Alfasud - has peak pricing been reached?
Discussion
I realise that no-one has a crystal ball, but I am currently dithering about whether or not to buy an Alfasud.
I plan to only keep it for 2 - 3 years, but I would use it fairly regularly apart from when the weather is dreadful. If I buy a decent one, am I likely to lose '000s on it, or sit on it for 12 - 18 months when I decide to sell it?
I would want something around 1982 - A Ti or TiX - definitely 3 door with the twin round headlights. Personally, I'm not bothered about it being 100% original, but I suspect that would have an impact when it comes to sale time. I'm not planning on speculating - I don't mind losing around 10% of the purchase price, but I don't want to be down 50%.
Having said all of that, does anyone know of a decent one for sale anywhere?
I plan to only keep it for 2 - 3 years, but I would use it fairly regularly apart from when the weather is dreadful. If I buy a decent one, am I likely to lose '000s on it, or sit on it for 12 - 18 months when I decide to sell it?
I would want something around 1982 - A Ti or TiX - definitely 3 door with the twin round headlights. Personally, I'm not bothered about it being 100% original, but I suspect that would have an impact when it comes to sale time. I'm not planning on speculating - I don't mind losing around 10% of the purchase price, but I don't want to be down 50%.
Having said all of that, does anyone know of a decent one for sale anywhere?
On any list of cars that are likely to dissolve in a shower of rain Alfasud must be near the top. Scarce, for a reason.
Italian cars from that era had a truly shocking reputation for rust. Regrettably the poor quality of steel made them very susceptible to rust. Add to this Fiat's relaxed, Mediterranean attitude to rust proofing and you've set the scene for collapse of Italian car sales in any country that salted its roads in winter. In other words, northern regions of Europe and North America.
Apparently the 'Sud was an excellent drive in its day with a revvy flat-4 boxer engine and good handling. I'm sure a good one (there's a scary concept) might still be fun although I imagine they're a remarkably rare creature and would require careful nurturing.
I would be astounded if prices rise. The universe of potential buyers must be quite elderly by now.
Italian cars from that era had a truly shocking reputation for rust. Regrettably the poor quality of steel made them very susceptible to rust. Add to this Fiat's relaxed, Mediterranean attitude to rust proofing and you've set the scene for collapse of Italian car sales in any country that salted its roads in winter. In other words, northern regions of Europe and North America.
Apparently the 'Sud was an excellent drive in its day with a revvy flat-4 boxer engine and good handling. I'm sure a good one (there's a scary concept) might still be fun although I imagine they're a remarkably rare creature and would require careful nurturing.
I would be astounded if prices rise. The universe of potential buyers must be quite elderly by now.
Unless you invest in some decent rustproofing, I would not be driving it in the rain etc.
My late Alfasud sprint had the Zender bodykit and when i had the car restored, most of the rust was due to self tapping screws used to attach the bodykit. the rest of the car was pretty good but interestly, the inside aspect of panels such as rear wings varied in factory finish, some bits were painted, others p0arts were unpainted and some in primer. it wasn't Alfa South(Sud) for nothing.
My late Alfasud sprint had the Zender bodykit and when i had the car restored, most of the rust was due to self tapping screws used to attach the bodykit. the rest of the car was pretty good but interestly, the inside aspect of panels such as rear wings varied in factory finish, some bits were painted, others p0arts were unpainted and some in primer. it wasn't Alfa South(Sud) for nothing.
Panamax said:
On any list of cars that are likely to dissolve in a shower of rain Alfasud must be near the top. Scarce, for a reason.
Italian cars from that era had a truly shocking reputation for rust. Regrettably the poor quality of steel made them very susceptible to rust. Add to this Fiat's relaxed, Mediterranean attitude to rust proofing and you've set the scene for collapse of Italian car sales in any country that salted its roads in winter. In other words, northern regions of Europe and North America.
Apparently the 'Sud was an excellent drive in its day with a revvy flat-4 boxer engine and good handling. I'm sure a good one (there's a scary concept) might still be fun although I imagine they're a remarkably rare creature and would require careful nurturing.
I would be astounded if prices rise. The universe of potential buyers must be quite elderly by now.
I've owned 3 of them over my lifetime, so I have experience of what they're like to drive and that's the main reason why I want one.Italian cars from that era had a truly shocking reputation for rust. Regrettably the poor quality of steel made them very susceptible to rust. Add to this Fiat's relaxed, Mediterranean attitude to rust proofing and you've set the scene for collapse of Italian car sales in any country that salted its roads in winter. In other words, northern regions of Europe and North America.
Apparently the 'Sud was an excellent drive in its day with a revvy flat-4 boxer engine and good handling. I'm sure a good one (there's a scary concept) might still be fun although I imagine they're a remarkably rare creature and would require careful nurturing.
I would be astounded if prices rise. The universe of potential buyers must be quite elderly by now.
Mechanically, they are very robust. The front brakes can be challenging, but nothing a pair of refurbished callipers can't address.
I completely agree that the bodywork will need close attention. My first one actually split in two, just ahead of the firewall.
I'm not sure I agree with your description of "quite elderly". I would say that people who have fond memories of driving them in their youth will be 55+ which doesn't fit with my definition of "quite elderly".
omniflow said:
I'm not sure I agree with your description of "quite elderly". I would say that people who have fond memories of driving them in their youth will be 55+ which doesn't fit with my definition of "quite elderly".
I bought a new Alfasud ti in 1974 ….. I AM now elderly 
.The warranty back then was only 6 months and during that time it went back to Alfa GB three times for rust issues.
The handling and road holding at the time were a revalation, but I sold it as I didn’t fancy dealing with the rust issues once it was out of warranty
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