Our Alfasud Ti QV

FIRST SOME HISTORY

 In Ireland 1989 with the same car.  Near Bantry at Glengarriff

GREAT FUN AVOIDING HERDS OF CATTLE

Alfa Romeo's most famous small car was first released in 1972. It was in production until 1982. The head of the design team was an Austrian Rudolph Hruska. He had worked at Porsche and as a result the new Alfasud was given a boxer engine which in this case drove the front wheels. The Alfasud shape was provided by master stylist Giugiaro and it was the first design produced by the now famous Ital Design. Giugiaro has been credited with producing the world's most beautiful car  the Bugatti EB112.

Many books have been written about this car. Even today 30 years on it is still a benchmark for steering and handling. The car has an even weight distribution with a large amount of its mass set at the centre and low down (low set engine and inboard front brakes)

This car was voted car of the decade (70s) by BBC TOP GEAR.CLASSIC AND SPORTS CAR magazine placed it at 31st in the top 100 cars of the last century. It states that legend status was missed because of the early rust problems. The Alfasud is a true classic machine.

The last and best of the range is the 1981-1982 green cloverleaf. ( the symbol seen on all Alfa's best cars!) It had speed line wheels and two twin Weber 36IDF carburettors specially designed for this car. The original car was supplied with Michelin TRX 195/ 55 profile tyres. Still available today at $750 each!

 THIS CAR

 First day of ownership March 1989. NOTICE HAIR

This car has the standard twin Weber 105bhp boxer engine. The engine, gearbox and carburettors (Weber 36IDF) have been recently rebuilt. The body is in excellent condition and is finished in the original silver. These cars were originally only available in red, black or silver. The car features a factory sunroof, Bosch fog lights , Speed line alloys, Koni  sports shock absorbers and a full ,recently fitted full, stainless steel exhaust system. The rear exhaust terminates with two two inch stainless pipes. It sounds tremendous, has more bark and is a little louder than the original. (Exhaust by Michael Cirillo Perth)

All the lights have been replaced the inner Siem headlights using Xenon blue lamps are 100W each. These lights have a very accurate pattern and a huge range! I have popped relays in the light circuit to help protect the switch gear. The lamps are able to cope with the heat generated by 100W globes.  The front brakes are set inboard just like a F1 race car. They are extremely powerful once set up correctly and are so good that they tend to make the rear brakes obsolete.  This car needs to have its brakes "tested" regularly to prevent the rear pistons seizing. Changing the brake fluid regularly is essential. The car has a full service history and has travelled 100,000 miles since new. It currently uses Bridgestone RE711 Potenza tyres. These are probably the best 60 profile tyres available. Tyre pressure is usually kept at 35psi. All the glass is removed at regular intervals in order to check for rust. The light seals have been replaced. The sunroof will eventually leak, but this one has been removed and rebuilt.

The original Ti weave pattern fabric on the seats does not wear well. The drivers seat on this car has reupholstered and repadded and the original fabric replaced by making use of a disguised strip in the lower back.. Quite recently I found a supply of this fabric. I have owned this car since 1989, and it has always been a great thrill to drive. It is so responsive, looks great from all angles, and has fantastic grip. I have yet to drive another two wheel drive vehicle that can match this car around the bends.

Alfa cars descended from this model include the Alfa 33, Alfa 145/146 and the current  Alfa 147 currently Car of the Year (Europe) The Alfa 33 has outboard brakes at the front and has a generally softer feeling. In my opinion the styling is much less timeless. I have driven the Alfa 145 it has nicer dash lights!!! and is a lot heavier. It lacks the sporting feel of the original

I have not driven the 147. I know it is very well rated.

As for the other Alfasuds I have owned a series 1 1.2L Ti. and the series 2 1.5Ti Both cars rusted very quickly but were great fun to drive. The 1.2L engine is the sweetest of all. Pure music.

 the QV 105 bhp motor. VERY NEAT SPINNER

 STILL HAPPY AFTER ALL THESE YEARS

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