Alfa Romeo Assembled in Rhodesia

[alfaromeoV6]

Hi

Does anyone know the story behind the Alfa Romeo's assembled in Rhodesia (at Willowvale and Umtali), I believe during the 1970s.

I am told the models assembled were all type 105... 1300ti /1300 super; super
(1600) 1750 and 2000.

Any info would be great appreciated - Do any list members own such a car?

Thanks

Wayne

[zakanaka2000]

Alfa's were only assembled in Willowvale(Salisbury) - ex Ford assambly plant - and never in Umtali - ex BMC assembly plant.
The Alfa's were assembled on the same assembly line as the Renaults (R4, R6, R10, R12, R18) - I'm certain - and most probably allso with the Mazda B1600 pick up and the Peugeot 404, petrol & diesel, saloon and station wagon.
Umtali assembled Citroën ds 19, Dahaitsu 1000 saloon and station wagon + pich up petrol, the Isuzu Bellet 1500, and, I think, the BMW 4 doors saloon ex "Glas 1700" in 1600, 1800 and 2000, and at later stage the "european 2000 saloon).
The Alfa's type assembled were mostly 105's (1300TI, 1600 Super to start with of 1968 model year although assembled in 1969; then 1300 Super, 1750 Berlina and 2000 Berlina, and later, Alfasud 1200, 4 doors....)
My first 1600 Super had chassis/engine nr 1310, assembled in 1969 - first batch assembled - and my 2000 Berlina had chassis/engine nr 4151 and was assembled in 1973. (ordered at Incar, Salisbury, on 04/04/73 and delivered 27/09/73)
The 1969 list price of the 1300ti was 940 rhodesian pounds, and the 1600 super was 1.097 rhodesian pounds.
In 1973, the list price of the Berlina 2000 was 3.333 rhodesian dollars (included 10% sales tax)
As option, I ordered:
tinted glass all round : rh$ 30.00
2 front seat belts: rh$ 26.00
stereo radio + tape + speakers: rh$ 155.00
2 front headrests: rh$ 13.00
The CKD kits were imported following a barter deal "tobacco for cars", and the kits transited through South Africa.
Local contend included Dunlop tyres (made in Bulawayo) 155 X 15 on the Super , but oversized 185 x 14 on the 2000, and windows - plain or black tinted.

Now I have found in EEC a 1971 2000 Berlina type 10515 bearing chassis/engine nr 3982 which I will keep and restore to original as thoses rhodesian cars are few now... They were maybe a little too complicated and unsuited for Africa..........
But great memories !!!

[zakanaka2000]

Here you'll find pics of the chassis number deleted because of UN sanction busting, and type identification plate with the engine number stamped on. This is the only identification of the car.....

[Bill S]

Interesting bit of Alfa history that I knew nothing about. Thanks for sharing it and post some more pics of your Berlina.

[alfaromeoV6]

Thanks very much for the info and the photographs, very interesting

Wayne

[Zagato_Olaf]

Quote:

Originally Posted by alfaromeoV6 Hi Does anyone know the story behind the Alfa Romeo's assembled in Rhodesia (at Willowvale and Umtali), I believe during the 1970s. I am told the models assembled were all type 105... 1300ti /1300 super; super (1600) 1750 and 2000. Any info would be great appreciated - Do any list members own such a car? Thanks Wayne

[Pogliaghi]

Hi Zakanaka2000!

My dad bought me a brand new Alfasud in Salisbury - I don't know what he paid for it. I believe it was 1975 - the car was a rust brown colour with a brown interior. It was a fabulous car and I just loved it! I was at Mt Pleasant school at the time and would park it next to my friends old 60s Ferrari!

Mike.
Austin TX
PS. The Sud was mushi - oh how I miss the good old days.