Description
The Alfa Romeo Alfasud Sprint was the sportier coupe version of the Alfasud, introduced in 1976 as a more stylish and performance-oriented variant of Alfa Romeo’s compact model. Designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro of Italdesign, the Alfasud Sprint featured a sleek and aerodynamic fastback profile, setting it apart from the standard Alfasud sedan. Its low-slung stance, distinctive front-end styling, and frameless side windows gave it a dynamic and elegant appearance, emphasizing its sporty character.
Under the hood, the Alfasud Sprint was powered by a range of flat-four boxer engines, starting with a 1.3-liter unit producing 76 horsepower. Over time, Alfa Romeo introduced more powerful versions, including 1.5-liter and 1.7-liter engines, with outputs reaching up to 118 horsepower in the later models. The low-mounted engine layout helped maintain a low center of gravity, enhancing stability and cornering performance. Paired with a fully independent suspension and precise steering, the Alfasud Sprint offered exceptional handling, making it one of the most engaging front-wheel-drive cars of its time.
The interior of the Alfasud Sprint was designed with a focus on sportiness and comfort. It featured deeply bolstered seats, a driver-oriented dashboard, and improved materials compared to the standard Alfasud. The instrumentation was clear and functional, reinforcing its performance-oriented nature. The fastback design allowed for a practical liftback-style rear hatch, providing decent luggage space despite its coupe-like proportions.
While the Alfasud Sprint was praised for its handling, styling, and driving experience, it suffered from the same rust issues as the standard Alfasud, largely due to the use of poor-quality steel. This affected its long-term durability, making well-preserved examples rare today. Despite this, the Alfasud Sprint remains a highly regarded classic among Alfa Romeo enthusiasts, celebrated for its combination of Italian design, responsive handling, and unique character.
The Alfasud Sprint eventually evolved into the Alfa Romeo Sprint in the early 1980s, receiving further updates and refinements. It played a crucial role in Alfa Romeo’s history, bridging the gap between the compact Alfasud and the brand’s more performance-focused models, demonstrating that even a small, affordable car could deliver an exciting and engaging driving experience.