My 1988 Alfa Sprint 1.7 16valve

[robemcdonald]

I have decided to start a readers car thread on my Alfa Sprint.

I have owned the car since 2007. It had the 1.7 16v engine from a late 33 in it when i bought it. I believe the original 1.5l would have had something like 105 BHP the 1.7 16V makes around 137. The car weighs in at less than 900KG, so it has no problem keeping up with modern traffic.

Not long after I purchased the car I removed the bumpers and had it painted. The problem is the painter (who promised the world) delivered a paint job that had been described as (hiding some horrors)

A few years ago i had the Sills replaced for an MoT and that's where we are.

I was so disappointed with the paint I didn't really do very much with it and its done around 100 miles a year.

Things are going to change. The car is now with a local paint shop for a hopefully proper respray.

So the car was modified when i got it and I have modified it some more. I know many will prefer a standard looking car and that's entirely fair enough. Please feel free to not bother telling me.

Here are a few pictures of before the new paint.

[Chunkychucky]

Nice, as you say I bet that doesn't struggle to keep up with modern traffic! Should think it's great fun getting to work out the engine with that lightweight chassis, disparagingly rare nowadays aswell - anything German of similar vintage seems to be comparatively bountiful! Kudos for keeping this old Alfa alive and thanks for sharing, look forward to further updates

[waynedear]

Gorgeous, my only 33 had the 1.7ie engine, went very well.

[omniflow]

Where are you getting it painted, and what made you choose them over anyone else.

I'd also be interested to know the eventual cost and the amount of work done (glass out? engine out?) - however I fully understand if you don't want to post that on here.

[robemcdonald]

omniflow said:

Where are you getting it painted, and what made you choose them over anyone else.

I'd also be interested to know the eventual cost and the amount of work done (glass out? engine out?) - however I fully understand if you don't want to post that on here.

Somewhere nearby I have used before

Glass out

Not going to discuss costs, but arguably it’s costing more than the value of the car.

[robemcdonald]

Some progress shots

Not too many horrors, but there are a few jump scares.

[Alfahorn]

Lovely old boxer. The seats which look the same as fitted in the 33 are in remarkable condition. They were very prone to wearing right through, particularly on the drivers OS bolster.

Look forward to seeing more of your progress on this little beauty.

[robemcdonald]

Not sure what happened to the other pics

[robemcdonald]

[robemcdonald]

[robemcdonald]

[robemcdonald]

[robemcdonald]

One wing is primered at least

[robemcdonald]

The nsf wing is about the worst of it and is going to be patched with steel on the front by the valance and on the rim of the arch.

I’m hoping it will be done for retro rides in May.

[Rushjob]

Keep the updates coming please

[robemcdonald]

Alfahorn said:

Lovely old boxer. The seats which look the same as fitted in the 33 are in remarkable condition. They were very prone to wearing right through, particularly on the drivers OS bolster.

Look forward to seeing more of your progress on this little beauty.

Thanks

The seats are out of the permanent 4 that donated its 16v engine.

The bodywork guy showed me a couple of spray outs, as obviously there are two Alfa whites in 1988….
It’s almost a cream colour and I bloomin love it.

I have my QV stickers ready, but might leave them off…

[StescoG66]

Biancospino?
Watching with interest to finishing a 1.7 8v

[Harry Flashman]

Such a good looking car!

[robemcdonald]

StescoG66 said:

Biancospino?
Watching with interest to finishing a 1.7 8v

It’s ALFA ROMEO CAPODIMONTE WHITE (A) AR015

[robemcdonald]

Harry Flashman said:

Such a good looking car!

Thanks. It isn’t currently at its best though…