Description
Coming to auction at Concours House, Bradford-on-Avon, with Dore & Rees Motoring on Saturday 21st November.
1979 Alfa-Romeo Alfasud Super
Registration Number: YVP 115T
Chassis number: 5041289
- Two owner, low mileage example
Towards the end of the 1960s, Alfa Romeo recognised the need to compete more actively with its domestic rivals, Fiat, Lancia and Simca, in the increasingly important small family car market. The solution was an entirely new design, featuring front-wheel drive and a horizontally opposed four-cylinder engine, representing a significant departure from the company's traditional engineering philosophy.
Development began in 1967 under the direction of Austrian-born engineer Rudolf Hruska, with styling entrusted to the young Giorgetto Giugiaro, whose subsequent portfolio would include such celebrated designs as the Lotus Esprit and Maserati Ghibli. The name Alfasud, literally translating as 'Alfa South', reflected the company's intention to establish a new manufacturing facility at Pomigliano d'Arco, near Naples, taking advantage of government incentives designed to encourage industrial development in southern Italy.
Launched in 1971, the Alfasud was an exceptionally advanced small car for its time. Its flat-four boxer engine provided a low centre of gravity, while the front-wheel-drive layout and sophisticated suspension endowed it with remarkably accomplished road manners. The Alfasud quickly established a reputation for offering some of the finest handling characteristics in its class, coupled with an eager, free-revving engine and a distinctly sporting character.
Supplied new by Mario Dellotti Ltd of Birmingham on 8 May 1979, this example is recorded as having had just two owners from new, with the second owner acquiring the car on 19 October 1996. The car was restored during 2004/ 05, before being stored from 2014 with an indicated mileage of 41, 162 miles.
Returning to the road in 2026, the car was MOT tested in May of this year at 41, 332 miles, suggesting very limited use since its last period of active service. Recent recommissioning work has included replacement cam belts, a new starter motor, brake calipers rebuilt by specialists Bigg Red, five new tyres and powder coating of the wheels. Accompanying the car is a substantial history file, including its original service book, handbook and sales brochure, together with the original tool kit.
A great opportunity to acquire a well-documented, two-owner Alfasud, benefiting from restoration and recent recommissioning, and presented in an attractive period colour combination. With its modest indicated mileage, interesting ownership history and accompanying original literature, this is an appealing example of Alfa Romeo's much-loved small sporting saloon.
