1985 Alfa Romeo Alfasud

The Alfa Romeo Sprint – or Alfasud Sprint, as it was originally known - was in production from 1976 to 1989. It is a front-engine, front-wheel drive coupe styled by Giugiaro.

The Alfa Romeo Alfasud Sprint was launched in 1976. Based on the Alfasud, the car wore a new coupe shell similar to the Alfetta GT. Launched as a 1.3-litre using the engine from the Alfasud 1.3 ti, at launch options were restricted to alloy wheels, metallic paint and a clock. In May 1978 Alfa added the option of a 1.5-litre engine – again from the boxer family. The seats were also modified with more pronounced bolsters.

In 1979 the range was revised again with slightly more power, courtesy of two twin-choke carburettors and a higher compression ratio for both 1.3- and 1.5-litre mills. The cars were renamed the Alfa Romeo Alfasud Sprint Veloce.

In 1983 the car was renamed Alfa Romeo Sprint, and mechanical changes were made to bring it in line with the new 33. These included a more conventional disc/drum braking system, and modified front suspension. The range now consisted of 1.3, 1.5 and 1.5 Green Cloverleaf. The latter could be identified by its green grille, metric wheels and tail spoiler.

In November 1987 the 1.5-litre models were replaced with the 1.7-litre Green Cloverleaf. New wheels and vented disc brakes were the most obvious changes to onlookers, though the 33 Green Cloverleaf’s 1.7-litre engine meant it performed rather differently too.

In all, 116,552 Sprints were produced. The model was not directly replaced.

The Alfa Romeo Alfasud Sprint shared its mechanicals with the Alfasud saloon. This meant it was front-engine with front-wheel drive and a five-speed manual gearbox. All models used 1.3-, 1.5- or 1.7-litre boxer engines. Until 1983 the Alfasud Sprint used all-wheel disc brakes with inboard discs at the front – though when the car was renamed the Alfa Romeo Sprint it reverted to the disc/drum setup of the Alfa Romeo 33.

Courtesy the Alfasud underpinnings, the Alfa Romeo Sprint unsurprisingly handles quite well. A choice of powerful and revvy flat fours, a nice gearbox, and neutral handling make the Sprint a delight to drive. Yes, it has a short leg/long arm driving position, but it’s an Italian GT -– what else do you expect?

Cars with rear disc brakes can suffer from seized calipers through a lack of use – the nose does most of the braking. Later cars with the Alfa Romeo 33 braking system don’t tend to suffer from this issue.

As with the Alfasud hatch, the column stalks perform a variety of roles, and can be damaged easily if care isn’t taken. A number of electrical issues can be cured by replacing the stalks. Synchromeshes can wear but barring that Alfasud mechanicals tend to be strong if maintained.

Alfa Romeo Alfasud Sprints and Alfa Sprints rust just as badly as their Alfasud namesake. Check the front wings, the A pillars and A posts, door hinge mounts, and all the usual areas such as the sills, floorpans and valances. You’ll be lucky to find a Sprint with no corrosion at all.

Most desirable are the early Alfasud Sprints, or the very late Alfa Romeo Sprint Green Cloverleaf with the 1.7-litre engine. There isn’t much of a price differential between the Alfasud and Alfa 33 based examples, though the later cars are more conventional and easier to maintain.

Alfa Romeo Alfasud Sprint buyers would also be drawn to the Volkswagen Scirocco, Lancia HPE and Matra Bagheera. But hot hatch buyers -– people buying Volkswagen Golf GTis or Ford Escort XR3is – would also have been seduced by the Sprint’s charms. All make good alternatives today.