Description

The Austin Allegro 1500 Estate Series 2 was a practical and slightly upmarket variant of the Allegro lineup, introduced as part of the Series 2 update in the late 1970s. Designed to offer additional cargo space and versatility while retaining the compact dimensions of the Allegro range, the Estate version was particularly suited to families and businesses needing extra practicality.

Powered by a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine, the 1500 Estate provided a balance of performance and efficiency, making it a good choice for longer journeys and daily use. The Series 2 update improved the Allegro’s overall build quality, introduced a more conventional round steering wheel (in place of the controversial quartic design), and refined some of the interior materials and trim.

The Estate model featured an extended roofline and a rear hatch, making loading and unloading cargo much easier compared to the saloon. The increased boot space made it a strong contender against other compact estate cars of the era, though it still faced competition from rivals such as the Ford Escort Estate and Vauxhall Viva Estate.

Like all Allegros, the 1500 Estate benefited from the Hydragas suspension system, which offered a comfortable ride despite its somewhat unconventional engineering. However, the Allegro’s reputation for mechanical issues and rust susceptibility meant that, despite its practicality, it struggled against competitors with better reliability records.

Today, surviving examples of the Austin Allegro 1500 Estate Series 2 are relatively rare, but they hold nostalgic appeal for enthusiasts of classic British cars and those who appreciate the quirky styling and engineering choices of the era.