Can Dino come out and play?

While not an F-car, this little beauty has always been a passion for me. When I first saw one screaming through the streets of Paris in 1969 I knew that someday I would acquire one. That someday has come.

I must offer great thanks to David Rochford (245gts) for his assistance in first viewing the car for me in Manchester, England. He lives 40 minutes away, and took the time to check out the car.

Long story short, the car has arrived at its new home in California. I believe that the design is 2nd only to the Dino in both beauty and function. With 2 Dinos, a Boxer, and a Testarossa, I thought it was time for a different Mark.

The Renault Alpine A110B 1600 SC

Thanks for listening.

Jim S.
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John - sorry for the delay on the pictures. Uploading difficulty.

The car was found in northern England. Fully restored (mechanically) 6 years ago. A few rallys under its belt. Engine full race prepared (1850 cc, racing cam, high compression pistons, lightened flywheel, twin Weber 45s, etc., etc.). Puts out approximately 160 hp, weighs 1450 pounds. Screams. Five speed, limited slip differential, independent suspension, roll cage, fire extinguishing system, Halda Tripmaster Computer, on and on. Fun car, quite unusual, and next to the Dinos, simply beautiful.

Jim S.

 

This is how I remember first seeing it.
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wspeer - $6k?? You just ruined my day. They fetch a bit more than that today...quite a bit more than that.

Jim S.

 

need4speed- Here is the story.

Most of these cars are in Europe or the U.K. They were licensed by Renault to be manufactured in France, Brazil, Spain and Mexico. Never made for the U.S. market. Thus, the first hurdle is getting it into the country. Fortunately, the DOE and EPA (Federal Agencies) have a rolling 25 year exemption. Hence, any car older than 1981 (today) has an exemption from any DOE or EPA issues. Getting it through customs was, therefore, not an issue. (DOE and EPA address bumper height, safety glass, emergency flasher, seat belt buzzer, sealed headlights, door side-crash reinforcement, etc., etc.)

This gets it into 49 states. Then there is California. If the car is older than 1975, then it is exempt from California annual smog test. However, it is not necessarily exempt from California requiring a certified referee station from testing the car. This test is not your standard smog test. It is a 3 day test performed at one of two stations (one in northern and one in southern California). The test costs approximately $1500, and addresses cold start, running under load, crankcase emissions, etc. If the car fails (which it will), then you are obligated to fix it. This is the case even though it does not require annual smog test.

If the car is older than 1972, then it is exempt from this requirement as well. Hence, to guarantee success, you must find a car manufactured before 1972.

While I support California's strict emission requirement, a greater benefit would be gained by residents of California in receiving the tax revenues from registering a car with 4 cylinders, small displacement, and driven 100 miles per year (perhaps). Fear of opening the gates to many should be offset by the realization that there are not a large number of crazy people like us willing to spend large quantities on cars that are driven a few miles per year.

Have fun looking!

Jim S.

 

dignini - if the car is older than 1972, the answer is yes. However, most of the DMV rank and file likely don't know the rules (laws), or at least do not interpret them the same. Hence, you must be prepared to educate (with printed documents from the California web site) or hire a professional - someone who does DMV registration for a living (typically for fleet cars, etc., where they know a particular DMV office and bring in 20 cars each visit).

Jim S.

 

dignini - if it lands in New Jersey and is titled in New Jersey, then moving to California is a bit easier. As it is older than 1975, and titled in another state, it generally is waived (smog exemption, etc.). It is when it has a foreign title and first arrives in California that the grey market flags come up.

Jim S.

 

More pictures of some other Alpines, and a few more of mine.

Jim S.
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Bill - plans are to enjoy. I will not track the car (too old, heart subject to seizure with too much excitement). It has been mechanically restored. The body has the patina of a rally car, and hence will not be repainted. I plan to use it on the street. You think that you get looks driving a Dino? When driving the Alpine most people think I arrived from Mars!

Glad you all like it. I again wish to thank David Rochford, a F-Chat member, for helping with the process. By the way, he has one of the most beautiful Dinos that I have ever seen.

Jim S.

 

AndruetBiche - all I can say is WOW!. That is absolutely fantastic. What a beautiful Alpine. I am trying to acquire Heuer Monte Carlo rally stop watches, and they are difficult to find. Is that what I am seeing on your dash?

Mine is an IRS, Diepe build, cable to handbrake mechanism (not sure whether hydraulic in the caliper). Built by Salv Sacco, 1800 cc steel liners, forged pistons, polished big valve head, competition cam, remote filter and oil cooler, tubular manifold, twin Weber 45 D.C.O.E. with air filters, lightened flywheel, uprated clutch.

Gearbox:
5 x speed with Quaife L.S.D.

Body:
Group 4 wheel arches, foam filled tank, electric fire extinguisher system, custom made rear cage, electrical cut-off, competition seat (+ original seats), Halda Twinmaster, map light, new radiator, unique No. RA A110B.

Yours is remarkable. How long have you had it???

Jim S.