1966 Renault 10

Renault 10 Major R1190 – 1966 – Alpine 1300 – Group 2 Inspired

This 1966 Renault 10 Major R1190 is a distinctive classic that has undergone extensive mechanical restoration and has been individually prepared in a sporting style inspired by historic French rally and competition cars.

The car is registered in Poland as a historic vehicle.

At the heart of the Renault is a high-revving 1, 300 cc Alpine engine, which has undergone a comprehensive rebuild and performance-oriented modifications. The engine was fitted with new pistons, connecting rods, piston rings and bearings. It also received a Group 2 specification camshaft, cylinder-head porting, and a new timing chain and timing gears.

The engine is equipped with Weber carburettors, which have been professionally set up and tuned. Together with the Alpine engine specification, they give the car a much more sporting character than a standard Renault 10.

The gearbox has also been rebuilt and the car is equipped with a 5-speed transmission. A stainless-steel exhaust system has been fitted.

The Renault has been further prepared with a number of competition-inspired upgrades, including:

Alpine 1300 engine

Weber carburettors

Group 2 specification camshaft

Ported cylinder head

Rebuilt 5-speed gearbox

Stainless-steel exhaust system

Roll bar

Bucket seats

4-point harnesses

Alloy wheels

Semi-slick tyres

Upgraded braking system

Reinforced steering system

The car has undergone extensive work and is not presented as an untouched, factory-original Renault 10. It should instead be regarded as a carefully prepared historic sporting Renault, combining the classic appearance and lightweight character of the R10 with a significantly more interesting mechanical specification.

The body and interior present well for a classic car of this age, although, as with any vehicle from 1966 that has been restored and subsequently used, minor signs of age and use should be expected. We prefer to describe the car honestly rather than claim it is a flawless concours example.

Mechanically, a considerable amount of work has already been completed. Nevertheless, this remains a modified classic vehicle, so normal ongoing maintenance, adjustment of the Weber carburettors and routine inspection of the competition-oriented components should be expected in future ownership.

Overall, this is an unusual and characterful Renault 10 Major with an attractive period competition specification. It would suit an enthusiast looking for something considerably more distinctive than a standard R10, whether for classic-car events, historic rallies, shows or enjoyable weekend driving.

Why This Renault 10 Major Is Special

We bought this Renault 10 Major because it represents exactly the kind of classic car we find most interesting – something rare, full of character and with the potential to become much more exciting than the standard production model.

What makes this particular Renault stand out is the combination of its elegant and unmistakably 1960s appearance with its much more serious sporting mechanical specification. The Alpine 1300 engine, Weber carburettors, Group 2 specification camshaft and 5-speed gearbox completely transform the character of the car while retaining its period feel.

It is not simply a restored Renault 10. It has been built with inspiration from the French rally and competition cars of the period, with carefully selected modifications including the upgraded braking and steering systems, stainless-steel exhaust, roll bar, bucket seats and 4-point harnesses.

Our favourite thing about this car is the contrast between its appearance and the way it drives. At first glance, it looks like a charming and relatively understated 1960s Renault saloon. Once the Alpine engine comes to life and the Weber carburettors begin to work, it becomes a completely different car – lively, engaging and full of character.

That combination of rarity, period style and sporting personality is what makes this Renault 10 Major particularly special to us.