So, in pride of place with Barry Sheene’s RG500, Peter Collins Union Jack speedway bike and the annual mini poster of the Manchester United squad, that graced the centre pages of the opening games matchday program, my poster collection was complete.
A long time past, and like all great blasts from the past, when the new Alpine A110 appeared back on the scene, I had exactly the same feelings for it. The styling ques felt identical, that rear end looked as unique as it did back in the 70’s, and it even came in the same colour as the one I remembered from my childhood. So, imagine my excitement, and a little trepidation, when I got the invitation from Holdcroft to take an extended test drive.
When I arrived at the Alpine Centre Solihull to pick up “my” Thunder Grey , obviously, all I wanted to do was get in it and drive off, but it doesn’t work like that, and I’m glad it didn’t.
Spending time in an Alpine showroom is a very immersive experience. These guys aren’t just here to sell or service an Alpine, they really love them. The brand, the pride in the partnership between Holdcroft and Alpine and the very special relationship they seem to have with everyone that has joined the cult of Alpine driving, is worth every minute of the time you spend there.
But eventually, I was off and running. A very pleasant few miles from Solihull to the M6 northbound to familiarise myself with the controls and find the perfect seating position, which by the way I never had to change for the duration of the test drive, and then, a wall of traffic and a maximum speed of 25mph for the next three and a half hours back to my HQ.
While it wasn’t the trilling start I’d imagined, it did confirm two things straight away. The A110 is unbelievably comfortable, and the people around you can’t wait to wind down the window and find out more about what you’re driving.
I’m sure the statistics are amazing, and the guys at the Alpine Centre Solihull know them all, but for me, its about the experience and the relationship with a car that makes it special. Because of my own personal history with the car, that’s where the trepidation came in …. What if I don’t’ like it? ….. spoiler alert …. I loved it!
Over the next two weeks, I commuted in it, I went out to meetings in it, I took everyone who showed the slightest interest out in it, I looked at myself in shop windows, I looked back at it every time I got out of it and I gave it a little look out of the window every now and again … it looked just as good every time.
The drive is brilliant. Its light and nimble. It feels planted and effortless around tight corners or flowing bends, the exhaust noise makes you smile with every blip of the throttle, visibility, even from the narrow rear window is excellent, and when I finally got the chance, it’s a joy on the motorway too.
If you get the chance to drive an Alpine A110, whatever you do, don’t miss it. If you’re lucky enough to have one in your garage, I’m very envious.
By the way, I still watch Manchester United, Barry Sheene is still my favourite motorcycle racer of all time, I have a copy of Peter Collins 1970’s Union Jack speedway bike in my office, surely nobody could deny me the complete set could they? ……… Mrs. Stevenson?
By David Stevenson
