Austin Allegro (1973-82)

1. Reputation and Infamy:
• The Allegro had a reputation for being less reliable than your flaky Wi-Fi during peak streaming hours. It’s like it whispered to its owners, “Hey, let’s play a game called ‘Breakdown Bingo’!”
• The build quality? Well, let’s just say it wasn’t exactly German-engineered precision. The Allegro’s panels seemed to have a love-hate relationship with rust—mostly hate.
2. A-Plus Engines:
• Now, here’s where the plot thickens (like a good British stew). In 1980, the Allegro got a heart transplant—the A-Series engines waved goodbye, and the A-Plus engines waltzed in.
• The A-Plus engines were like the Allegro’s therapy session: better made, more reliable, and longer-lived. The 1.0-litre version churned out a modest 44 horsepower, while the 1.3-litre flexed its muscles with 61 horsepower. Torque? Oh, it had torque—52 lb-ft and 69 lb-ft, respectively. Not bad for a car that looked like it moonlighted as a geometry teacher.
3. Hydragas Suspension and Five Gears:
• On the bright side, the Allegro floated on the Hydragas suspension system. It’s like the car was saying, “I’m not just a car; I’m a gentle cloud with wheels!”
• And guess what? Five gears! That’s right, the Allegro was ahead of its time. It’s like it winked at other cars and said, “I’ve got more gears than your average sitcom plot twist!”
4. Cult Appeal and Rising Value:
• Despite its quirks, the Allegro has become a cult classic. It’s the automotive equivalent of that indie band you secretly love but pretend you don’t.
• The 1979 Equipe special edition? Worth double the money of its standard counterpart. And all Allegros are slowly rising in value—like a fine wine, but with more square steering wheels.
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Generations

1. **First Generation (1973–1982):**
- The Allegro made its grand entrance in 1973, replacing the earlier Austin 1100 and 1300 models. It was like the new kid in school, eager to make friends.
- This generation featured the iconic rounded styling, the quartic steering wheel (yes, the square-ish one), and the Hydragas suspension system. It was all about being unconventional and British to the core.

2. **A-Plus Engines and Midlife Refresh:**
- Around 1980, the Allegro got a heart transplant. Out went the A-Series engines, and in came the A-Plus engines. These were like the Allegro's second wind—a bit more reliable and longer-lived.
- The midlife refresh also brought some cosmetic changes, but the Allegro's distinctive character remained intact. It's like it said, "I might be quirky, but I'm consistently quirky!"

3. **Special Editions and Rising Value:**
- Throughout its production run, the Allegro had special editions like the 1979 Equipe. These were like limited-edition vinyl records—collectible and worth a nod of approval.
- And guess what? All Allegros are slowly rising in value. It's like they're whispering, "Invest in me; I'm not just a car; I'm a rolling piece of nostalgia!"
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Trim Levels

During its production years from 1973 to 1982, the Austin Allegro offered a variety of trim levels to suit different tastes and budgets.

1. **Austin Allegro 1100 Base/De Luxe:**
- The entry-level Allegro came with a modest 1.1-liter engine. It was like the sensible kid in the family—reliable and unpretentious.
- Features were basic, but it got you from A to B without any jazz hands. No frills, just wheels.

2. **Austin Allegro 1300 Base/De Luxe/Super de Luxe:**
- Stepping up a notch, the 1300 models offered—you guessed it—a 1.3-liter engine. More oomph, more possibilities!
- The "Super de Luxe" variant even threw in a dash of luxury. Leatherette seats? Check. Fancier trim? Check. It's like the Allegro put on a tuxedo for a night out.

3. **Austin Allegro 1500 Super de Luxe/Special:**
- The 1500 Super de Luxe cranked things up. It had—you guessed it again—a 1.5-liter engine. Power, baby!
- And the "Special" trim? Well, it was special. Maybe it whispered sweet nothings to its owner while cruising down the motorway.

4. **Austin Allegro 1750 Sports/Sports Special:**
- Now we're talking! The 1750 models were the sporty siblings. They flexed their muscles with—you guessed it (last time, promise)—a 1.75-liter engine.
- The "Sports Special" variant? Picture it: racing stripes, alloy wheels, and a spoiler. It's like the Allegro decided to moonlight as a rally car.

5. **Estate (Three-Door) Variant:**
- Since 1976, the Allegro also offered a three-door estate version alongside the two- and four-door saloons. It's like the Allegro said, "Why should hatchbacks have all the fun?"
- Practicality and quirkiness in one package—what more could you ask for?
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Engines

During its production years from 1973 to 1982, the Austin Allegro offered a variety of engines to power its unconventional charm. Buckle up, because here's the lineup:

1. **1.0-Litre A-Series Engine:**
- The entry-level Allegro came with a pint-sized 1.0-liter A-Series engine. It was like the sensible kid in the family—reliable and unpretentious. Not a powerhouse, but it got the job done.

2. **1.1-Litre A-Series Engine:**
- Stepping up a notch, the 1.1-litre A-Series engine provided a tad more oomph. It's like the Allegro decided to stretch its legs a bit.
- These smaller-engined models were paired with a four-speed gearbox. Shift, shift, shift—like a polite conversation in gear form.

3. **1.3-Litre A-Series Engine:**
- The 1.3-litre A-Series engine was the middle child—neither too small nor too big. It struck a balance between efficiency and pep.
- Again, four-speed gearbox for this one. It's like the Allegro had a favorite dance move: the gear shuffle.

4. **1.5-Litre E-Series Engine:**
- Now we're talking! The 1.5-litre E-Series engine brought more horses to the party. Power, baby!
- And guess what? The 1.5-litre and the sportier 1.75-liter variants both had five-speed gearboxes. It's like the Allegro said, "I've got more gears than your average sitcom plot twist!"

5. **1.75-Litre E-Series Engine:**
- The 1.75-liter model was the sporty sibling—the one that flexed its muscles. It had torque, it had attitude.
- Five-speed gearbox? Check. Racing stripes? Maybe not, but it definitely dreamed of them.
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Performance

**1. Engine Specs:**
- The Allegro 1100 was powered by a 1.1-liter inline-4 OHV engine. It wasn't exactly a powerhouse, but it had its own modest charm.
- Picture this: 50 PS (that's 49 bhp for our friends across the pond) humming away at 5250 rpm. Torque? A respectable 81 Nm (60 lb-ft) doing its thing at 2450 rpm. Not bad for a car that looked like it moonlighted as a geometry teacher!

**2. Performance Figures:**
- Let's talk acceleration. The 1000-meter sprint? The Allegro 1100 managed it in approximately 40.4 seconds. Not exactly breaking land-speed records, but it had a steady pace.
- Top speed? A respectable 133 kph (that's around 82 mph). It's like the Allegro said, "I'm not in a hurry; I'm here for the scenic route!"

**3. Fuel Efficiency:**
- Now, let's chat about sipping tea—err, I mean fuel. The Allegro 1100 averaged around 10.2 to 8.2 liters per 100 kilometers (that's 23 to 29 mpg US or 28 to 35 mpg UK).
- It's like the Allegro had a sensible side, balancing performance with frugality. "Why rush when you can enjoy the journey?" it whispered.

**4. Lap Times and Handling:**
- On the track, the Allegro 1100 circled Linas-Montlhéry (a 9-kilometer circuit) in approximately 5 minutes and 21.40 seconds. Not exactly setting the asphalt on fire, but it had its own rhythm.
- Handling? Well, it wasn't a nimble sports car, but it waltzed through corners with a certain grace. Like a ballroom dancer in sensible shoes.

**5. Quirkiness Factor:**
- Of course, we can't ignore the Allegro's unique styling—the rounded panels, the quartic steering wheel, and the Hydragas suspension. It was like the car said, "I'm not just transportation; I'm an experience!"
- And you know what? Despite its quirks, the Allegro has gained a cult following. It's the automotive equivalent of that indie band you secretly love.
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Spares

Ah, the quest for **Austin Allegro** spares—an adventure worthy of a classic car enthusiast! Fear not, intrepid seeker of automotive relics; I shall guide you to the treasure troves of spare parts. 🚗💫

1. **Online Stores:**
- The digital highways are your best bet. Buckle up and head to these online stores:
- **[Autopartspro.co.uk](https://www.autopartspro.co.uk/austin-allegro-carparts)**: They've got a virtual warehouse of Allegro parts. Brake pads, oil filters, wing mirrors—you name it! And they ship faster than a caffeinated squirrel.
- **[123spareparts.co.uk](https://www.123spareparts.co.uk/car-brands/austin/allegro-saloon-parts)**: Here, you'll find suitable parts for your Allegro Saloon. It's like a digital bazaar for car bits.
- **[Breakeryard](https://www.breakeryard.com/car-parts/austin/allegro)**: Guaranteed parts, ready for delivery or collection. Plus, they won't charge you royal carriage fees. Up to 85% off dealer prices—now that's a deal!

2. **Local Wizards (a.k.a. Scrap Yards):**
- Seek out the mystical scrap yards. They're like ancient libraries filled with forgotten car spells.
- Knock on their rusty gates, and they might reveal hidden treasures—a pristine Allegro grille, a tailgate strut that whispers secrets, or even a wing mirror glass that reflects the mysteries of the universe.

3. **Classic Car Clubs and Forums:**
- Join the secret society of Allegro enthusiasts. They gather in dimly lit garages, surrounded by carburetors and faded Haynes manuals.
- Ask politely, and they'll share their sacred scrolls—the ones that list the coordinates of rare parts suppliers.

4. **Longbridge Motor Spares (Earlpart):**
- Visit the **[Longbridge Motor Spares Allegro Catalogue](https://longbridgemotorspares.co.uk/catalogue_Allegro.htm)**. It's like stepping into a time capsule. Follow their simple category path, and voilà! You'll find the elusive L-H Front Wing or the mystical Windscreen Wiper Motor.

5. **Summon the Car Whisperers:**
- Sometimes, it's not about where but whom. Seek out the car whisperers—the folks who can hear an engine's heartbeat and diagnose ailing carburetors with a single glance.
- They'll lead you to hidden garages, where dusty boxes hold the last surviving Allegro door handles.

Specialists
In Northern Ireland, you can find garages that specialize in Austin cars. Here are a few options:

1. **Donnellygroup**: As Northern Ireland's largest family-owned motor retailer, Donnelly Group offers a wide selection of new and used cars, including Austin models. They also provide servicing and parts options.

2. **Specialist Auto Centre**: Located in Carrickfergus, Specialist Auto Centre services and maintains various car makes, including performance and executive cars. They are approximately 15 minutes from Belfast.

3. **Burnside Garage Ltd.**: Based in Coleraine, Burnside Garage specializes in auto transmission repair and recovery services. While they don't exclusively focus on Austin cars, they may still be able to assist.

4. **Shelbourne Motors Dacia**: Although not exclusively an Austin specialist, Shelbourne Motors Dacia is an award-winning dealership with locations in Portadown and Newry. They offer new and approved used vehicles.

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Racing

The Austin Allegro, a small family car produced by British Leyland from 1973 to 1982, wasn't particularly known for its racing prowess. However, there were some lighthearted drag racing events where the Allegro participated. In one instance, an Allegro completed a quarter-mile run in 22.36 seconds with a terminal speed of 58.22 mph, earning it the title of this year's "Slow Car Club" champion⁶. Despite its unconventional styling, the Allegro found its place in automotive history, even if not on the racetrack!