De Alfasud L 1.2, produced in 1978, symbolizes more than just a car; it is a piece of cultural heritage cherished by classic car enthusiasts. This model, known for its lively character and practicality, has lost none of its charm over the years. With excellent fuel efficiency, a surprisingly spacious interior and a range of technical innovations, the Alfasud a driving experience that is both comfortable and enjoyable. It's no wonder that motoring journalists across Europe cheered on the introduction of the Alfasud tumbled over each other with praise.
Rave reviews from all over Europe
- Coach and Motor (England): “In its class, the Alfaprogress on many points!”
- Teknikens en Technikan (Scandinavia): Unanimously voted “Car of the Year”.
- Frankfurter Algemeine (Germany): "Alfasud maintains a high ranking after every test.”
- L'auto journal (France): “With her Alfasud presents Alfa Romeo has established itself as a premium brand in France.”
A special bond with dealer Rinsma
Jan Sake's story Alfasud starts with the official one Alfa Romeo dealer Rinsma in Berlikum, where the car was delivered new to the owner's brother. This special car was treated with great care; in bad weather he stayed indoors, and after a rain shower he was carefully dried. After the brother's death, the car was put into storage; selling was not an option. Dealer Rinsma had built up a strong reputation in the region, partly thanks to an active approach that managed to attract many Alfists.
Jan Sake's adventure with the AlfaSouth
Jan Sake, a fervent one Alfa Romeo enthusiast, took over the car on the recommendation of the late Hendrik Rinsma, when he was only 16. This takeover was not simply arranged; it was a matter of award. When the Alfasud was 14 years old, with only 28.000 km on the odometer, it could still be a daily car, but Jan Sake had other plans. Only after he got his driver's license could he really start using the car, albeit as a hobby car in addition to his business car.
Maintain and experience
Jan Sake has always made great efforts to... Alfato keep sud in top condition. Proof of his dedication was a trouble-free trip to Italy in 2000, a journey of no less than 5600 km. Despite the production and quality problems that experts often cite for the late introduction of the Alfasud, Jan Sake's car has proven that love and attention can make the difference. This Alfasud is not just a means of transportation; it is a reminder of a bygone era and a symbol of freedom.
Jan Sake likes to share his passion for this moving heritage. His efforts to... AlfaSud driving and maintaining it deserve all the praise. His car is not only his pride, but also an inspiration to anyone who understands the beauty and importance of classic cars.
My first Alfasud was a yellow 5M, also from 1978.
He was 5 years old when I bought him from Bijman in Enkhuizen. Had a lot of driving pleasure, but also had to touch up a lot of rust spots. When he was 8 years old, Sudje no longer passed the inspection: the sills were "cooked". I have since had a Sud 3 more times, the last 3 years of which have been in my garage, waiting for a restoration. Ultimately completely stripped and sold in parts. In 2005 I bought another one Alfa, this time a 147 JTD. After six years it became a 147 2.0 TS Collezione. Great driving cars, but my great love for cars remains the AlfaSud!
My first car, the Sud ti. Fantastic. And yes, unfortunately rust. When you opened the sunroof you had to wipe your pants off the rust particles. But drive like a charm. To enjoy. Jan Sake: tribute!
I am absolutely not a fan of driving. Just one Alfa, a Sud, has still appealed to me as a motorcyclist. Light and sharp steering, sufficient acceleration and handling like a go-kart. It is a great pity that the continuing rot caused this luxury go-kart to be scrapped before the MOT period. As for that rust, kudos to Mr. Sake!
De Alfa Sud is one of the cars that made the deepest impressions on me when it appeared on Dutch roads. I'm from 1967, so I was really a boy. A few houses down the street from me, it must have been 1977 or 1978, there was suddenly a white one, in a luxurious version, and I couldn't get enough of it. What a beautiful appearance!
A few years ago a buddy of mine restored such a car, a purple one. His company has a good reputation and I visit often; for coffee, geoldehoer and more. The effect of this car on me has not changed at all. I can keep looking at it. I've never driven one by the way, hopefully I will someday.
I bought a new one in 1978 Alfasud Sprint 1,3. Never had such a bad car. Lots of factory defects. Drove more often without a dashboard than with it. I took it to the Casu in Utrecht at the time. Oil leakage along the joust. Were torn. Had to trade in car for one Alfasud Giardianetta (station wagon). No other brand wanted the Alfasud Sprint have. When I traded in the car at Alblas in Soest, they called the next day. What I had done with the Sprint because the car was crooked. However, I didn't know anything. All in all a very bad experience AlfaRomeo.
I don't understand that Timbuktu comment. And yes, wonderful car, especially that technology of course. The most beautiful cars come from Italy, everyone knows that. The best car designers too, by the way. Still, I find a lot alfaIt's a bit overrated in that regard. If you ignore the logo for a moment; I see an allegro. I didn't find it ugly at all either. I don't want to talk about the 164. 4-sided, meaningless, could also have come from Germany, Passat for example, but it drove so well.
In the 70s, 'Van Bruchem' was a dealer in Westenholte (Zwolle). Alfa Romeo, my neighbor Herman Boonstra had one Alfasud Sprint, great! Beautiful boxer engines, let them warm up slowly and then rev them. 🙂
De Alfa Sud. The engine sings like the most beautiful choir. It prefers bone-dry conditions. With daily use in Dutch weather, such a beauty will fall prey to the brown plague in no time. After all, they were already rusting in the brochure... But it is a moving monument!! 👌🏼
Did Jan drive across Timbuktu???????