Automobiles

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