Alfa Romeo Alfasud

{{Infobox automobile | name = Alfa Romeo Alfasud | image = Alfasud orange.jpg | caption = Alfa Romeo Alfasud 4-door saloon | manufacturer = Industria Napoletana Costruzione Autoveicoli Alfa Romeo - Alfasud ([[Alfa Romeo]]) | aka = Alfa Romeo Export GTA (South Africa) | production = 1971–1983 (''berlina'')<br />1976–1989 (''Sprint'') | assembly = {{ubl | Italy: [[Pomigliano d'Arco]] [[Alfa Romeo Pomigliano d'Arco plant|plant]], [[Campania]] | Malaysia: [[Shah Alam]] (Swedish Motor Assemblies)<ref name=TAM85>{{Cite book | title = Quattroruote: Tutte le Auto del Mondo 1985 | editor = Mastrostefano, Raffaele | publisher = Editoriale Domus S.p.A | ref = TAM85 | year = 1985 | pages = 28–29 | language = it | location = Milano | isbn = 88-7212-012-8 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.piston.my/2023/04/15/looking-back-the-alfa-romeo-alfasud/ | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230909125152/https://www.piston.my/2023/04/15/looking-back-the-alfa-romeo-alfasud/ | archive-date = 2023-09-09 | title = Looking Back: The Alfa Romeo Alfasud | date = 2023-04-15 | work = Piston.my | first = Chips | last = Yap }}</ref> | Malta: [[Marsa, Malta|Marsa]] (Car Assembly Ltd)<ref name="aronline.co.uk">{{Cite web|url=http://www.aronline.co.uk/blogs/2011/10/02/around-the-world-malta/|title=Around the world : Malta|access-date=2012-01-14|work=aronline.co.uk}}</ref> | South Africa: [[Brits, North West|Brits]]<ref name="alfasud.alfisti.net">{{Cite web|url=http://alfasud.alfisti.net/asinte.html|title=Alfasud International|access-date=2008-10-19|work=alfasud.alfisti.net|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081030090400/http://alfasud.alfisti.net/asinte.html|archive-date=2008-10-30|url-status=dead}}</ref> }} | designer = [[Giorgetto Giugiaro]] at [[Italdesign]] | class = [[Small family car]] ([[C-segment|C]]) | body_style = {{ubl|2/4-door [[Sedan (automobile)|saloon]] |3/5-door [[hatchback]]|3-door [[coupé]] (Alfasud Sprint)|3-door [[Station wagon|estate]] (Giardinetta)}} | layout = [[Longitudinal engine|Longitudinal]] [[Front-engine, front-wheel-drive layout|front-engine, front-wheel-drive]] | related = {{ubl|[[Alfa Romeo Sprint]]|[[Alfa Romeo Caimano]]}} | engine = {{unbulleted list |1.2 L (1,186 cc) ''[[Alfa Romeo Boxer engine|Boxer]]'' [[Flat-four engine|H4]]|1.3 L (1,286 cc) ''Boxer'' H4|1.4 L (1,350 cc) ''Boxer'' H4|1.5 L (1,490 cc) ''Boxer'' H4}} | transmission = 4-speed [[Manual transmission|manual]]<br />5-speed manual | wheelbase = {{convert|2455|mm|in||abbr=on}}<ref>{{citation |title=Daily Express Motor Show Review 1975 Cars |editor-first=Basil |editor-last=Cardew |page=5 |date=October 1974}}</ref> | length = {{convert|3890|mm|in||abbr=on}}<br />{{convert|3935|–|3975|mm|in||abbr=on}} (Giardinetta) | width = {{convert|1590|mm|in||abbr=on}} | height = {{convert|1370|mm|in||abbr=on}} | weight = {{convert|810|-|865|kg|lb||abbr=on}} (approx.) | successor = [[Alfa Romeo 33]]<br />[[Alfa Romeo Arna]] | sp = uk }}

The '''Alfa Romeo Alfasud''' (Type 901, 902 and 904) is a [[small family car]] manufactured and marketed from 1971 to 1989 by [[Alfa Romeo]] as a front-engine, four-door, five-passenger entry-level model over a single generation — with facelifts in 1977 and 1980. There was also a two-door sedan, only available in "ti" trim. Alfa Romeo subsequently introduced a three-door wagon variant, the Giardinetta (1975); two-door coupé, the Alfasud Sprint (1976); three-door hatchback (1981) and finally the five-door hatchback (1982).

Assembly was primarily at the [[Alfa Romeo Pomigliano d'Arco plant]], and 893,719 were manufactured from 1972 to 1983, with the addition of 121,434 [[Alfa Romeo Sprint|Sprint]] [[coupé]] versions between 1976 and 1989.<ref name="carsfromitaly.net">{{Cite web|url=http://www.carsfromitaly.net/alfaromeo/index.html|title=Alfasud|access-date=2007-08-13|work=carsfromitaly.net| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20070731140300/http://carsfromitaly.net/alfaromeo/index.html| archive-date= 31 July 2007 | url-status= live}}</ref>

Developed by Austrian engineer, [[Rudolf Hruska]], the Alfasud was noted for its [[Flat engine|boxer]] engine configuration, low center of gravity, aerodynamic profile, class-leading handling, styling by [[Giorgetto Giugiaro]] of [[ItalDesign]], and a conspicuous susceptibility to rust.

==History== ===Background and development=== Alfa Romeo had explored building a smaller front wheel drive car in the 1950s but it was not until 1967 that firm plans were laid down for an all-new model to fit in below the existing Alfa Romeo range.

The car was manufactured at a new factory at [[Pomigliano d'Arco]] in southern Italy, hence the car's name, ''Alfa Sud'' (Alfa South). January 18, 1968, saw the registration at [[Naples]] of a new company named "Industria Napoletana Costruzioni Autoveicoli Alfa Romeo-Alfasud S.p.A.". 90% of the share capital was subscribed by Alfa Romeo and 10% by [[Finmeccanica]], at that time the financial arm of the government controlled [[Istituto per la Ricostruzione Industriale|IRI]].<ref>{{cite journal |first=Charles |last=Bulmer |title=News |journal=Motor |pages=91 |date=17 February 1968}}</ref> Construction work on the company's new state-sponsored plant at nearby Pomigliano d'Arco began in April 1968,<ref name="Autocar1968-05">{{cite journal |first=Gianni |last=Rogliatti |title=All About Alfa: factory set-up |series=128 |journal=[[Autocar (magazine)|Autocar]] |volume=3772 |page=62 |date=30 May 1968}}</ref> on the site of an aircraft engine factory used by Alfa Romeo during [[World War II]].<ref name="Autocar1968-05" />

===Launch=== [[Image:1971-11-03 Torino salon Alfasud.jpg|thumb|left|President of Alfa Romeo, [[Giuseppe Luraghi]] and others, unveiling the Alfasud at [[Turin Auto Show]] in November 1971.]] The Alfasud debuted at the [[Turin Motor Show]] in 1971, featuring front wheel drive with a [[Boxer engine|Boxer]] of 1,186 cc water-cooled engine with a belt-driven overhead camshaft on each cylinder head; front ([[MacPherson strut]]s and rear [[beam axle]] with [[Watt's linkage]]; inboard front disc brakes as well as rear disc brakes as well as rack and pinion steering. The boxer engine allowed a low hood/bonnet line, contributing to an aerodynamic profile, a low center of gravity, and noteworthy road-holding and handling. Despite its two-box shape, the Alfasud was not initially offered as a [[hatchback]]. Lights, turn indicators, horn, wipers and heater fan were operated by two column stalks. [[File:Alfa Romeo Alfasud.JPG|thumb|left|First series Alfasud]]

===The range grows=== In November 1973 the first Alfasud sport model joined the range, the two-door '''Alfasud ti'''—(''Turismo Internazionale'', or Touring International).<ref name="lastampa ti73">{{cite news |url=http://www.archiviolastampa.it/component/option,com_lastampa/task,search/mod,libera/action,viewer/Itemid,3/page,15/articleid,1118_01_1973_0277_0015_16220813/ |title=Prestazioni più brillanti per l'Alfasud "ti" |first=Renzo |last=Villare |date=24 November 1973 |page=15 |newspaper=[[La Stampa]] |language=IT |access-date=25 March 2015}}</ref> Along with a 5-speed gearbox, it featured a more powerful version of the 1.2 litre engine, brought to {{convert|68|PS|kW hp|0|abbr=on}} by adopting a [[Weber carburetor|Weber]] twin-choke carburettor, allowing the small saloon to reach {{convert|160|km/h|mi/h|abbr=on}}.<ref name="lastampa ti73" /> Quad round halogen headlamps, special wheels, a front body-colour [[Spoiler (automotive)|spoiler]] beneath the bumper and rear black one around the tail distinguished the "ti", while inside there was a three-spoke steering wheel, auxiliary gauges, [[leatherette]]/cloth seats, and carpets in place of rubber mats. [[File:MHV Alfa-Romeo Alfasud Giardiniera 02.jpg|thumb|1975–78 Alfasud Giardinetta]] [[File:Alfa Romeo Alfasud 1.3 5door rear.JPG|thumb|Alfasud Super 1.3]] [[File:Alfa Romeo Alfasud 2 door first registered October 1979 1490cc.JPG|thumb|1979 Alfasud ti 1.5]]

In 1974, Alfa Romeo launched a more upscale model, the '''Alfasud SE'''. The SE was replaced by the '''Alfasud L''' (''Lusso'') model introduced at the [[European Motor Show Brussels|Bruxelles Motor Show]] in January 1975.<ref name="lastampa lusso75">{{cite news |url=http://www.archiviolastampa.it/component/option,com_lastampa/task,search/mod,libera/action,viewer/Itemid,3/page,11/articleid,1492_02_1975_0009_0011_20815336/ |title=Alfetta "millesei" col ruolo anticrisi | trans-title = Alfetta 1600 with anti-crisis task | author=F. C. |date=14 January 1975 |page=11 |newspaper=[[La Stampa|Stampa Sera]] |language=IT |access-date=25 March 2015}}</ref> Recognizable by its bumper overriders and chrome strips on the door sills and on the tail, the Lusso was better appointed than the standard Alfasud (which was now called "normale"), with such features as cloth upholstery, headrests, padded dashboard with glove compartment and optional [[tachometer]].<ref name="lastampa lusso75" /> A three-door [[station wagon|estate]] model called the '''Alfasud Giardinetta''' was introduced in May 1975,<ref name="lastampa giardinetta">{{cite news |url=http://www.archiviolastampa.it/component/option,com_lastampa/task,search/mod,libera/action,viewer/Itemid,3/page,13/articleid,1107_01_1975_0112_0013_15853136/ |title=Una giardinetta per l'Alfasud | trans-title = An estate for the Alfasud |first=Renzo |last=Villare |date=17 May 1975 |page=13 |newspaper=[[La Stampa]] |language=IT |access-date=25 March 2015}}</ref> with the same equipment of the Alfasud "L".

The Lusso model was produced until 1976, and was then replaced by the new '''Alfasud 5m''' (''5 marce'', five speed) model, the first four-door Alfasud with a five-speed gearbox. Presented at the March [[Geneva Motor Show#1976|1976 Geneva Motor Show]],<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.archiviolastampa.it/component/option,com_lastampa/task,search/mod,libera/action,viewer/Itemid,3/page,19/articleid,1101_01_1976_0060_0019_20888497/ |title=Al salone di Ginevra una moderata fiducia |first=Ferruccio |last=Bernabò |date=12 March 1976 |page=19 |newspaper=[[La Stampa]] |language=IT |access-date=25 March 2015}}</ref> it was equipped like the Lusso it replaced.

{{See also |Alfa Romeo Sprint}} In September 1976, the '''Alfasud Sprint''' coupé was launched. Built on the same platform of the saloon, it featured lower, more angular bodywork, again by [[Giorgetto Giugiaro]], and featured a [[hatchback]]. The Sprint was powered by a new, more powerful Boxer, [[Stroke (engine)|stroked]] from the 1.2 to displace {{convert|1286|cc|0|abbr=on}} and develop {{convert|76|PS|kW hp|0|abbr=on}}, and was paired the five-speed gearbox. The same 1286 cc engine was later fitted into the 2-door saloon, creating the '''Alfasud ti 1.3''', which was put on sale alongside the "ti" 1.2 in July 1977.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.archiviolastampa.it/component/option,com_lastampa/task,search/mod,libera/action,viewer/Itemid,3/page,4/articleid,1480_02_1977_0162_0004_20909043/ |title=Motore Alfasud "ti" ora anche il 1300cc |date=23 July 1977 |page=5 |newspaper=[[La Stampa|Stampa Sera]] |language=IT |access-date=25 March 2015}}</ref>

===1978 revisions=== In late 1977 the '''Alfasud Super''' replaced the range-topping four-door "5m". It was available with both the 1.2- and 1.3-litre engines from the "ti", though both were equipped with a single-choke carburettor.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.archiviolastampa.it/component/option,com_lastampa/task,search/mod,libera/action,viewer/Itemid,3/page,13/articleid,1082_01_1978_0047_0014_15631496/ |title=Alfasud Super: salto di qualità |first=Renzo |last=Villare |date=25 February 1978 |page=13 |newspaper=[[La Stampa]] |language=IT |access-date=25 March 2015}}</ref> The Super introduced improvements both outside, with new bumpers including large plastic strips, and inside, with a revised dashboard, new door cards and the choice of either Alfatex (vinyl) or two-tone cloth seats. Similar upgrades were applied to the Giardinetta.

In May 1978 the Sprint and "ti" got new engines, a {{cvt|79|PS|kW hp|0}} 1.3 (1,350 cc) and an {{cvt|85|PS|kW hp|0}} 1.5 (1,490 cc), both with a twin-choke carburettor.<ref name="lastampa 78">{{cite news |url=http://www.archiviolastampa.it/component/option,com_lastampa/task,search/mod,libera/action,viewer/Itemid,3/page,13/articleid,0034_01_1978_0114_0014_15661207/anews,true/ |title=Altre due Alfasud, e fanno otto |first=Renzo |last=Villare |date=20 May 1978 |page=13 |newspaper=[[La Stampa]] |language=IT |access-date=25 March 2015}}</ref> At the same time the Alfasud ti received cosmetic updates: bumpers from the Super, new rear spoiler on the boot lid, black wheel arch extensions and black front spoiler, and was upgraded to the revised interior of the Super. The 1.3 and 1.5 engines were soon made available alongside the 1.2 on the Giardinetta and Super, with a slightly lower output compared to the sport models, due to having a single-choke carburettor. In 1979 the Sprint was given a double twin-choke carburettor setup and became the '''Alfasud Sprint Veloce'''.

===1980 facelift=== [[File:Dashboard Alfa Romeo Alfasud.jpg|right|thumb|Series 1 Alfa Romeo Alfasud dashboard.]] [[File:Polizia di stato alfa sud.JPG|left|thumb|Series 3 Alfasud for [[Polizia di Stato]].]] All Alfasuds were upgraded in 1980 with plastic bumpers, a new instrument panel, headlamps and rear lights, as well as other revisions. The Ti version was fitted with a twin-carburetor version of the 1490 cc engine that had been fitted to the Sprint the previous year, developing {{convert|95|bhp|kW PS|0|abbr=on}} A three-door hatchback was added to the range in 1981 in either SC or Ti trim, and the two-door Ti and Giardinetta were deleted from most markets around that time. Belatedly, in 1982 the four-door cars were replaced by five-door versions, as by now, most of its competitors were producing a hatchback of that size, although some also produced a [[sedan (automobile)|saloon]] alternative. The range was topped by the five-door Gold Cloverleaf, featuring the {{cvt|95|PS|kW hp|0}} engine from the Ti and enhanced interior trim.

In 1983 an attempt to keep pace with the [[hot hatchback]] market, the final version of the Alfasud Ti received a tuned 1490 cc engine developing {{cvt|105|PS|kW hp|0}}. Named ''Quadrifoglio Verde'' (Green Cloverleaf), the model was also fitted with Michelin low-profile TRX tyres on metric rims (tyre size 190/55 VR 340 TRX) as well as an enhanced level of equipment.

===Rust=== [[File:Sammlung 80er 041.jpg|thumb|Rusty Alfa Romeo Alfasud (about 6 years, and 88,000 km old).]] The Alfasud became notorious for its propensity to rust, notably because of an assembly process that combined inferior recycled steel, and the factory's Pomigliano d'Arco location just 15 kilometers from the [[Bay of Naples]]. In one instance, early [[Body in white|bodies in white]], ready for painting, were left in the naturally salty air outside of the assembly building.<ref name="alfasud.alfisti">{{Cite web|url=http://alfasud.alfisti.net/ase.htm|title=The Project|access-date=2007-12-05|work=alfasud.alfisti.net|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071213155149/http://alfasud.alfisti.net/ase.htm|archive-date=2007-12-13|url-status=dead}}</ref> To inhibit rust, engineers called for filling all bodywork box-sections with synthetic foam, which was later discovered to hold moisture.

===End of production=== In 1983, the five-door Alfasud saloons were replaced by the [[Alfa Romeo 33|33]] models. The 33 was an evolution of the Alfasud's floorpan and running gear, including minor suspension alterations, and a change from four-wheel disc brakes to front discs and rear drum brakes to reduce costs. The Alfasud Sprint was renamed the [[Alfa Romeo Sprint]] in 1983. That model was continued until 1989 by sharing 33's running gear. The three-door versions continued for a further year before being replaced by the unsuccessful [[Alfa Romeo Arna]], a joint venture between Alfa Romeo and [[Nissan]].

===Foreign assembly=== The Alfasud was also assembled in Malaysia by City Motors of [[Ipoh]], although the plant was located in [[Kuala Lumpur]]. Malaysian cars received the 1.2, 1.35, and 1.5 litre engines, and all had the four-door bodywork.<ref name=TAM85/> In South Africa, Alfa Romeo's local subsidiary built the Alfasud in its plant in [[Brits, North West|Brits]]. Beginning in June 1981, the South African-made Alfasud was renamed the '''Alfa Romeo Export GTA''' and received the {{cvt|105|PS|kW|0}} version of the 1.5 litre flat-four. The Export GTA had the five-door bodywork.<ref>''[[#TAM85|Tutte le Auto del Mondo 1985]]'', pp. 31–32</ref>

==Engines== * 1971–1983 1.2 L (1,186 cc) ''[[Alfa Romeo Boxer engine|Alfa Romeo Boxer]]'' [[Flat-4|H4]], {{cvt|63-68|PS|kW|0}} * 1977–1983 1.3 L (1,286 cc) ''Alfa Romeo Boxer'' H4, {{cvt|68-75|PS|kW|0}} * 1978–1983 1.4 L (1,350 cc) ''Alfa Romeo Boxer'' H4, {{cvt|79|PS|kW|0}} * 1978–1984 1.5 L (1,490 cc) ''Alfa Romeo Boxer'' H4, {{cvt|85-105|PS|kW|0}}

==Motorsport== From 1975, a racing series was organised exclusively for Alfasuds. One year later, the Alfasud Trophy began in Italy and Austria, and later France and Germany got their own competitions. In 1977 the "Trofeo Europa Alfasud" was set up, in which the best drivers from each country competed. The Trofeo Alfasud was equipped with the 1,286 cc engine with an [[Autodelta]] kit. [[Gerhard Berger]] is probably the best-known driver to participate in the Alfasud Trofeo.

An Alfasud Ti contested the [[1980 Hardie-Ferodo 1000]] at [[Bathurst, New South Wales|Bathurst]] in Australia, placing fourth in the up to 1600 cc class.<ref>Bill Tuckey and David Greenhalgh, Australia's Greatest Motor Race, Second edition, 1990, page 310</ref> [[Jon Dooley]], Rob Kirby and Andrew Thorpe took part in the [[1982 British Saloon Car Championship season]], using an Alfasud Ti and an Alfasud Sprint.

The Alfasud Ti also competed successfully in [[Rallying]], with class wins in the prestigious [[Monte Carlo Rally]] in 1979, 1980, 1982, 1983, 1984 and 1985.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ewrc-results.com/final/1594-rallye-automobile-de-monte-carlo-1979/ |title=Final results Rallye Automobile de Monte-Carlo 1979 |website=eWRC-results.com |access-date=2023-01-23}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ewrc-results.com/final/1593-rallye-automobile-de-monte-carlo-1980/ |title=Final results Rallye Automobile de Monte-Carlo 1980 |website=eWRC-results.com |access-date=2023-01-23}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ewrc-results.com/final/1591-rallye-automobile-de-monte-carlo-1982/ |title=Final results Rallye Automobile de Monte-Carlo 1982 |website=eWRC-results.com |access-date=2023-01-23}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ewrc-results.com/final/1590-rallye-automobile-de-monte-carlo-1983/ |title=Final results Rallye Automobile de Monte-Carlo 1983 |website=eWRC-results.com |access-date=2023-01-23}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ewrc-results.com/final/1589-rallye-automobile-de-monte-carlo-1984/ |title=Final results Rallye Automobile de Monte-Carlo 1984 |website=eWRC-results.com |access-date=2023-01-23}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ewrc-results.com/final/509-rallye-automobile-de-monte-carlo-1985/ |title=Final results Rallye Automobile de Monte-Carlo 1985 |website=eWRC-results.com |access-date=2023-01-23}}</ref>

Legendary 3 time Formula 1 World Champion [[Ayrton Senna]], had an Alfasud Ti 1.5L. He drove it to his first F1 test with [[Williams Racing]].

An Alfasud driven by Peter Dew with John Pugh, participated in the first Himalayan Rally held in India, in 1980

==Concept cars== [[File:Alfasud Caimano.jpg|thumb|[[Alfa Romeo Caimano]] concept]]

===Alfa Romeo Caimano=== {{Main|Alfa Romeo Caimano}} The Alfa Romeo Caimano is a [[concept car]] designed in 1971 by [[Giorgetto Giugiaro]] at [[Italdesign Giugiaro]]. It uses the same mechanicals and frame from the Alfasud, but with an {{convert|8|in|mm|adj=on}} shorter wheelbase.

==Famous conversions== * Gian Franco Mantovani Wainer produced a one-off Bimotore version, with two 1,186 cc engines and four-wheel drive for rallying. Wainer also produced a [[turbocharger|turbocharged]] Turbowainer model in 1983. * The Alfasud was the basis of the Minari kit car designed by Andy Borrowman and Sean Prendergast. Approximately 120 cars were sold throughout the 1990s.<ref name="alfisti.co.uk">{{Cite web|url=http://www.alfisti.co.uk/moreminari.htm|title=More About the Minari Kitcar|access-date=2007-06-29|work=alfisti.co.uk| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20070705130605/http://www.alfisti.co.uk/moreminari.htm| archive-date= 5 July 2007 | url-status= live}}</ref> * The Australian [[Giocattolo]] used the Alfasud Sprint body as the basis of a mid-engined car.

==See also== *[[Alfa Romeo Sprint]]

==References== {{Reflist}}

==External links== {{Commons category}} *[https://web.archive.org/web/20130710050745/http://alfasud.it/ Registro Italiano Alfasud e derivate – federato RIAR] *[http://www.evo.co.uk/features/features/245500/birth_of_an_icon_1972_alfa_romeo_alfasud.html ''Evo'', Birth of an Icon: 1972 Alfa Romeo Alfasud, November 2009] *[https://web.archive.org/web/20061221102713/http://homepage.mac.com/alfasud1972/ Rody's Alfasud collecting website] *[https://web.archive.org/web/20041209013745/http://alfasud.alfisti.net/asbie.html Alfasud bibliography, which usefully gives a model list] *[https://web.archive.org/web/20070717235821/http://alfasud.alfisti.net/ Alfasud web site] *[http://alfasprint.extra.hu/ Alfa Romeo Alfasud (and Sprint) parts catalogs downloads site] *[http://www.trofeoalfasud.it/ Trofeo Alfasud]

[[Category:Alfa Romeo vehicles|Alfasud]] [[Category:Italdesign vehicles]] [[Category:Front-wheel-drive vehicles]] [[Category:Sedans]] [[Category:Hatchbacks]] [[Category:Station wagons]] [[Category:1980s cars]] [[Category:Cars introduced in 1971]] [[Category:Cars powered by boxer engines]] [[Category:Touring cars]] [[Category:Cars discontinued in 1989]] [[Category:Cars of South Africa]]