Highlights
- Extremely rare Alfasud Sprint 1.7 Cloverleaf survivor
- Only four registered UK keepers
- Spent most of its life in Spain with the previous Italian keeper
- Good base for restoration or usable as-is with minor repairs
- Service and cambelts replaced in 2020 with few miles since
- Current MOT to August 2026 for transparency
The Appeal
The Sprint is one of those Alfa Romeos that makes you ponder, once again, the firm’s ability to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory repeatedly. It was, it is, utterly glorious, a beautifully balanced compact coupe with the agility its rivals lacked and a fizzy, crackling flat four Boxer motor.
Thanks to the '70s and '80s Alfa Romeos’ well-documented Achilles Heel, only a handful of these cars remain on UK roads. Few have a lengthy, valid MOT like this car. It is one of the last built, fitted with the 118bhp 1.7L flat four engine and in top ‘Cloverleaf’ spec. Classically finished in red, it is complete and usable, but sold as a good base for restoration.
The vendor acquired the car after lockdown from the family of its previous long-term Italian keeper. He moved the car to Spain in the 1990s, where it remained for over 20 years. It was serviced and the cam belts replaced in 2020. We are told that it runs and drives, although it would benefit from some mechanical attention. We’ve provided more details below.
The car carries a useful MOT to August 2026. There are advisories, which act as a helpful guide for areas the buyer may wish to focus on. Opportunities to buy a Sprint are rare. Here is an opportunity to add some value whilst enjoying a truly great Italian sports car.
The vendor says:
“You could run this car with a little tlc as is, but I think she would look like a knock-out with a body restoration.”
History and Paperwork
- Registered 4th March 1988
- Four registered keepers
- Purchased by the current keeper after lockdown
- Previously owned by an Italian who retired to Spain in the 1990s
- Brought back to the UK by his daughter and son-in-law following his passing
- Service and cam belt replacement carried out in 2020
- Current MOT valid to 7th August 2026 with advisories to note
- Limited history documentation available as the car spent most of its life abroad
- Some invoices available from work completed in 2020
- The vendor is selling due to having too many other projects, including a GTV6
- 1 set of keys
- Factory handbooks
- Old MOTs
- V5C in the current keeper’s name
- Showing 22,944 miles, unwarranted
The Condition
- Classic Alfa Red car, which appears to be largely complete as shown
- Paintwork shows some age, marks and sun fading
- Bodywork can be checked in photos with age on various panels as shown
- Vendor states that car would benefit from restoration
- Underside welding visible only on rear sections of the sills according to the seller
- Floorpan and bulkhead area appear in good order according to seller
- Corrosion present on wings and around windscreen (common issue for this model)
- Underside notes on current MOT
- Interior fitted with Alfa 156 front seats that do not tilt for rear access
- Ideally, the interior would benefit from refurbishment
- Dashboard, carpets, switchgear and door cards are presentable
- Factory alloys in fair condition with kerbing and flaking
- Matching spare wheel as shown
- Unpainted plastic front and rear bumpers with some scuffs and marks
- Fitted with front foglights below the bumper
- Features a pop-up glass sunroof
- Sony Bluetooth stereo fitted
The Mechanics
- 1,712cc 118bhp flat-four engine
- Twin Weber carburettors
- 5spd manual transmission
- Engine runs but hesitates when accelerating we are told
- Carburettors likely need tuning according to the seller
- Gearbox does not crunch when shifting to second or third gear, says seller
- Gearbox possibly replaced as ratios seem short for a 1.7 engine, we are told
- Clutch slips slightly under hard acceleration, according to the seller
- Vendor states that one driveshaft clicks on full lock
- Advisories to note on current MOT
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:
✓ The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions..
✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.
✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's fee. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.
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or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it's worth checking beforehand. It is the bidders responsibility to confirm import eligibility prior to purchase.
