This very interesting automobile shown here is the 1987 Renault Alpine GTA, and it’s quite rare to see one in right-hand drive configuration such as this version shown here. The right-hand drive version was first ever shown during the 1986 Birmingham Motor Show where it was marketed as the ‘Renault GTA’. Before this, beginning in the year 1984, Renault-owned French automotive manufacturer, Société des Automobiles Alpine SAS constructed the Grand Tourisme Alpine (GTA) as a successor model to the Alpine A310 sports car. The GTA was also Alpine’s first ever model that was 100% produced by French multinational automobile manufacturer, Groupe Renault. As the very first car launched by Alpine under Renault ownership, the GTA featured numerous modern design elements such as a triangular C-pillar and body-integrated bumpers, proving to improve on almost every category over the A310. In order to achieve both quickness and lightweight capability, the GTA’s body was constructed mostly using plastics and fiberglass materials, and had a coefficient of drag of just 0.28. The first model, the naturally aspirated V6 GT (D500) was first ever shown to the public in the year 1985 at Amsterdam Rai after a series of photos were previously released in September of 1984. Following this came the Formula 1 Grand Prix inspired Europa Cup Model, then the V6 Turbo introduced in September of 1985, the right-hand drive Renault GTA at the 1986 Birmingham Show, a catalyzed version with less power in 1987, the 1 of 100 Mille Miles version in 1989, and finally the Alpine GTA Le Mans of 1990. From 1991 to 1995, Alpine created a new successor to the GTA model known as the Alpine A610. This specific example is finished in a color known as ‘Mother of Pearl White’ over a tan interior and is equipped with a number of enjoyable features such as an original Philips sound system and a ‘Link-Christchurch’ fuel injection system.
How many made? 1 of approximately 26 of it’s kind produced in 1987
Engine: 2.9L (2849 cc) PRV Z7W V6•Debut: 1986 Birmingham Motor Show
Top Speed: approximately 151mph
0-60mph: approximately 7.2 seconds
Photo Credit: @dorifutography
Research: @rarecarsonly