Alfa Romeo Sprint

Alfa Romeo Sprint
Alfa Romeo Sprint
Overview
Manufacturer	Alfa Romeo
Production	1976–1989
Assembly	Alfasud Pomigliano d'Arco (Napoli)
Designer	Italdelsign (1975)
Body and chassis
Body style	3-door coupé
Platform	FF
Related	Alfa Romeo Alfasud
Powertrain
Engine	1.2 L 1.3 L H4 1.5 L H4 1.7 L H4
Transmission	5 speed manual gearbox, front wheel drive
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,45 m
Length	4.02 m
Width	1.62 m
Height	1.30 m
Curb weight	905 kg
Chronology
Predecessor	none
Successor	Alfa Junior (late 2007)

Alfasud Sprint

The Alfa Romeo Sprint was a coupe version of the Alfa Romeo Alfasud, produced from 1976 to 1989 by Alfa Romeo.

History

Until 1983 car name was Alfasud Sprint and after that Alfa Romeo Sprint. It was available with a 1.3, 1.5, or 1.7 Litre engine, most of which (except the very late 1.7 models) were equipped with double carburetors. The late 1.7 engines were equipped with the same fuel injection system as the Alfa Romeo 33. There were few pieces of 2.5 V6 rear mounted engine rear wheel drive Sprints, but never made to full serial produciton.

In 1983, the car received a minor facelift, to coincide with the release of the Alfa Romeo 33. This involved a multitude of changes, notably a change from chrome to plastic bumpers, new headlamps, new hood and grill, different materials and some elements in cabin. Sprint also get platform upgrade, which was now on the same as new model Alfa Romeo 33 (1st generation till 1990). This means Alfa 33 (1st generation) and Sprint 83-89 share practicaly same mechancis, which is important of renewing old Sprints, due to 10 times more Alfa 33 produced.

The Alfa Romeo Sprint was one of the best handling small coupes of it's time. Altough of very average quality they were fun to drive and very predictable. With engine mounted over front wheels and very low point of gravity due to flat (boxer) engine, it has unique way of driving in curves, imagine having motor, two wheels and a rest of car being towed behind.

The Alfa Romeo Sprint was famous for its rust, as many of them had rust already when they were originally shipped from Italy to the customers; this was caused by the cheap ungalvanised Russia imported metal (too high level of carbon in metal and sea shore near the storage facilities) used during the time when the Sprints were produced.

There were a total of 116,552 Sprints produced during its lifespan. 15 of these formed the basis of the Australian-built Giocattolo sports car, which used a mid-mounted Holden V8 engine.

Today

File:AlfaSprint5.jpg

Collectors item

The number of cars reduced to few thousand in last years, most of them are in average condition, stil many fans owe two or even more specimens in superb state. It's rare car in common day traffic, but always a guest at Alfisti meetings. Alfa Sprint is similar to larger and more powerful Alfa Romeo coupe of that time, Alfa Romeo GTV.

Racing

Alfa Sprint used to be very popular racing car in the late 70's till 1983. Sprint Trofeo was well known european GT competition in that years. Stil Alfa Sprint is being used in significant numbers as a racing car, mostly in historic cups or hill climbing races. Popularity goes to mentioned superb handling.

Engines

File:AlfaSprint3.jpg

Flat 1.5 (Boxer) with webber 36 twin carbs

• 1.2 Boxer (1286 cc) (75 bhp)
• 1.3 Boxer (1351 cc) (77 to 84 bhp depending on model)
• 1.5 Boxer (1490 cc) (84 to 105 bhp depending on model)
• 1.7 Boxer (1712 cc) (114 bhp, 105 bhp cat. version)
• 1.7 16v i.e. Boxer (1712 cc) (132 bhp, latest series in 1989)
• 2.5 V6 (2495 cc) (160 bhp, several prototypes built)

External links

• Alfa Romeo Sprint service manuals and parts catalogs downloads site
• Alfa Romeo Sprint dedicated page (work in progress)