most desirable and collectible variants of the 2002 lineup. It perfectly captures the essence of 1970s European performance tuning — raw, mechanical, and beautifully engineered.
Today, surviving examples are rare and highly sought after by collectors, representing a key link in the lineage between BMW’s early performance cars and the later M-series legends. The A4S is celebrated not only for its performance but for its purity — a driver’s car in the truest sense, where every detail reflects Alpina’s craftsmanship and motorsport passion.

10/26/2025

1978 BMW Alpina B6 2.8 – The E21 With a Racing Heart
The BMW Alpina B6 2.8 transformed the compact and elegant E21 3 Series into a true driver’s machine. Developed by Alpina in the late 1970s, it bridged the gap between BMW’s everyday models and full-blown racing machinery. With its larger 2.8-liter straight-six engine, precision tuning, and distinctive Alpina styling, the B6 2.8 delivered performance comparable to larger grand tourers — all wrapped in a lightweight, rear-wheel-drive chassis.

Overview
Manufacturer: BMW (Germany), modified by Alpina Burkard Bovensiepen GmbH
Years: 1978–1982
Based on: BMW E21 323i
Body Style: 2-door saloon (coupe)
Layout: Front-engine, rear-wheel drive
Production: Approximately 533 units
The B6 2.8 was part of Alpina’s effort to turn BMW’s smallest six-cylinder platform into a serious performance car, combining motorsport engineering with everyday drivability.

Engine & Performance
Engine: 2.8L inline-6 (BMW M30 block, Alpina-tuned)
Power: 200 hp (147 kW) @ 6,200 rpm
Torque: 248 Nm @ 4,500 rpm
Transmission: 5-speed Getrag manual
Performance:
0–100 km/h: ~7.0 seconds
Top speed: ~220 km/h (137 mph)
Alpina reworked the M30 engine with a new cylinder head, higher compression ratio, revised camshaft, and twin Weber carburetors (later fuel injection). The result was a rev-happy, responsive straight-six that gave the small E21 an entirely new character.

Chassis & Handling
Chassis: Reinforced E21 monocoque
Suspension: Alpina sport springs and Bilstein gas dampers
Brakes: Upgraded front discs, vented rear setup
Steering: Quicker ratio for improved feedback
Wheels: 15-inch Alpina alloys with performance tires
Weight: ~1,100 kg
The B6 2.8’s light weight and sharp suspension setup gave it a nimble, controlled feel. It was praised for its steering precision and cornering balance — a true driver’s car, capable of matching bigger, heavier GTs through the bends.

Design & Features
Exterior:
Alpina front spoiler and optional rear lip
Distinctive Alpina striping (green/blue over silver or black)
15-inch multi-spoke Alpina wheels
Discreet badging with “B6 2.8” designation
Interior:
Alpina 3-spoke steering wheel
Wood Alpina shift k**b
Optional Recaro sport seats
Extra gauges for oil temperature and pressure
Classic E21 dash with Alpina touches throughout

Special Notes
The B6 2.8 was Alpina’s first major 3 Series model, establishing a performance formula that would influence all later B3 and B6 variants.
Available in both left- and right-hand drive for select markets.
The car’s combination of compact dimensions and big-engine performance earned it cult status among enthusiasts.

Legacy & Collectibility
The BMW Alpina B6 2.8 is now considered one of the most important Alpina models of the 1970s — a car that brought genuine sports-car performance to the compact executive class. Its rarity, mechanical purity, and beautifully balanced character make it highly desirable among collectors today.
A perfectly executed blend of BMW precision and Alpina engineering, the B6 2.8 remains one of the most rewarding classic Alpinas to drive — proof that sometimes, the best things come in small, finely tuned packages.

10/26/2025

1983 BMW Alpina B9 3.5 Coupé – The Grand Tourer With Muscle and Grace
The BMW Alpina B9 3.5 Coupé took the already refined BMW E24 6 Series and transformed it into a powerful, high-speed grand tourer with true sporting intent. Developed by Alpina between 1981 and 1985, the B9 3.5 combined luxury, performance, and exclusivity — a hallmark of Alpina’s approach to enhancing BMW’s finest. With its potent straight-six engine, bespoke suspension tuning, and signature styling, the B9 3.5 remains one of the most elegant and capable performance coupés of the 1980s.

Overview
Manufacturer: BMW (Germany), modified by Alpina Burkard Bovensiepen GmbH
Years: 1981–1985
Based on: BMW E24 635CSi
Body Style: 2-door coupé
Layout: Front-engine, rear-wheel drive
Production: Approximately 577 units (all B9 variants)
The B9 3.5 was Alpina’s interpretation of the perfect GT — fast, comfortable, and composed over long distances, yet responsive enough to thrill on a winding road.

Engine & Performance
Engine: 3.5L inline-6 (BMW M30 block, Alpina-tuned)
Power: 245 hp (179 kW) @ 5,700 rpm
Torque: 320 Nm @ 4,000 rpm
Transmission: 5-speed Getrag manual
Performance:
0–100 km/h: 6.3 seconds
Top speed: 250 km/h (155 mph)
Alpina reworked BMW’s M30 engine with a new camshaft, higher compression ratio, modified cylinder head, and revised Bosch L-Jetronic injection. The result was a smooth yet ferocious straight-six, known for its torque-rich delivery and effortless high-speed cruising.

Chassis & Handling
Chassis: E24 monocoque with Alpina reinforcements
Suspension: Bilstein dampers and Alpina sport springs
Brakes: Upgraded Alpina braking system with ventilated discs
Differential: Limited-slip, tuned for stability and traction
Wheels: 16-inch or 17-inch classic Alpina multi-spoke alloys
Weight: ~1,500 kg
The B9 3.5 balanced refinement with agility — its ride was firm but never harsh, delivering precision and stability even at Autobahn speeds. The suspension tuning gave it the poise of a true grand tourer while retaining sharp cornering ability.

Design & Features
Exterior:
Alpina aerodynamic front spoiler and subtle rear badge
Optional Alpina striping (green/blue over black, white, or silver)
Signature multi-spoke Alpina wheels
Discreet B9 3.5 insignia
Interior:
Alpina 3-spoke steering wheel
Wood-trimmed Alpina shift k**b
Optional Recaro sport seats
Custom Alpina instrumentation (speedometer to 300 km/h)
Fine detailing with numbered production plaque

Special Notes
The B9 3.5 was a bridge between classic mechanical engineering and modern GT luxury.
Built entirely by hand at Alpina’s Buchloe facility.
Offered both in left- and right-hand drive configurations.
Its successor, the Alpina B10 3.5, refined the concept further in the late 1980s.

Legacy & Collectibility
The BMW Alpina B9 3.5 Coupé stands today as a symbol of 1980s performance luxury — understated yet immensely capable. Its blend of craftsmanship, exclusivity, and driving pleasure has made it a prized collector’s piece among enthusiasts who value Alpina’s philosophy of balance over excess.
Elegant, powerful, and meticulously engineered, the B9 3.5 remains one of Alpina’s most admired creations — a timeless expression of how performance and sophistication can coexist in perfect harmony.

10/26/2025

1992 BMW Alpina B12 5.7 Coupé – The Ultimate Expression of the E31 8 Series
The BMW Alpina B12 5.7 Coupé represented the peak of Alpina’s engineering in the early 1990s — a hand-crafted evolution of BMW’s luxurious E31 850CSi. Built in extremely limited numbers, it combined the refinement of a grand tourer with the ferocity of a supercar. With a larger, Alpina-tuned V12, bespoke aerodynamics, and exquisite detailing, the B12 5.7 stood as one of the most exclusive and technically sophisticated coupés of its era.

Overview
Manufacturer: BMW (Germany), modified by Alpina Burkard Bovensiepen GmbH
Years: 1992–1996
Based on: BMW 850CSi (E31)
Body Style: 2-door coupé
Layout: Front-engine, rear-wheel drive
Production: 57 units (B12 5.7 Coupé)
The B12 5.7 was Alpina’s most powerful road car of the 1990s, combining immense V12 performance with long-distance comfort and discreet exclusivity.

Engine & Performance
Engine: 5.7L V12 (BMW M70-based, Alpina-tuned)
Power: 416 hp (306 kW) @ 5,200 rpm
Torque: 570 Nm @ 4,000 rpm
Transmission: 6-speed manual Getrag gearbox
Performance:
0–100 km/h: 5.8 seconds
Top speed: 300 km/h (186 mph)
Alpina increased displacement from 5.0 to 5.7 liters by using a longer-stroke crankshaft and custom Mahle pistons. The engine also received reprofiled camshafts, a revised intake and exhaust system, and bespoke Bosch Motronic management — resulting in immense torque and a velvet-smooth power curve.

Chassis & Handling
Chassis: E31 platform with Alpina modifications
Suspension: Alpina progressive-rate springs and Bilstein gas dampers
Brakes: High-performance system with ventilated discs
Differential: Limited-slip, tuned for high-speed stability
Wheels: 18-inch forged Alpina multi-spoke alloys (245/40 front, 285/35 rear)
Weight: ~1,950 kg
Despite its size and weight, the B12 5.7 offered impressive agility thanks to Alpina’s precision suspension tuning. The steering was sharp and linear, and high-speed stability was exceptional — perfectly suited for autobahn travel at 250+ km/h.

Design & Features
Exterior:
Alpina aerodynamic front spoiler and subtle rear lip
Distinctive Alpina striping (optional)
Exclusive Alpina badging and numbering plaque
Wider rear track and unique exhaust finishers
Interior:
Full Alpina leather interior with contrast piping
Wood-trimmed Alpina steering wheel and shift k**b
Unique blue-faced Alpina instruments (300 km/h speedometer)
Extensive sound insulation for GT refinement

Special Notes
Built exclusively by Alpina in Buchloe, each car hand-finished to customer specification.
The B12 5.7 was available only with a 6-speed manual gearbox — a rarity among V12 GTs.
Its high-speed cruising refinement rivaled that of contemporary Ferraris and Aston Martins.
A later automatic version, the B12 5.0, offered slightly less power and was based on the 850i.

Legacy & Collectibility
The BMW Alpina B12 5.7 Coupé is one of the rarest and most desirable Alpinas ever made. Its combination of brutal V12 power, sublime craftsmanship, and effortless GT performance has made it a legend among collectors.
A true gentleman’s supercar, the B12 5.7 remains the definitive expression of Alpina’s philosophy — performance without compromise, executed with elegance and precision. Each of the 57 examples built stands as a testament to the pinnacle of 1990s German automotive engineering.

10/26/2025

1981 BMW Alpina C1 2.3 – The First True Alpina 3 Series
The BMW Alpina C1 2.3 marked Alpina’s first official high-performance version of the E21 3 Series. Introduced in the early 1980s, it transformed BMW’s compact executive car into a serious driver’s machine, blending everyday usability with motorsport-inspired engineering. With its tuned straight-six engine, upgraded suspension, and signature Alpina design, the C1 2.3 set the foundation for decades of Alpina-enhanced 3 Series models to come.

Overview
Manufacturer: BMW (Germany), modified by Alpina Burkard Bovensiepen GmbH
Years: 1981–1983
Based on: BMW E21 323i
Body Style: 2-door saloon (coupe)
Layout: Front-engine, rear-wheel drive
Production: Approximately 462 units
The C1 2.3 was Alpina’s first step in developing the compact 3 Series platform into a refined performance car with a distinct personality, offering a perfect balance between power, handling, and exclusivity.

Engine & Performance
Engine: 2.3L inline-6 (BMW M20 block, Alpina-tuned)
Power: 170 hp (125 kW) @ 6,000 rpm
Torque: 225 Nm @ 4,500 rpm
Transmission: 5-speed Getrag manual
Performance:
0–100 km/h: ~7.8 seconds
Top speed: ~215 km/h (134 mph)
Alpina achieved this performance through higher compression pistons, a reprofiled camshaft, a modified cylinder head, and a re-jetted Kugelfischer injection system. The result was a lively, free-revving straight-six that offered crisp throttle response and a thrilling soundtrack.

Chassis & Handling
Chassis: Reinforced E21 monocoque
Suspension: Alpina progressive-rate springs and Bilstein dampers
Brakes: Upgraded discs with improved cooling
Steering: Quicker ratio for sharper turn-in
Wheels: 15-inch Alpina alloys
Weight: ~1,100 kg
The C1’s handling was tight and responsive, transforming the E21’s mild manners into a truly engaging experience. The combination of lightweight construction and precise suspension tuning gave it agility unmatched by most contemporaries.

Design & Features
Exterior:
Alpina front spoiler and optional rear lip
Iconic green-and-blue Alpina striping (optional)
Discreet “C1 2.3” badging
15-inch multi-spoke Alpina wheels
Interior:
Alpina 3-spoke steering wheel
Wood-trimmed Alpina gear k**b
Optional Recaro sport seats
Blue Alpina instrumentation
Additional gauges for oil temperature and pressure

Special Notes
The C1 2.3 was Alpina’s first homologated E21 model, bridging the gap between BMW’s 323i and full racing variants.
It demonstrated Alpina’s signature philosophy: blending luxury and performance in equal measure.
The model laid the groundwork for later C1 2.5 and B6 2.8 evolutions.

Legacy & Collectibility
The BMW Alpina C1 2.3 is now a highly sought-after piece of Alpina history — the car that began the company’s long-standing love affair with the 3 Series. Combining period charm, precise engineering, and rarity, it remains one of the purest expressions of early Alpina philosophy.
Compact, balanced, and full of character, the C1 2.3 was the blueprint for the modern Alpina 3 Series, making it a cornerstone in the brand’s performance heritage.

09/25/2025

1976 Alpine A310 V6 – France’s Rear-Engined Challenger
The Alpine A310 V6 was Renault’s attempt to move its Alpine sub-brand upmarket into the world of true GT sports cars. Replacing the 4-cylinder A110 and earlier A310 models, the V6 version gained more power, refinement, and prestige. With its wedge-shaped design, lightweight construction, and Renault–Peugeot–Volvo (PRV) V6 engine mounted at the rear, it blended French creativity with practical engineering. Though it struggled against Porsche’s 911 in sales, it developed a cult following and became one of Alpine’s most iconic creations.

Overview
Manufacturer: Alpine (Renault Group, France)
Years: 1976–1984 (V6 version, earlier A310 launched in 1971)
Body Style: 2-door coupé
Layout: Rear-engine, rear-wheel drive
Production: ~9,276 units (V6 models)
The A310 V6 gave Alpine a more powerful sports car to compete with German rivals, offering performance and style at a lower price point.

Engine & Performance
Engine: 2.7L PRV V6 (aluminium block, SOHC)
Power: 150 hp (110 kW) @ 6,000 rpm
Torque: 206 Nm @ 3,500 rpm
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Performance:
0–100 km/h: ~8.4 seconds
Top speed: ~220 km/h (137 mph)
The PRV V6 gave the A310 respectable pace, though it wasn’t as sharp as Porsche’s flat-six. Later tuned versions and racing derivatives improved output.

Chassis & Handling
Chassis: Tubular steel backbone with fiberglass body panels
Suspension: Independent all around
Brakes: Ventilated discs front, solid discs rear
Weight: ~980–1,050 kg
The A310’s light weight and rear-engine balance made it agile, though handling could be tricky at the limit. On twisty French roads, however, it was perfectly at home.

Design & Features
Exterior:
Striking wedge-shaped coupé with pop-up headlights on early models, quad fixed lamps on later versions
Wide stance with muscular rear haunches
Fiberglass body kept weight low
Interior:
2+2 layout (tight rear seats)
Futuristic dash with Renault switchgear
Sporty seats and driver-focused controls

Special Notes
The A310 was campaigned in French rallying, with Group 4 competition versions enjoying notable success.
Alpine, under Renault, positioned it as an affordable Porsche 911 rival, though it lacked the same international prestige.
In the 1980s, it was replaced by the Alpine GTA, continuing the rear-engined V6 lineage.

Legacy & Collectibility
The Alpine A310 V6 is now considered a classic French sports car, representing the peak of Alpine’s pre-GTA era. Its rarity, fiberglass construction, and rally pedigree give it strong appeal among enthusiasts. While overshadowed by the legendary A110, it offers a unique blend of 1970s style and 1980s performance. Today, collectors value well-preserved examples for their distinct character and as a milestone in Alpine’s evolution toward modern performance cars.

09/25/2025

1983 Renault 5 Turbo 2 – The Wild Mid-Engine Hot Hatch
The Renault 5 Turbo 2 was a road-going rally homologation special derived from the Renault 5 hatchback, created to dominate Group 4 and later Group B rallying. Following the radical Renault 5 Turbo of 1980, the Turbo 2 retained the same mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout and aggressive wide-body stance, but used more standard Renault 5 interior components to reduce production costs. Despite being slightly less exotic inside, it was every bit as ferocious on the road and track, earning its place as one of the most celebrated hot hatches of the 1980s.

Overview
Manufacturer: Renault (France)
Years: 1983–1986
Body Style: 3-door hatchback, widebody
Layout: Mid-engine, rear-wheel drive
Production: ~3,167 units
The Turbo 2 was designed to meet homologation rules, allowing Renault to compete in international rallying with a purpose-built mid-engined machine based on its humble supermini.

Engine & Performance
Engine: 1.4L (1,397 cc) turbocharged inline-4, derived from the Renault “Cléon-Fonte” unit
Turbocharger: Garrett T3
Power: 160 hp (118 kW) @ 6,000 rpm
Torque: 210 Nm @ 3,250 rpm
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Performance:
0–100 km/h: ~6.9 seconds
Top speed: ~200 km/h (124 mph)
This performance was explosive for the era, especially from such a compact hatchback. The car’s light weight (~970 kg) amplified its raw power delivery.

Chassis & Handling
Chassis: Reinforced Renault 5 platform with major modifications for mid-engine placement
Suspension: Independent all-round with wider track than standard Renault 5
Brakes: Ventilated front and rear discs
Weight: ~970 kg
The mid-engine layout, wide stance, and short wheelbase made the Turbo 2 agile but demanding to handle at the limit. In the right hands, it was a devastatingly quick car on twisty roads or rally stages.

Design & Features
Exterior:
Boxy yet aggressive wide-body styling with flared arches
Roof-mounted air intake and rear quarter cooling ducts
Distinctive deep-dish alloy wheels
Rally-inspired stance
Interior:
Simpler than the original Turbo (which had bespoke Bertone trim)
Many parts sourced from the standard Renault 5 to cut costs
Driver-focused cockpit with supportive bucket seats

Special Notes
The Turbo 2 replaced the original Renault 5 Turbo, which had been more expensive due to its unique interior.
It was homologated for Group B rallying, competing against the likes of the Audi Quattro, Lancia 037, and Peugeot 205 T16.
While not as technologically advanced as some rivals, it was incredibly successful in national and international rallies.

Legacy & Collectibility
The Renault 5 Turbo 2 is now regarded as a legend of rally-inspired road cars. With its wild looks, mid-engine layout, and explosive turbocharged power, it represents the extreme side of 1980s hot hatch development. Collectors prize it for its motorsport pedigree, limited production, and raw driving experience. Today, surviving examples command strong prices, with the Turbo 2 seen as one of the most iconic French performance cars ever built.

09/25/2025

70s gave the Coupé proper grand touring performance while retaining its smooth and relaxed driving character.

Chassis & Handling
Chassis: Monocoque construction based on 504 saloon
Suspension: Independent all-round – MacPherson struts front, trailing arms rear
Brakes: Disc brakes all round
Steering: Rack-and-pinion
Weight: ~1,200–1,350 kg depending on engine
The 504 Coupé was known for its ride comfort, stability, and predictable handling, making it a refined cruiser rather than a hardcore sports car.

Design & Features
Exterior:
Sleek, Pininfarina-penned body with crisp lines
Lower and wider than the 504 saloon
Long bonnet, pillarless side profile, and subtle rear fins
Distinctive quad-headlight setup in later models
Interior:
Luxurious cabin with wood trim and plush upholstery
Comfortable seating for four adults
Generous boot space for touring

Special Notes
The Coupé was often sold alongside the 504 Cabriolet, which shared the same styling but offered open-air motoring.
The PRV V6 models are the most desirable today, offering a blend of style, power, and long-distance comfort.
The 504 platform gained fame in rallying (especially in Africa), but the Coupé itself was more of a road-going GT.

Legacy & Collectibility
The Peugeot 504 Coupé remains one of the most elegant French cars of its time. Its blend of Pininfarina design, solid Peugeot engineering, and grand touring comfort makes it highly collectible today. While rarer than the saloon, surviving Coupés are sought after by enthusiasts, especially V6-powered examples. The car stands as a reminder of an era when French manufacturers embraced Italian styling flair without sacrificing durability.

Wheels & Wonders

10/26/2025

10/26/2025

10/26/2025

10/26/2025

10/26/2025

10/26/2025

10/26/2025

09/25/2025

09/25/2025

09/25/2025

Address

Website

Alerts

Shortcuts

Share