1981 Alfa Romeo Alfasud Sprint / Sprint 1.5 Veloce review from Australia and New Zealand

Wheel bearings replaced.

Front calipers replaced.

Heater rotted away.

Continual rust.

Electrical faults.

Clutch replaced.

Lights were very poor at speed.

This started out as a mild-mannered, slightly tired silver sprint.

I got bored quite quickly, and rang up the local Alfa agent, and spent some serious (well for me anyway) cash.

He had a wrecked 33 1.5 twin carb, very low mileage, and offered me the engine.

The engine ended up being ported, polished, balanced. The carbs were re-jetted. The emission gear disappeared (I would not do that today). The exhaust system was significantly opened up, as was the air filter box. A upgraded distributor and points were fitted with an 8,400 rpm rev limiter. It was fitted with a Koni fully adjustable suspension and progressive rate springs, lowered 3 cm, 185/60/14 Yokohoma A509 tyres on Alfa alloys (you don't need any wider tyres... they lose their balance and scrub). Interior stripped of any unnecessary trim.

It went like an absolute rocket right up to 8,400 rpm. It could seriously out handle many more expensive cars, and used to scare many of my friends because it was surreal through tight corners.

My top speed was 192kph - from memory it ran to around 7,500 rpm in 5th gear. It sat at that speed for about 15 minutes before I got scared (this is Australia, and there are kangaroos and other furry critters that do hop / walk / run out in front of cars now and then)...

I think it ran from 0-100 in about 6.9 seconds - but I never did a real drag run...

In truth I would rather have a 33 1.7 IE... the sprint was fast, fun but ultimately an uncomfortable, noisy and expensive to maintain, car.