These days, it’s rare to find anything approaching a “deal” in the vintage car space. Almost any older car or truck worth owning has been on a run value-wise, with some vehicles rocketing higher and others simply on a gradual climb. The story remains the same, however, that just like the box of cereal at the grocery store, nothing is getting cheaper. Cars like this 1965 Dinalpin-build Renault Alpine A110 listed here on eBay offer a small glimmer of hope in an increasingly pricey hobby, as it represents an opportunity to access a desirable classic sports car for a fraction of the price of the original.
The A110 is celebrated for a few different reasons, with the obvious ones being a respectable competition career that led to its limited production as a road-going sports model. The Renault-built A110 has been a six-figure car for some time now, and those cars rarely come up for sale. Using a variety of four-cylinder engines throughout its production span, the A110 quickly became known for its prowess on the international rally circuit, notching significant victories at events like Monte Carlo and the inaugural World Rally Championship. Power ranged from 51 horsepower in the earliest models to a respectable 180 near the end of its production run.
Originally conceived by French manufacturer Alpine, the A110 became a Renault product once that company stepped in to rescue a floundering business in 1971. This was just the start of the re-branding of the A110 as it would eventually fly under a few different manufacturer flags across a variety of continents in the ensuing years. Mexico had Dinalpin; it was called the Interlagos in Brazil; and Bulgarian shoppers were offered the A110 as the Bulgaralpines. The seller notes he bought his Dinalpin out of Mexico, and that due to financial and personal constraints, he hasn’t had any time to actually enjoy it. The interior appears to be in excellent condition.
The Dinalpin made around 65 horsepower when first introduced, but it’s hard to say what engine it currently has or what sort of power it generates. The seller notes a few issues, including a wonky throttle linkage and difficulty shifting into reverse. He also suggests a general tine up, no doubt due to not being used (or potentially arriving from Mexico with a few issues.) The Dinalpin can be made to sound fairly snorty as this video goes to show, and it looks absolutely stunning tearing through backgrounds. As stated earlier, this Dinalpin is a relative bargain on the vintage car landscape, with bids currently sitting at $20,100 with no reserve.
I’m a Porsche/VW guy but I just love these cars…definitely on my bucket list and this one is tempting me!!
Oh sweet Jesus; one of my dream cars, and less than 100 miles away. This is how I ended up with a minty 1981 Fiat 2000 Spider in my garage.
Thanks for the tip. I may have to bid on this one.
You could sell me the minty 1981 Fiat 2000 Spider.
Where is the car located ?
If it is reasomably priced I will bring you cash.
Thanks, Wes, but we’ve only had it seven months. Don’t think the wife will give it up yet; not even to fund an A110. She likes her convertible.
Just do it, Paul. These planets won’t align again any time soon!
Good luck finding spare parts for this one . . . maybe in Mexico :-)
This would cost $50000 as is in Europe and if the car is 1965 it will not be significantly different to a French or Spanish built car of the period.
It probably has 1108 Renault 8 engine, (65 bhp?) maybe 4 wheel discs. Whatever, spares are eaditly available from France or Spain, and relatively cheap. Mechanical parts are 100% Renault so very cheap.
The cars were handbuilt and the quality of the Mexican cars is not worse per se, though maintenance may have been patchy over the years. I lived in Mexico City in the 1980s and any Dinalpine was usually with an owner who looked after it.
Basically, someone buy this car!
A few weeks ago, on a previous eBay auction, this received a high bid of $40,350, but the fell through.
It looks like it won’t get close to that this time, but I’ll put it on watch. It’s a pretty car, I hope it finds a hood home.
Steve R
Sold with a high bid of $31,476.
Steve R
Do you sell this Dinalpin?
Sorry Jeff “it’s hard to say what engine it currently has” won’t cut it, I’m afraid. The engine bay shot clearly shows the engine tag and it’s an 810-03, which is completely wrong for this car. It’s a later 1970-72 1300cc running a single choke carb, so I’d put it around 55bhp tops.
Very cool, less than a day to go.
Always loved the look of these A110 cars, didn’t know there were different versions? The RC car company makes a 1/10 scale version that looks very nice.
https://www.tamiyausa.com/shop/110-m-chassis-cars/rc-alpine-a110-3/
I’ve loved the Alpin A110 ever since I bought my first classic European car coffee table book. They’re beautiful cars and handle the twisty roads really well due to how light they are. I’d need a lot more than 65 horsepower if I were to buy one, but they have a cult following and upgraded parts are relatively easy to find. You’ll definitely be the only one at the car show. Wish I was in the market.