The Alfasud: A Collector’s Guide

The introduction of the Alfasud in the autumn of 1971 was a major landmark in the history of Alfa Romeo, Italy’s State-owned car manufacturer. Not only did it bring desperately needed employment to the impoverished area around Naples, where a purpose-built factory was built for the assembly of the new car, but the Alfasud took Alfa Romeo into an important new market, one for so long dominated by Fiat.

The Alfasud was enthusiastically acclaimed on its debut at the Turin Motor Show, as much for its smooth lines as for its advanced technical specification, including a flat-four-cylinder OHC engine and front-wheel drive. Notwithstanding labour disputes which kept production well below the level of demand, and quality-control problems which were to considerably reduce the life expectancy of many of the early cars, the Alfasud’s design quality was never in doubt and the car’s outstanding road holding and ride were soon to win it many enthusiastic devotees.

Initially built with a 1.2-litre engine, a four-speed gearbox and a four-door body style, the Alfasud range has been progressively extended and remains an important part of the Alfa Romeo catalogue in the mid-1980s. In 1973 came the more powerful ti model with its four headlamps, rear spoiler and a five-speed transmission which later found its way into the 5m saloons. In 1976 there was the stylish Sprint, and the following year the first of the 1.3-litre engines, which in turn were to be augmented by 1.5-litre versions from 1979. The saloon bodies were facelifted in 1980 and in 1981 they became hatchbacks. Horsepower has risen steadily, from the 63bhp of the original models to the 105bhp of the 1.5-litre Sprint Veloce.

Initially dismayed by the propensity to rusting of earlier models, enthusiasts have since come to appreciate the improved build quality of later versions.

This book chapters cover:
Ancestors and heritage: The Alfa tradition
The Alfasud plan: A car plant for Naples
The original Alfasud: Design and early production
Sporting Suds: The arrival of the ti
Variations on the theme: Giardinetta, Sprint and Super
Hatchbacks and Veloces: Moving the Alfasud up-market
The competition story: Racing and rallying Alfasuds
Owning an Alfasud: Purchase and maintenance
Specifications for Alfasud models, 1972-1983
Alfasud production, 1972-1984
Performance figures
Alfa Romeo clubs