RE: Alfa Romeo Alfasud | Spotted
Discussion
My mate a Gold Cloverleaf just like that. I had a 1.5SC then a Sprint than a 33 Green Cloverleaf. My mates has countless others from SC's and Ti's to Green Cloverleafs.
Golf GTI's started to pip them with power but if there was once car I wanted to thrash down a Scottish B road in the early 80's it was a Sud of some description. The steering, brakes, damping and adjustability were fantastic.
Here's my (horribly green) 85bhp Sprint and my mate's (much nicer silver) Veloce in the Scottish borders in 82 or 83.
Golf GTI's started to pip them with power but if there was once car I wanted to thrash down a Scottish B road in the early 80's it was a Sud of some description. The steering, brakes, damping and adjustability were fantastic.
Here's my (horribly green) 85bhp Sprint and my mate's (much nicer silver) Veloce in the Scottish borders in 82 or 83.
usualdog said:
Chris C2 said:
FWIW Suds were also assembled in South Africa and Malaysia - both RHD markets? I wonder if they are better built and last longer - especially the South African ones in a dry climate - opportunity for imports?
But using Russian steel which was the root of the rust problem IIRCAlso engineers called for filling all bodywork box-sections with synthetic foam, which was later discovered to hold moisture ironically this was supposed to be an anti-rust measure.
I've waxed lyrical about my love of the Alfasud before, so I'll spare you the purple-prose essay. Suffice to say they're one of my all-time favourite cars and I have yet to drive any saloon car (and few sports cars) from any era that is so perfectly pleasurable to drive. None of them are fast, most of them aren't even 'quick', but the purity of the steering, the 'seat of the pants' feedback, the absolutely linear control response, the poise and balance in the corners, the adjustability, the joy of revving out that short-stroke flat-four with its crisp exhaust note all make up for it. And I have never come across another car of any sort that manages to have such a supple ride yet feel so 'sport' - an early Lotus Elise is what's come closest. The sort of car that would be amazing to see reinterpreted in modern form with modern materials and a sprinkle of modern drivetrain and brake technology, but such a thing could never exist because you can't make a four-door saloon with unassisted steering that clocks in at 840kg unladen in 2022 - for many reasons, many of them perfectly good and laudable and some not so much.
My Dad had two 'Suds - one a mid-spec four-door and the other was the only new car he's ever bought which was a 1.5Ti. He still raves about how good both were to drive, but the Ti needed replacement wings under warranty (rust), rear wheel arches welding for its first MoT (rust), sills welding for its second MoT (rust) and a second set of new front wings for its third MoT after corrosion just bloomed in the middle of the panels for no apparent reason (either impurities in the steel or corrosion that started in the damp air of Naples when unpainted panels were left stored outside at the factory). So he got rid and went back to BL cars.
He purchased a project 'Sud as a retirement present to himself - a 1975 1.3 Super, originally purchased in the UK (and Ziebart-ed extensively when new) and then shipped out to Malta where it spent most of its days. So it only needed moderate amounts of welding to the 'bathtub', inner wings and floorpan, plus some replacement panels. Very interesting cars to work on and build up from an engineering point of view, the boxer engine is a gem and the finished product was just magnificent to drive around Dartmoor or the lanes of mid-Cornwall.
I'm not a total expert on the minutiae of the 'Sud range, but I think other posters are right when they say this isn't a Ti, which were all two/three-door models with quad headlamps. This is a 1.5 Cloverleaf (or, very late in the production run, a 1,5 Gold Cloverleaf) - basically the same as a Ti Cloverleaf/Green Cloverleaf but the five-door body. In fairness the actual advert seems to get it right.
My Dad had two 'Suds - one a mid-spec four-door and the other was the only new car he's ever bought which was a 1.5Ti. He still raves about how good both were to drive, but the Ti needed replacement wings under warranty (rust), rear wheel arches welding for its first MoT (rust), sills welding for its second MoT (rust) and a second set of new front wings for its third MoT after corrosion just bloomed in the middle of the panels for no apparent reason (either impurities in the steel or corrosion that started in the damp air of Naples when unpainted panels were left stored outside at the factory). So he got rid and went back to BL cars.
He purchased a project 'Sud as a retirement present to himself - a 1975 1.3 Super, originally purchased in the UK (and Ziebart-ed extensively when new) and then shipped out to Malta where it spent most of its days. So it only needed moderate amounts of welding to the 'bathtub', inner wings and floorpan, plus some replacement panels. Very interesting cars to work on and build up from an engineering point of view, the boxer engine is a gem and the finished product was just magnificent to drive around Dartmoor or the lanes of mid-Cornwall.
I'm not a total expert on the minutiae of the 'Sud range, but I think other posters are right when they say this isn't a Ti, which were all two/three-door models with quad headlamps. This is a 1.5 Cloverleaf (or, very late in the production run, a 1,5 Gold Cloverleaf) - basically the same as a Ti Cloverleaf/Green Cloverleaf but the five-door body. In fairness the actual advert seems to get it right.
Wow there can't be many left so I suppose it's worth 20k to someone. I'd certainly consider one for my fantasy heated barn.
My 1st car was a Sprint (coupe version). Terrible rust and electrics. Carbs and brakes needed constant attention and the steering was very heavy but such a revvy smooth engine and fantastic roadholding.
My 1st car was a Sprint (coupe version). Terrible rust and electrics. Carbs and brakes needed constant attention and the steering was very heavy but such a revvy smooth engine and fantastic roadholding.
TyrannosauRoss Lex said:
Am I the only one who just thinks it doesn't look remotely good? Like an old Metro.
Nope, I don't think they look remotely good either, but maybe I am missing the point? I've never driven one so I'm taking it on face value, which is maybe being a little unfair?griffdude said:
Through Ti Alfasuds has twin headlights?
An ex girlfriend had a 1.5 Cloverleaf & it was a great drive. Lovely revvy engine.
You're correct, Alfa never made a "Ti Gold cloverleaf". An error in the advert, should simply read Gold cloverleaf. An ex girlfriend had a 1.5 Cloverleaf & it was a great drive. Lovely revvy engine.
This model had the same engine as the Ti of the same era, however it was marketed as the luxury version of the range.
MrGeoff said:
TyrannosauRoss Lex said:
Am I the only one who just thinks it doesn't look remotely good? Like an old Metro.
Nope, I don't think they look remotely good either, but maybe I am missing the point? I've never driven one so I'm taking it on face value, which is maybe being a little unfair?But I'd have to seriously question the aesthetic judgement of anyone who doesn't think that this is, at the very least, a well-proportioned and handsome little car:
And that's without getting into the Sprint, which I think in original guise (again, before the plastic bolt-ons appeared) is one of the prettiest cars ever made.
Edited by 2xChevrons on Monday 28th February 15:57
I've told a lot of Sud stories on here in the past so sorry if you've heard this before but on one of my first drives of a Sud I ended up being "challenged" by some bloke in a Capri 3.0. Unfortunately he picked absolutely the wrong road, the very bumpy and twisty coast road running into Limekilns from the west.
He would have murdered the Sud in a straight line but on bumpy, adverse-cambered switchbacks the Sud was in its element and the Capri was bucking and heaving all over the place. I was gaining 4 or 5 car lengths per corner. It was highly amusing to see his efforts in the rear view mirror.
Not the only time a Ford owner bit off more he can chew. A mate of mine in a GTV6 once saw an ambitious driver in a Mk2 Escort sitting off his back bumper in the time-honoured "lets race" manner. My mate kept inching his speed up. The optimist in the Escort did the same right up to the point when he ran out of talent, road an grip, went sideways through a hedge and rolled it in a field.
But back to the Suds; they did loads of trips to the Scottish Highlands, they got thrashed around Fife and the Borders a lot and the silver Spring in the photo I posted earlier took me and my mate to Italy and back twice.
Eventually the competition got too much for them but they were fabulous for a long long time and I've never experienced steering feel like it since.
He would have murdered the Sud in a straight line but on bumpy, adverse-cambered switchbacks the Sud was in its element and the Capri was bucking and heaving all over the place. I was gaining 4 or 5 car lengths per corner. It was highly amusing to see his efforts in the rear view mirror.
Not the only time a Ford owner bit off more he can chew. A mate of mine in a GTV6 once saw an ambitious driver in a Mk2 Escort sitting off his back bumper in the time-honoured "lets race" manner. My mate kept inching his speed up. The optimist in the Escort did the same right up to the point when he ran out of talent, road an grip, went sideways through a hedge and rolled it in a field.
But back to the Suds; they did loads of trips to the Scottish Highlands, they got thrashed around Fife and the Borders a lot and the silver Spring in the photo I posted earlier took me and my mate to Italy and back twice.
Eventually the competition got too much for them but they were fabulous for a long long time and I've never experienced steering feel like it since.
2xChevrons said:
MrGeoff said:
TyrannosauRoss Lex said:
Am I the only one who just thinks it doesn't look remotely good? Like an old Metro.
Nope, I don't think they look remotely good either, but maybe I am missing the point? I've never driven one so I'm taking it on face value, which is maybe being a little unfair?But I'd have to seriously question the aesthetic judgement of anyone who doesn't think that this is, at the very least, a well-proportioned and handsome little car:
And that's without getting into the Sprint, which I think in original guise (again, before the plastic bolt-ons appeared) is one of the prettiest cars ever made.
Edited by 2xChevrons on Monday 28th February 15:57
AC43 said:
I've told a lot of Sud stories on here in the past so sorry if you've heard this before but on one of my first drives of a Sud I ended up being "challenged" by some bloke in a Capri 3.0. Unfortunately he picked absolutely the wrong road, the very bumpy and twisty coast road running into Limekilns from the west.
He would have murdered the Sud in a straight line but on bumpy, adverse-cambered switchbacks the Sud was in its element and the Capri was bucking and heaving all over the place. I was gaining 4 or 5 car lengths per corner. It was highly amusing to see his efforts in the rear view mirror.
Not the only time a Ford owner bit off more he can chew. A mate of mine in a GTV6 once saw an ambitious driver in a Mk2 Escort sitting off his back bumper in the time-honoured "lets race" manner. My mate kept inching his speed up. The optimist in the Escort did the same right up to the point when he ran out of talent, road an grip, went sideways through a hedge and rolled it in a field.
But back to the Suds; they did loads of trips to the Scottish Highlands, they got thrashed around Fife and the Borders a lot and the silver Spring in the photo I posted earlier took me and my mate to Italy and back twice.
Eventually the competition got too much for them but they were fabulous for a long long time and I've never experienced steering feel like it since.
I had various Suds from the age of 17. Just after passing my test, I had a duel with a lad in a 1992 Nova. He couldn't believe a small-engined old car from 1977 could leave him down twisty lanes so easily. The body control, reaction to driver input and an engine that begged to be wrung to death. It wasn't until I bought a Clio 182 that I remembered how that car made me feel.He would have murdered the Sud in a straight line but on bumpy, adverse-cambered switchbacks the Sud was in its element and the Capri was bucking and heaving all over the place. I was gaining 4 or 5 car lengths per corner. It was highly amusing to see his efforts in the rear view mirror.
Not the only time a Ford owner bit off more he can chew. A mate of mine in a GTV6 once saw an ambitious driver in a Mk2 Escort sitting off his back bumper in the time-honoured "lets race" manner. My mate kept inching his speed up. The optimist in the Escort did the same right up to the point when he ran out of talent, road an grip, went sideways through a hedge and rolled it in a field.
But back to the Suds; they did loads of trips to the Scottish Highlands, they got thrashed around Fife and the Borders a lot and the silver Spring in the photo I posted earlier took me and my mate to Italy and back twice.
Eventually the competition got too much for them but they were fabulous for a long long time and I've never experienced steering feel like it since.
I remember being mightily impressed back when they were new . Has anybody had recent experience of a good one and if those famed qualities still make it a good drive ?
It certainly looks a good example of one but at £20k not an easy sell . But , as they say , find another .
It certainly looks a good example of one but at £20k not an easy sell . But , as they say , find another .
Edited by Callum43 on Monday 28th February 16:56
I remember our sports teacher getting one of these (1.5ti) brand new in the early 80s.
Within 18mths the thing had rusted immensely (largely along bottom of doors and wheel arches.)
That I still have the image of that car in my head all these years later says how significant an event it was (ha-ha!) as I really liked the car but was so disappointed to see that happening. Remember, this was in the 80s and cars rusting was common. But this was weapons-grade.
Thing is, I would still have one (along with a Fiat Strada Abarth 130 TC.)
Within 18mths the thing had rusted immensely (largely along bottom of doors and wheel arches.)
That I still have the image of that car in my head all these years later says how significant an event it was (ha-ha!) as I really liked the car but was so disappointed to see that happening. Remember, this was in the 80s and cars rusting was common. But this was weapons-grade.
Thing is, I would still have one (along with a Fiat Strada Abarth 130 TC.)
God I haven't scene an Alfa sud in years , probably the last was on the TV when Mike and Edd had1 which I believe was next to the last series Edd was in the series that was split between home and us guess around 9-10 years ago ,
The car they had was I believe the 1.5 ti cloverleaf which isn't that the model to have top of the range , when completed it looks the dogs testicles and was sold for under 8 grand,I wouldn't pay 20grand for 1,if I really wanted 1 and had to be Rhd try and source 1 from Malta Cyprus south Africa or Aus if you don't mind having a left hooker should be plenty rust free in South of France parts of Spain and Italy., But at home bet with out looking Guess there isn't 30.
The car they had was I believe the 1.5 ti cloverleaf which isn't that the model to have top of the range , when completed it looks the dogs testicles and was sold for under 8 grand,I wouldn't pay 20grand for 1,if I really wanted 1 and had to be Rhd try and source 1 from Malta Cyprus south Africa or Aus if you don't mind having a left hooker should be plenty rust free in South of France parts of Spain and Italy., But at home bet with out looking Guess there isn't 30.
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