1980 Alfa Romeo Alfasud

The Alfa Romeo Alfasud was in production from 1972 to 1983. The Alfasud was Alfa Romeo’s first compact car, and first with front-wheel drive. It is a front-engine car styled by Bertone.

The Alfa Romeo Alfasud was launched as a four door 1.2 in 1972. A clean sheet design, the car was produced at a new factory built in the south of Italy. In November 1973 Alfa Romeo launched the Alfasud Ti. This was a sports model using a new two-door shell. A Weber carburettor, four headlamps and other detail changes set the Ti apart.

In 1975 Alfa Romeo launched the Alfasud SE, later known as the Lusso. This was an upmarket derivative with cloth seats, overriders and additional chrome trim. The Giardinetta estate launched in May 1975 and also used Lusso trim.

The Lusso was replaced in March 1976 by the 5m – a car with similar spec but a five-speed manual gearbox. This was the first four-door five-speed Alfasud, followed a year later by a larger 1.3-litre engine for the Ti.

In 1977 the 5m was replaced with the similar Alfasud Super. The Ti was given a 1.5-litre engine during a raft of upgrades made the following year.

In 1980, the Alfasud received a comprehensive upgrade, with new plastic bumpers and a hatchback replacing the previous two-door saloon body. The four-door would have to wait until 1982 to become a hatch. The range-topping five-door was the Gold Cloverleaf luxury edition, with the sporty Ti three door renamed Green Cloverleaf.

The Alfa Romeo Alfasud was powered by a wholly new range of flat four engines. These began at 1.2 litres, growing to 1.3 and eventually 1.5 litres. Most were paired with four-speed manual gearboxes, though some sporting models used a five-speed. Unusually, all models used all-wheel disc brakes, with inboard discs at the front.

The Alfasud proved to be the handling benchmark for family cars throughout the 1970s. Beautiful, neutral handling with a slight hint of understeer, its revvy little boxer engines encourage brisk driving. Admittedly the driving position is a little Italian -– but that’s because it is Italian. It just means it feels more special.

Rear brakes can seize through underuse -– make sure you brake hard in reverse to give them some work. Handbrake levers can stick too, unless lubricated. Front brakes rarely give problems if maintained.

The column stalks operate most of the electrical functions, and can easily be broken. It’s worth checking that everything works before purchase. Many faults can be cured by replacing the switches. Mechanically, second gear synchromesh can be weak but doesn’t usually prevent the car from being driven. Barring that, an Alfasud is reliable if adequately maintained.

Rust is the biggest issue for an Alfa Romeo Alfasud, and they rust everywhere. Poor Russian steel and exposing bare shells to rain meant they were rusting almost before they were sold. Check the front wings, steering rack mountings, A pillar, chassis rails, screen frame, arches and valances in particular, though an Alfasud can rust anywhere if given the opportunity.

The Alfa Romeo Alfasud is a desirable classic saloon, with values doubtless helped by a relatively low survival rate. Early Alfasuds are the most desirable, along with the powerful Ti and Gold Cloverleaf models. Rare Giardinettas are collectable but not worth significantly more than the equivalent saloon.

The most natural rivals were Citroen’s GS and the Austin Allegro. The Citroen was arguably closer in concept, as a stylish European flat four. Alfasud buyers could also have chosen the Audi 50, Lancia Beta or Lancia Delta.