While I did not post much on my blog, I was still going around spotting cars. As luck would have it, I chanced upon this 1983 Alfa Romeo Alfasud Ti 1.3 by accident: it was something that I had not seen before and naturally it grabbed my attention for the rest of the day.
Launched in 1971, the Alfasud was the result of Alfa Romeo's work in building a smaller front wheel drive car. It was manufactured at a new factory at Pomigliano d'Arco in southern Italy, hence the car's name, Alfa Sud (Alfa South). However, unlike many economy cars of its era, the Alfasud was engineered with a keen focus on driving dynamics. Its engine allowed a low hood/bonnet line, leading to an aerodynamic profile, a low center of gravity, and noteworthy road-holding and handling.
Initially available as a saloon, the hatchback and a 3-door estate (Giardinetta) followed soon after. A 3-door coupe known as the Alfasud Sprint was released in 1976. 1980 saw a facelift with a new instrument panels, headlights and plastic bumpers. The Ti (Turismo Internazionale) model added a sporty touch to the lineup, featuring a more aggressive front end, additional aerodynamic tweaks, and a set of stylish alloy wheels. The 1.3 Ti was powered by a 1351 cc Boxer H4 engine, allowing it to reach a top speed of 170 km/h with an acceleration of 11.4 seconds [0-100 km/h]. It weighed 895 kg and was 3995 mm long, with a fuel consumption of 8.2 litres / 100 km.
Unfortunately, Alfasuds were plagued by rust due to improper maintenance and storage of the car bodies (given that the factory was quite close to the sea). Production of Alfasud hatchbacks ended in 1983 while the Sprint lasted till 1986. Of the 1 million made, about 37,000 were the 1.3 Ti hatchbacks.
Alfasuds were sold in Singapore back in 1974 where it retailed at S$15,000; this was noted to be more expensive than other cars in the 1001-1200 cc range. Interestingly, Alfasud assembly existed in Malaysia but all were in the 4-door bodywork. I was also aware of an original Singapore unit that was scrapped a few years back. This particular unit has been imported from the UK, still sporting its former dealer's decal Roger Simpson of Highworth. While the Alfasud may not be the most famous Alfa, it is certainly one of the most underrated; for the owner to even be aware of this car's existence and bring it is no mean feat. Hopefully you will be able to see it on our roads some day!
