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of different blues as well in it’s life.
I decided a light metallic was the way to go.
After that it was a rush to refit the engine and the rest of the fittings that had been removed.
The engine and carburettor fitted with millimetres to spare. Speaking of the carburettor, I
was fortunate to have the correct SX plastic top sent to me by an Alpine owner in Norway
(He competed successfully for many years in the Historic Monte).
Once the engine was in and everything connected I could not start it or even turn it over. I
spoke to many people about this and on advice cleaned every earth wire connection to every
switch.
Success and the car came to life.
Obviously 20 years of no activity
had glazed the connections.
One thing that threw me was that
the positive wire on the SX is quite
different to previous A110 models.
It goes from the battery to the
starter motor, the alternator and
back up to the ignition switch last.
Alpine engineer Jean Pierre
alerted me to this, to say that the
electric diagram that is printed in
the SX owner’s manual is wrong.
As were the specifications for the
suspension and wheel alignment!!!
The Berlinette was finally licensed
for the road in 2012 and obviously
I am very proud to drive it.
During the restoration I have had
times of doubt, frustrations and
satisfaction.
I obviously have had, and will
have to come, issues that will test
me.
Do you restore to its standard factory specification or alter to a higher level?
Mine remains as factory standard.
My Berlinette is not a
concours d’elegance
restoration never to be used, as I intend to
compete in historic events. To that end I have fitted an electric kill switch, fire extinguisher,
rev limiter and harness seat belts to compliment the roll bar.
I have fitted an extra fan to complement the existing two to cope with the high temperatures
of Perth's super-hot weather.
One thing I have to do is thank the many Alpine enthusiasts who have helped me during
the restoration both in Australia, France and the UK. It is amazing how forthcoming
everyone has been.
Birds of a feather flock together?
The Alpine is often to be seen at Dad's Army Tuesdays.
These two shots show its immaculate finish