Alfa Romeo Alfasud Sprint Veloce 1.5
The Alfasud Sprint Veloce represented the sporting pinnacle of Alfa Romeo's front-wheel-drive compact line. Designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro at Italdesign, the Sprint featured a distinctive wedge profile and excellent weight distribution. The 1.5-liter flat-four boxer engine with twin Weber carburetors produced 95 horsepower and loved to rev, while the precise 5-speed gearbox and balanced chassis made it a joy on twisty roads. Despite the Alfasud's notorious rust issues, the Sprint Veloce earned praise for its engaging driving dynamics and affordability.
Rust is the primary concern - check sills, floor pans, inner fenders, and suspension mounting points thoroughly. Alfasuds used Russian steel with poor corrosion resistance. The flat-four engine is robust but requires proper maintenance - check for oil leaks and timing chain noise. Twin Weber carburetors need expert tuning. Surviving rust-free examples command premium prices. Documentation and service history critical.
Built at Alfa Romeo's Pomigliano d'Arco factory near Naples from 1980-1981 as part of Series 2 production. The Veloce trim featured twin Weber carburetors, sport seats, and upgraded suspension. Approximately 12,500 Veloce examples produced across all markets. Many examples lost to rust due to poor quality control at the Naples factory.