A310

In production between 1971 and 1985 the A310 was launched with a 1.6 litre 4cylinder engine. The A310 was designed as a replacement for the A110 but with an entirely different concept, a luxurious 2+2 coupe that would appeal to a wider market. The engine, linked to a 5 speed gearbox, produced 120-125bhp with acceleration approximately 8 seconds 0-60 mph and a top speed of 130mph. From 1974 fuel injection boosted performance to 140bhp. The basis of the car was a tubular steel backbone chassis clothed in a fibreglass shell.

Major upgrades were made in 1977 with the 1.6 litre engine being dropped in favour of the 2.7 litre V6, 150bhp, PRV unit, a collaboration between Peugeot, Renault and Volvo. This engine was linked to a 4 speed gearbox from the Renault R30 as the 5 speed gearbox could not cope with the increased torque. The six headlight arrangement was also dropped in favour of just four to make room for the larger front mounted radiator. Now as a luxurious GT car the A310 was a genuine alternative to the Porsche 911.

In 1980 further upgrades were made, modified suspension, a 5 speed gearbox, four stud wheels and bodywork changes with wider wheel arches, larger and softer wraparound bumpers and slight interior changes. Production ceased in 1984.

There are three different types of factory built specials, a Group IV car built in 1978 and fitted with a 5 speed gearbox, a GT version built between 1982 and 1984 and a GT fitted with the 2849cc Volvo version of the PRV engine with triple 46 IDA Webers which produced 193bhp. 

Throughout its life there were a number of different ‘works’ competition cars produced. The car enjoyed mixed success in the World Rally Championship but was very successful in French motorsport as a Group 4 car.

The car utilised both 1605cc and 1647cc 4 cylinder engines and the 2664cc V6. All cars were left hand drive and the A310 was never offered for sale in the UK. A total of 11,616 A310 cars were built.

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