Alfasud rarity/quality

[Niall Mulligan <nmulligan@domain.elided>]

In AD #122 Dave Johnson wrote:
<Regardless, there was a huge improvement in the build <quality of the later
<car compared to the earlier.  It appeared to have a higher <quality paint job
<(metallic on mine) and a lot more attention was paid to rust <proofing and
<prevention via coatings, plastic splash guards and so <forth...

I've owned various Suds over the years. A 1979 1.5ti, a 1983 1350 and a 1985 1.5 sprint. I agree with Dave that the build quality was dramatically different between the first and the subsequent models although less aesthetically pleasing (more plastic!). The ti practically melted away before my eyes (including the suspension cross-member!) and I was forced to scrap it at 85K miles. The later cars, although sporting occasional surface rust spots showed nothing like this propensity for decay (similar age, driving and storage conditions). The 1350 body lived through a broken timing belt and I still saw it driving around on it's second engine several years after I had sold it.
My recollection of driving these cars was of enormous fun especially on narrow Irish country roads. The 1350 was the most fun, although less quick than the other two.
It's true that they have become rare over here. It's many years since I've seen one now. It would be really nice to get another one though!!

Niall 

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