ALFA ROMEOSprint 1976 - 1983

　　Alfa Romeo introduced the Alfasud Sprint in 1976 as an affordable sporty model primarily aimed at the European market, but the car ended up being sold on more continents between 1976 and 1988.

　　In the late ‘60s, the Italian government and Alfa Romeo inked a deal to open a factory in the Southern part of Italy to reduce the unemployment rate and increase the workforce’s skill level. As a result, in 1972, the Italian automaker started production, and the first car to be manufactured there was the Alfasud. Three years later, the second model emerged, and that was the station wagon Giardinetta. Then, in 1976, the Sprint followed and became a darling for every driver. Unfortunately, the car was produced in only one series that spanned twelve years and went through two facelifts, in 1978 and 1983, respectively.

　　The Sprint was penned by the Italian designer Giorgetto Giugiaro, and the car’s front fascia featured a pair of twin headlights mounted on the main grille. The Alfa Romeo shield took center stage and was adorned by a chromed trim. Under the grille, the automaker added a chromed metallic bumper, which sported the turn signals, and a black rubber stripe that protected it from minor scratches. Lower, under the bumper, the automaker added an apron that increased the car’s sporty look.

　　From its profile, the three-door hatchback vehicle boasted a sporty look with a raked windshield and a sloped-down tailgate. The wide side windows brought more light into the cabin, and the front ones featured a small fixed triangular glass area at the front. Giugiaro penned the car with flush door handles with chrome elements. On the C-posts, the designer added round elements that resembled the quatro-foglio (four-cloves) element specific for sporty Alfa Romeos. Finally, at the back, the Sprint featured high-mounted taillights on the rear fascia. Surprisingly, the rear window didn’t open with the vertical panel, and that technical solution contributed to lower production costs. In 1978, Alfa Romeo improved the model and added matte black mirror caps and C-pillar ornaments.

　　Inside, customers were spoiled with high-bolstered bucket seats at the front covered in fabric. A leatherette upholstery was also available. The driver fronted a squarish-looking instrument cluster where the automaker placed large round dials for the speedometer and the tachometer, while between them, the automaker added warning lights and gauges for the fuel level and the water temperature. The car didn’t come with a stereo as standard, but customers could opt for one. Alfa Romeo installed a fixed bench seat fit for three passengers in the back, although headroom was limited.

　　Under the hood, the 1976 Alfasud Sprint featured a flat-four engine with a 1.3-liter displacement, and customers complained about its performance. Then, in 1978, Alfa Romeo installed better engines for the sporty-looking car, including a 1.5-liter powerplant. All versions were paired with four-speed gearboxes that sent the torque to the front wheels.