I had waited for CC’s Roger Carr to cover Alfa Romeo’s Alfasud for ages. First, to get his take on the model. Second, so that I could start sharing a few I had found in Central America.
As the brand has suffered in the last decades, most commoners don’t know what an Alfa is around here. Yet, those who do are a few faithful that keep the models alive, against all expectations. Especially in a nation like El Salvador, where any broken mechanical piece means weeks of waiting. But the faithful are strong, and the seduction of Alfa is mighty. I’ve known a few, and I don’t question their devotion. Alfas are mighty sweet rides to my eyes.
This was a most unlikely find. Driveways in this nation are usually protected with heavy iron gates, and this was not the exception. But to the ‘car-trained’ eye even the tiniest glance awakens the senses. As I walked by this house with my wife, I noticed through some slots an unusual shape. “An Alfa!” With that, I told my wife to watch over the street while I got my cell into the driveway to snap a couple of shots.
No street guard came around (a permanent nuisance), no dog bit off my hand, and I think I didn’t break any laws. My wife seems content to support me on these silly outbursts and I got a few shots of this shy Alfa. One of the few remaining in this nation. In my book, all those are major pluses and all is well with the world.
Further reading:
Curbside Classic: 1984-1987 Alfa Romeo Sprint 1.3 – “When I see an Alfa Go By, I Tip My Hat”
That sprint badge is the much more formed and regimented version of the sublime very handmade version I was raving about on another Alfa’s page. Still pleasing, but just not so charming as the older one.
This was the dream car of my youth. Yet to own one. But there’s still time!
Usually it’s known as the Alfa Romeo Alfasud worldwide in its four door version , yes this one is the Alfasud Ti 2 doors, with some coupé character . Both configurations were great cars with a distinctively design , maybe the 4 Doors was a little bit best buy
This body style (2-door hatchback coupe) was officially called the Alfa Romeo Alfasud Sprint from ’76-83, then after a mid-’83 facelift they became simply the Alfa Romeo Sprint (dropping the “Alfasud”) until production ended in ’89.
it is always a pleasure to welcome a new member to the Squadra Alfisti – well spotted.
Hat tip to your wife for her patience; I suspect she’s used to it……;-)
As it happens, someone I know has one of these, in the same colour too. Must see if I can get ahold of it for a feature here.
Great car. My dad had one in 1981. I drove it occasionally. Terrible brakes! The inboard discs would get so hot they would melt the steering rack gaiters! Had to drop the engine to change the water pump. Actually pretty easy. Rusted like crazy though.
I drove an Alfasud for a whole summer in Southern France. It was a great car to drive, response, fast and felt so strong and well built. It was dark blue, navy blue . Economical on gas. I wish now that i could have one in the states. The ” sud” in Alfasud was added because the cars were built in Sicily.
Wrong it was because they were built at Pomigliano d’Arco near Naples.
I had a sud 1.5 t ı in early 80s, mot exiting car I ever owned and I’ve had a good few from jaguar to skoda.
At 1 time I had 5 in various statesof repair, plenty spares parts
Owned 2 Alfasud,s 1158 5M four door 1978,and 1983 Green Cloverleaf 1.5 TI brilliant cars,drove the TI to Italy and back