Alfasud rarity/quality

["Niall Mulligan" <njmulligan@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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