1979 Alfa Romeo ALFASUD RACE CAR PETROL Manual

Description

This lot will be auctioned via Iconic Auctioneers, The Iconic Sale at Silverstone Festival 2025 - Competition Cars on Friday the 22nd of August, The Wing, Silverstone Circuit, NN12 8TN. , Unveiled at the 1971 Turin Motor Show, the Alfasud was a slightly off-piste submission by Alfa Romeo, throwing their hat in the ring for an affordable, practical hatchback that maintained their Italian flair. Designed by Rudolf Hruska and built in Pomigliano d'Arco near Naples, it was Alfa’s first front-wheel drive car, powered by a flat-four boxer engine. Praised for its sharp handling and engineering, the Alfasud brought Alfa performance to the compact family car market. Fondly loved, yet known for chronic rust issues, the humble Alfasud remains a cult classic with so few still remaining.As a very well proven and developed entry level race car with period history, this 1979 Alfasud has lived a far more exciting life than most. Originally registered in the summer of 1979, this example began life as a standard 1,186cc Alfasud before being converted into a club-spec race car in the late 1980s or early 1990s for entry into the Chris Knott Alfa Romeo Championship, a long standing and well regarded, UK-based, one-make series.During its competition transformation, the original engine was replaced with a more powerful 'Green Cloverleaf' 1,490cc flat-four unit, the performance version of the Alfasud known for its lively response and rev-happy nature. The engine and suspension set up were entrusted to marque specialist BLS (Benalfa Lincolnshire Services), a respected name in the Alfa Romeo sphere, particularly in motorsport circles. Their expertise ensured that the car was built with the reliability and balance necessary for competition.In addition to the uprated powerplant and running gear, the car has been fitted with a full roll cage, bucket seat, harnesses and other mandatory safety modifications for its class at the time. The build quality and set-up meant the car was competitive in period and while precise race history is not documented in detail, the vendor informs us that it last saw competitive action in 1994 before being taken off the track and placed into long term storage.It remained off the road until late 2020, when recommissioning began with sympathetic care to preserve its originality while ensuring operational integrity. The cambelt was changed, all fluids replaced, a new battery installed and the braking system was fully overhauled, receiving new seals and front pads. Since then, it has been run-up and checked but not truly used in anger. It offers an excellent starting point as an entry level race car.The appeal of this Alfasud lies in its authenticity and useability as a genuine period 'club' racer rather than a more modern track day build or replica. Its simplicity, balance and character make it an excellent candidate for classic racing with the likes of CSCC, 750MC and others, as well as hill climbs or track days.With some final preparation, this charming little Alfa could return to active duty as the perfect embodiment of grassroots motorsport, offered without reserve.

Electronic Stability Program (ESP); Safety Belt Pretensioners

Ad ID: 1501285771

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