Thread: Alfasud
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Old 03-11-2002, 05:42 PM   #1
crayzayjay
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Alfasud

(1971-1989)
Alfa Romeo began development of the Alfasud began in the late 60's. The Alfasud was a compact FWD hatchback, but from the start the emphasis was on the sporting edge of the car, which handled extremely well. The car was available in 4 and 2-door trim, and developed into quite a little demon when the 1.3 Sprint (75bhp) 2-door/coupé was released in '76. This was then succeeded by the 1.5 Sprint (85bhp) and finally the 95bhp Sprint Veloce, which featured a twin Weber IDF carburettor on each cylinder head. The saloon version received slightly less powerful engines compared to the Sprint, but handled just as well.
The Cloverleaf model, Alfa Romeo's performance tag, saw the Sprint and saloon developing a healthy 105bhp (remember we're talking 20 years ago here!).
1981 saw a major change to the range when the three door cars were introduced. The small bootlid was replaced by a large hatchback, and folding rear seats introduced.
Production of the saloon stopped in 1983 when it was replaced by the 33. The Sprint continued on until 1989, in it's later years being fitted with the 1712cc unit from the 33. Various other changes were also made to the later Sprints to commonise parts with the 33, including the use of drum brakes on the revised rear axle and outboard disc brakes at the front replacing the original Sud's inboard ones.
Alfasuds are great little cars, and while you may not be overly impressed with the power they developed, they truly were outstanding performers in terms of handling, steering, responding urgently to every input at the wheel and on the throttle. Alfasuds made for extremely entertaining twisty-mountain drives. Moreover, they played a significant role in starting the hot-hatch trend, without which awesome cars like the 205GTi and Clio Williams wouldnt exist. Oh yeah, one more thing, don't leave them out in the rain!






cheers,
jay
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