For 1985, the Alpine and Solara models were re-branded in the UK. The names were plucked from the ex-Rootes stockpile, and equipment levels were uprated…
Pictures kindly supplied by Graham Arnold
Latest posts by Matthew Hayward (see all)
- Concept and prototypes : Ford Capri (1966-1968) - 25 March 2021
- Concepts and prototypes : Avenger R429 Coupé (1969-1971) - 19 June 2014
- Geneva 2012 : Genève aime Morgan - 10 March 2012
Looked very much passed it at the time but these have matured into a fine, if very rare, classic.
I remember these Minx/Rapier models and thought they were limited edition run out models. That 2 tone (Solara) Rapier looks quite nice.
Two tone colours did have a mini boom in the mid 80s, thinking of those two tone Maestros and Montegos…
@maestrowoff
Into the 90s too, was an excuse to keep grey bumpers. Use grey cladding on the sides, the rubbing strips as a natural border.
R8s, Ford Orion and Sierra Sapphire had it.
In fact, interior design of the time consisted of one type of wallpaper, a dado rail and border, and a different wallpaper.
I’ve seen a few R8’s with the lower paintwork matching the bumpers.
Some care more recently have had 2 tone paint, I’ve seen a few Chrysler (sorry Lancia) Deltas like this.
2 tone definitely making a comeback.
Although the trend now is for a different coloured roof / pillars to the main body panels.
Ford Orion 2 tone – http://reallymeansounds.com/garage/carimages/i1345.jpg
R8 2 tone – http://www.aronline.co.uk/images/r8gallery_01.jpg
The Lancia/Chrysler is a little more discreet about it, the roof colour, panel colour and lower grey make it a 3 tone!
http://agnellimotorpark.ie/wp-content/gallery/chrysler-delta/chryslerptcorsa1.jpg
I once had a Escort LX Mark V company car (1991) in Red/Charcoal two tone with grey bumpers. Still got photos of it.
The trouble with Talbot renaming the Solara as Minx & Rapier was that people of my age could remember the real Hillman Minx and Sunbeam Rapier of the 60’s. Hard to think it’s nearly 30 years since Alpines & Solaras were built.
Re: “Into the 90s too, was an excuse to keep grey bumpers. Use grey cladding on the sides, the rubbing strips as a natural border.
R8s, Ford Orion and Sierra Sapphire had it.”
Renault started that in the late ’70s on the R5.