Austin Allegro

Austin Allegro
Overview
ManufacturerAustin (British Leyland)
Also called
  • Vanden Plas 1500 / 1.5 or 1.7 [1]
  • Innocenti Regent
Production1973–1982
AssemblyUnited Kingdom: Longbridge, Birmingham
Belgium: Seneffe
Italy: Lambrate, Milan (Innocenti)
DesignerHarris Mann
Body and chassis
ClassSmall family car (C)
Body style2-door saloon
3-door estate
4-door saloon
LayoutFF layout
Powertrain
Engine1.0 L A-Series I4
1.1 L A-Series I4
1.3 L A-Series I4
1.5 L E-Series I4
1.7 L E-Series I4
Dimensions
Wheelbase2,438 mm (96 in)
Length3,861 mm (152 in) (saloon), 3,993 mm (157.2 in) (estate)
Width1,600 mm (63 in)
Height1,397 mm (55 in)
Kerb weight869 kg (1,915 lb) (approx)
Chronology
PredecessorAustin 1100/1300
SuccessorAustin Maestro (Hatchback)
Austin Montego (Saloon)

The Austin Allegro is a small family car that was manufactured by the Austin-Morris division of British Leyland (BL) from 1973 until 1982. The same vehicle was built in Italy by Innocenti between 1974 and 1975 and sold as the Innocenti Regent. The Allegro[2] was designed as a replacement for the Austin 1100 and 1300 models. In total, 642,350 Austin Allegros were produced during its 10-year production life, most of which were sold on the home market, less than a third of 2.1 million 1100s and 1300s sold in the previous 11 years.

It was built and sold by British Leyland alongside the hatchback Austin Maxi (launched in 1969) and the 1971 rear-wheel-drive Morris Marina. All three were eventually replaced by the Austin Maestro in 1983.

  1. ^ The Vanden Plas Owners Club Retrieved on 18 February 2013
  2. ^ Sales hopes pinned on new Austin Allegro. The Times, Thursday, 17 May 1973; pg. 1; Issue 58784