Alfasud Super 1978 Series 2
My little Alfasud was purchased brand new by my father in September 1978 for CY£3.750 to replace his 1970 Giulia 1300Ti. It's a Series 2 with a 1286cc engine, has a single choke Dellorto carb (wow!) and produces a phenomenal 68 bhp. Even though it's kerb weight is just 860kg, it has disc brakes all round and a twin circuit at the front, it has a 5-speed gearbox, a rev counter, an adjustable steering wheel and even child locks for the rear doors. A real sports family car of the 70's!
Driving an Alfasud is a different experience all together. The little flat four engine is a free revving one and produces a fantastic sound, inside and outside the car. The car's road holding is so good that you can easily follow more powerful cars in twisty roads. There's space for 5 adults and it has a generous square boot of 400lt. A spacious boot even by today's standards.
The car's early life could be considered for some as miserable. Why? Well my brother and I were driving it when we were teenagers. I remember once driving from Lythrodontas village to Macheras/Kambia camping area through the forest/loose road and the oil pressure light all of a sudden came to life. A couple of stones perforated the oil sump in a way never seen before.
The car has today just 89 thousand miles on the clock and the last decade or so, it is driven with extreme care.......the rev counter needle never exceeds 5500rpm!! Engine and gearbox are filled with the best stuff around for maximum protection, Kendall oils. Suspension bushes were upgraded with polyurethane ones and the distributor contact points were upgraded to magnetic ones for better reliability and efficiency. As far as I know, this is the only Series 2 (stainless steel bumper) surviving Alfasud in Cyprus.
The kids love it and as it can be driven with ease in today's traffic, I regularly take them to school in it and to their afternoon activities. Of course how can I forget the Club's excursions. We try never to miss a trip in our favourite Alfa Romeo with a «Cuore Sportivo»!!