Alpine A310 (1979). That of the pilot Jean Vinatier is for sale

This 1979 Alpine A310 belongs to pilot Jean Vinatier.

The Alpine A310 belonging for nearly forty years to driver Jean Vinatier, who participated six times in the 24 Hours of Le Mans with the Dieppe brand, will be auctioned. This is a 1979 V6 version with a five-speed gearbox estimated at less than €30,000.

In 1971, Alpine launched the A310 to expand its range beyond the A110. This ultimate model designed by founder Jean Rédélé is more comfortable and more versatile, offering a 2 + 2-seater configuration. The A310 began its career with a 128 hp 1.6 four-cylinder before receiving, in 1976, the strong V6 PRV of 150 hp (then 193 hp in the Boulogne version). But the brand remains intimately linked to motor racing. The A310 has its engine at the rear like the A110, and it appeals to some pilots. Among the latter, Jean Vinatier acquired one in the 1980s. He is preparing to put it up for sale today.

Alpine A310 gray — In 1971, the style of the A310 contrasted with that of the A110.

Alpine and Vinatier, cross stories

Alpine A310 V6 engine — The 2.7 l V6 develops 150 hp according to the technical sheet.

Jean Vinatier led a long career punctuated by many successes between the end of the 1950s and the beginning of the 1970s, mainly in rallying but not only. The Frenchman took part in the 24 Hours of Le Mans no less than fourteen times, including six at the wheel of an Alpine..

At the same time, he was notably a development driver for the Renault 8 Gordini. He then passed through the management of the sports departments of Ford and Fiat, he never sided with the circuits and today works within the FFSA on technical issues. He “met” his A310 while it was being serviced in his father’s garage.

Alpine A310 Jean Vinatier — Jean Vinatier and his Alpine A310.

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Led by a pilot for nearly forty years

First registered on February 23, 1979, this light gray Alpine A310 is a 150 hp V6 model. It is also one of the first to be equipped with the five-speed gearbox, replacing the four-speed transmission of previous versions. Maintained as it should be and never modified, the car drives without problems despite showing the signs of over forty years of use. His mileage was not disclosed.

Alpine A310 dashboard — Vinatier has driven a lot at the wheel of his A310.

Jean Vinatier says: “ Attached to Alpine, I traveled thousands of kilometers behind the wheel in a comfort that few sports cars of the time could match. If its engine was a bit lazy, its chassis, its running gear and its lightness made it one of the most efficient cars in its category. I often rode at night to better enjoy its performance, but its huge advantage was that you didn’t have to whip it to get the best out of it. A real GT in short! The car will be auctioned on March 27, 2022 during the spring auto sale ofAguttes at Espace Champerret, in the 17th^and district of Paris. It is estimated between 22,000 and 28,000 €.