1981 Alfa Romeo Alfasud Sprint Veloce

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1981 Alfa Romeo Alfasud Sprint Veloce

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Mileage~ 65,737 on the clock
Transmission5-speed Manual
Engine1.5-litre
LocationWitney, Oxfordshire

AUCTION CLOSED

1981 Alfa Romeo Alfasud Sprint Veloce

I’M INTERESTED

Introduction

Darren Rungasamy

Editor and Photographer

Pure Italian style, telepathic handling, and punchy flat four performance.

Launched in 1976 as a sleek fastback derivative of the Alfasud, the Alfa Romeo Alfasud Sprint was created to capture the booming market for stylish, affordable sports coupes without sacrificing everyday usability. Styled by Giorgetto Giugiaro at Italdesign, its sharp wedge profile, aggressive quad headlights, and sweeping rear roofline instantly elevated the Alfasud platform into an iconic design statement.

Beyond its head-turning looks, the Sprint left a lasting impact by proving that a Front Wheel Drive car could offer genuine, thoroughbred sports car handling. By pairing Giugiaro’s lightweight body with the Alfasud’s brilliant low-slung flat-four boxer engine, inboard front disc brakes, and a remarkably balanced chassis, Alfa Romeo created a coupe that handled with telepathic precision. It is celebrated today because it offers the perfect classic car recipe: striking Italian style, punchy performance, four-seat practicality, and an intoxicating, high-revving exhaust note that makes driving along twisty B roads an absolute joy.

The early Alfasud Sprint look relies on slim chrome bumpers, delicate brightwork trims, and a simple front grille with twin round headlights. Free from the heavy black plastic cladding, thick side mouldings, and chunkier impact bumpers of the post-1981 models, the Mk 1 aesthetic presents the body in its lightest, most elegant form. By combining this early design purity with the upgraded 1.5 litre flat-four engine, the car delivers the ultimate classic driver setup: authentic 1970s vintage style paired with the extra torque, power, and road capability of the larger powertrain.

Finished in iconic Rosso Red with a rich brown velour interior, this 1980 model year example was first registered in early 1981. It has been exceptionally well maintained, supported by a comprehensive history file of invoices dating back to the late 1990s. The owner told us the car is believed to have covered ~65,737 miles from new and enhanced by a handful of subtle, tasteful upgrades, this show ready car is equally capable of demonstrating its celebrated driving dynamics on the open road.

Complete with its original owner wallet, two sets of keys, and road tax exemption, it stands as a remarkably original example and a genuine opportunity to acquire what must be considered one of the finest Alfasud Sprints currently available.

This listing was written from information supplied by Darren after meeting Neville the owner, and having visited and photographed the vehicle.

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Secure Auctions

We verify all our sellers and buyers to keep our community safe whilst also providing the highest levels of website security.

Full Transparency

8 out of 10 people that buy cars via our service don’t feel the need to visit due to the transparency and thoroughness of our listings.

Vehicle Delivery

We're there every step of your buying journey and will even arrange pick-up and delivery of your new vehicle.

Meet the owner

The boxer engine is great, surprisingly torquey, but also loves to rev.

I was looking for a four seat classic that wasn't just another boring family saloon or a massive luxury cruiser, and it is amazing how this car packs so much practicality and genuine fun into such a small package. The ride and handling are simply fantastic too, making it hard to believe the car is now 45 years old. It is an absolute joy to drive keenly along twisty roads.

With a Series 2 Alfa Spider already occupying the keeper slot Neville's collection and space limited to just one car at home and one in storage, the Alfasud is reluctantly being sold to make room for the next project.

Neville will be happy to answer any questions about the car in the comments section below.

Neville

Vehicle Owner

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Exterior
Interior
Mechanics
History
All Images

EXTERIOR VIDEO

Exterior

Immaculate bodywork paired with Giugiaro's iconic fastback design.

Wheels and Tyres

The car rides on 14-inch Alfetta-sourced Cromodora alloy wheels. All are in good condition.

It is fitted with 185/60 Vredestein Giugiaro Design tyres front and rear, date-coded to 2021. All four tyres show even tread wear and remain in great shape.

Please take time to review the photos and videos for a detailed view of the exterior, wheels, and tyres so you can make your own assessment of their condition. Tyres are a key safety item, and you should consider replacing any that are cracked, perished, unevenly worn, or over 10 years old.

Bodywork

The exterior presents in excellent overall condition, completely free of panel damage or discernible corrosion. The body panels flow smoothly with tight, consistent shut lines, and all doors open and close effortlessly.

Neville acquired the car in 2021 as a cosmetically sound, previously restored example; the car has since undergone targeted bodywork corrections to ensure a high standard of finish. A previous, poorly executed weld patch on the roof near the tailgate hinge was professionally repaired and re-fabricated.

We've highlighted in more detail our observations through our high-resolution images and videos, so please take time to look through all the media files for a detailed view of what’s on offer, and for you to assess the condition of the car for yourselves.

Paint

Finished in classic Rosso Red, the paintwork displays a deep lustre, consistent hue, and an excellent overall finish free of major chips, marks, or scuffs. Apart from minor paint spidering along the inside top edge of the driver's door, the finish remains to a high standard throughout.

As part of its detailed refresh, stone chip damage along the wheel arch edges was fully addressed, culminating in a complete repaint of the roof and all four wheel arches.

The images are taken from a few different angles to show off the car as you would see it if you were standing there for yourselves. So please take the time to fully assess these high-resolution images and videos of the car, for you to make up your own minds about the condition of the paint.

Glass and Trim

The glass is in good condition overall, featuring healthy seals throughout; minor imperfections are limited to a handful of small marks on the windscreen and a light scuff on the driver’s window. The light lenses are well-presented, with only faint signs of age visible on the rear units.

All exterior trim remains well-mounted and in good shape, with the C-pillar trims showing mild imperfections that do not detract from the car's smart appearance.

Both front and rear bumpers are securely fitted and free of structural damage, though the chrome finish shows slight, age-appropriate dulling.

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INTERIOR VIDEO

Interior

An exceptionally preserved cabin also offers authentic period style.

Seats and Carpets

Originally finished in light tan, the cabin was retrofitted by a previous owner with a brown velour specification. The seats remain in good overall condition, providing comfortable support alongside faint, age-related wear.

Additionally, the driver's seat height has been slightly raised to optimise the driving position.

The carpeting is well-kept throughout.

Dashboard

The dashboard is remarkably well-preserved, showing only light, superficial marks on the facia. Its padding is free of marks or cracks, and all instrument dials, switchgear, and controls are reported to function correctly.

The headlining, door cards, and surrounding interior trim remain in good condition. While the parcel shelf Velcro fixings would benefit from minor attention, the boot area is otherwise tidy and shows evidence of careful, considerate use.

Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

The steering wheel has been upgraded to a stylish Momo item, though the original factory unit is preserved and included with the sale.

The gear lever also remains in good condition.

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'ON THE ROAD' VIDEO

Mechanics

Superb handling, meticulously maintained mechanics, and an exceptionally fun driver experience.

Engine and Gearbox

The flat four boxer engine fires up without issue. Upon starting, the choke is eased back slightly to maintain a smooth idle; the oil pressure light extinguishes immediately, while the engine temperature warning light remains illuminated until operating temperature is reached. A couple of minor pops occur when blipping the throttle while cold, accompanied by expected exhaust condensation, though these disappear completely once underway. On the road, the engine runs smoothly, and the temperature warning light stays off. We also included a quick video of the engine running after the 20-minute drive.

The engine bay is presented to show standards, reflecting consistent maintenance across its previous owners and supported by an extensive file of invoices. To resolve minor running issues, Neville recently performed a comprehensive service, replacing the cambelts, stripping, ultrasonically cleaning, and rebuilding the twin carburettors. The car was then set up on a rolling road alongside the installation of a 123 Ignition electronic distributor, leaving the engine running smoothly and reliably. There was no evidence of fluid leaks during inspection.

The 5-speed manual gearbox operates smoothly, offering a precise, positive, and light shift feel throughout. Gear selection remained completely crunch-free during the drive out, and no issues have been reported with the clutch operation.

Suspension and Brakes

The ride is firm yet compliant, remaining confident and planted when cornering over bumps and absorbing road imperfections without harsh feedback. As speed builds, the handling stays balanced and predictable, with no untoward noises from the wheels.

The braking system operates smoothly and evenly, free of unwanted noise or vibration. The car tracks straight under braking with no steering wheel pull, and the pedal feel is reported to be positive and progressive.

The Drive

Alfa Romeo's flat four boxer engine debuted in 1971 in a 1.2-litre guise to power the revolutionary Front Wheel Drive Alfasud. Introduced in 1978, the 1.5-litre variant quickly emerged as the sweet spot of the lineup, striking an ideal balance between torque, high-revving character, and daily usability. Its success is reflected in its impressive longevity, remaining in production to power various Alfa Romeo models well into the 1990s.

Driving through residential areas revealed a smooth, quiet engine free of untoward mechanical noise, warming up promptly with all dashboard warning lights remaining extinguished. The steering proved tight and free of knocks, handling low-speed road imperfections with ease. Once out on the open road, the Alfasud quickly demonstrated its celebrated handling dynamics and lively character.

As the car reaches dual carriageway speeds, the benefits of regular mechanical maintenance become clear through its refinement, composure, and stability. The engine pulls cleanly throughout the rev range, completely free of flat spots or hesitation. The steering is sharp, communicative, and full of feedback, offering a reassuring weight at low speeds before lightening effortlessly as momentum builds. The cabin remains remarkably vibration-free, with only a minor seat squeak noted. Furthermore, the temperature gauge holds steady around the midpoint, with Neville reporting no issues regarding oil pressure or running temperatures.

Electrics and Other

The interior is equipped with a modern Blaupunkt DAB radio unit paired with a discrete, windscreen mounted aerial.

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History and Paperwork

It comes with over £5k worth of recent spending, including a £1.5k service in March 2026.

First registered in January 1981, the car is accompanied by a paper trail of invoices and receipts dating back to the late 1990s, detailing maintenance across the engine, steering, brakes, and underbody protection. Recent work includes a full engine silicone hose set, replacement water pump, and a carburettor rebuild kit fitted in 2022, followed by an engine health inspection and partial body restoration in 2023. More recently, the vehicle underwent a comprehensive service at specialist Peter Smart Alfa, which included new cambelts, a replacement water pump, a new gearbox output seal, and fresh gear linkage bushes. Over £5,000 has been invested since 2021 to bring the Alfasud to its current high standard.

The car retains its original owner wallet complete with the factory service book, which displays five dealer stamps followed by five additional handwritten entries through the 1990s. Also included are two original sales brochures, a magazine feature article showcasing this specific car, and import documentation from a period spent in Ireland. Complete with two sets of keys, the vehicle was recently selected by Alfa Romeo UK as a display car for a major brand event at Bicester Heritage. The car is both road tax and MOT exempt.

We’ve done all our usual seller checks including photo ID, V5 and also actioned a history check on the vehicle - this is a professional check operated by HPI that will highlight if the car has been previously stolen, recorded as being in an accident, or have any outstanding finance - note, this does not include a mileage history check.

We've summarised our own view on the car based on information gained from the seller in the listing above, however, as you can see, we go to great lengths to photograph and video the car in hi-resolution detail - this has been done for you to make your own assessment from the comfort of your sofa. So please sit back, have a cuppa and take your time to review everything on this listing in order to make your own assessment of the vehicle's condition. Viewings are also welcomed with all our listings, so please get in touch with us to arrange a suitable time - we just need to speak to you first and receive a valid photo ID before confirming.

If there's anything you're unsure about, no matter how small, then please first ask the owner in the comments area below before placing your bids, as bids can't be retracted and form a binding contract if you win the car - just like a traditional auction house.

Service History

Date	Type	Mileage
22-03-2026	Specialist Service	65,401
12-03-2005	MOT	51,286
17-08-1999	Undocumented Service	51,053
07-03-1998	Undocumented Service	50,014
03-03-1998	Undocumented Service	49,926
25-05-1997	Undocumented Service	48,315
28-12-1995	Undocumented Service	45,618
06-01-1995	Undocumented Service	39,685
14-03-1983	Dealer Service	35,149
23-09-1982	Dealer Service	31,268
21-05-1982	Dealer Service	24,174
	Dealer Service	16,996
17-03-1981	Dealer Service	4,744

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Key Details

Year1981
ModelAlfasud Sprint Veloce
Transmission5-speed Manual
Reg. Date23-01-1981
CC1490
Mileage~ 65,737 on the clock
HistorySince 1998
ColourRosso Red
Interior ColourBrown
Interior TrimVelour
Chassis #G5054013
Engine #AS30128/006985
Last Service22-03-2026
MOT ExemptYes
Road Tax ExemptYes
HPi ClearYes - All Clear
Former Keepers5
Tyre BrandVredestein
Tyre Age2021
# of Keys2
LHD or RHDRHD
VisitedYes
Sale TypePrivate
Owned4 Years
Key FeatureCondition and Original Specification.
Vehicle RegistrationPLN 751W
Driver’s SideRight
Fuel TypePetrol
Body Type3-door Coupe
Auction ID3958

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Vehicle Location

Witney, Oxfordshire

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This car didn't meet its reserve price and may soon be available as a private sale - please contact us for more information or let us know if you want to be notified when a similar car comes to market.

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Seller : NPG33

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4 Comments

italiancarnut

1 month ago

Dear seller

Have you seen inside the rear window steel sleeve (where rear quarter windows drops down for ventilation by Passanger ) inside the rear wing to inspect for classic rust that inside the presses steel sleeve due to water ? collection even with drain off tube. It’s a built in rust trap. Be it I have had 3 sprints this is often over looked and require treatment

NPG33

Seller

italiancarnut

1 month ago

I haven’t looked in both sides, the OS is fine and both rear windows operate easily

italiancarnut

1 month ago

Hello seller has there been any injection of wayoxl in inner and or outer sills ?

NPG33

Seller

italiancarnut

1 month ago

Hi, I have an invoice from 1995 from the first owner that says “Attend to rust + Waxoil O/S and N/S under sills”, and in 2023 when I had the roof repair and wheel arches cleaned up and resprayed they also “Dinitrol lower sections of NS and OS sills and front and rear wheel arches.”
I believe it has had other application of Waxoyl in the past as there has been a slight weep on very hot days around some of the body fittings – wing mirrors and rear lights.

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Vehicle Location

Witney, Oxfordshire

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