For Sale: 1973 Alfa Romeo Berlina in Katwijk, Netherlands

The Alfa Romeo Alfasud might just be the most contradictory Alfa Romeo ever built. A car that brought the marque both acclaim and headaches in equal measure. On one hand, a brilliantly driving compact with an unparalleled vivacious character, on the other, a model that became notorious for rust issues and inconsistent build quality. But that is precisely why the genuinely good examples are so rare today, and all the more desirable for it. The Alfasud story begins in the late nineteen sixties, when Alfa Romeo set out to develop an affordable compact car. With backing from the Italian government, production was established in the south of Italy, near Naples: hence the name 'Sud'. Development was led by Rudolf Hruska, while the design came from Giorgetto Giugiaro. The result: a technically advanced car featuring a low-mounted boxer engine, front-wheel drive and handling that was years ahead of its time. The reputation for rust dogged the model for decades, partly due to circumstances at the factory where quality and production processes were not always at the level you would expect from Alfa Romeo, or perhaps exactly what you would expect from an Italian manufacturer of that era... The cars that have survived the test of time show what it is really all about. The moment you slip behind the wheel, the stories fade into the background and only one thing remains: a pure, honest driver's car with a soul. The Alfasud we are offering is an early 1973 example fitted with the 1.2 engine. This particular car was ordered new by an Italian living in Germany, who chose the striking and rare combination of Beige Ponza paintwork with a red interior: a pairing that might raise an eyebrow at first, yet suits the car's character perfectly and wins you over in no time at all. In 2010 the car came to the Netherlands, where it was expertly and sympathetically restored between 2013 and 2018. The result is an Alfasud that stands apart through its quality and finish. Panel gaps, detailing and overall execution are at an exceptionally high standard. We have no hesitation in ranking this example among the very best on the market. This car feels and drives the way it was always meant to, yet with a solidity that is probably better than when it left the factory. Crucially, it has retained its original character throughout. With an indicated mileage of just 35,800 km and the overall condition to match, you are looking at a truly exceptional example. This is an Alfasud as it always should have been: light, sharp steering, communicative, and with that signature boxer engine making every journey something special. As a finishing touch, the original sales brochures (both German and Dutch) and the original owner's handbook are included: wonderful pieces that complete this car's story. Key highlights: o Early Alfasud 1.2 from 1973 o Indicated mileage of 35,800 km o Delivered new in Germany to an Italian owner o Stunning colour scheme: Beige Ponza with red interior o Professionally and carefully restored between 2013 and 2018 o Highly solid and mechanically strong, drives as intended o Includes original brochures (DE + NL) o Includes original owner's handbook o A rare beauty in top condition Nick Slinger