1980 AUSTIN ALLEGRO 1.3HL
WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?
Ignition turns the cold engine over for a couple of seconds before the motor springs into life. The hydrogas suspension needs a regas, which will benefit the ride, especially over rougher ground – this will be addressed before sale. It feels surprisingly taut on the road and the gearbox seems to lack the vagueness often associated with older BL cars. The clutch bites at just over half travel and the steering chatters only over the worst road surfaces. Performance is capable – this Allegro has no issues keeping pace with modern traffic.
BODYWORK CHECK
The bright and cheerful Snapdragon Yellow finish works well on the Allegro and being the HL model, it also has a vinyl roof and contrasting black bumpers. The forward edge of the scuttle panel has a small touch-in and there is a very small dent on the leading edge of the bonnet. The offside front wing has been painted in the past; it’s only noticeable in certain lights because the shade varies very slightly from the bonnet. The underside shows hardly any signs of corrosion, pointing to a well-cared for previous life with its one lady owner of 31 years. The passenger door has several tiny dents in it, but overall the bodywork is way above average. Tyres are recent Michelins.
HOW’S THE INTERIOR?
This Allegro formed part of a collection that Jaguar Land Rover Group bought in 2014, which may well explain the interior. The black seat covers have little noticeable wear – their finish resembles a velour/ towelling effect – and the carpets match. There’s slight puckering to the vinyl door cards around the edges and handles, but the four inertia reel seat belts and two-speed fan work as they should, as do the period Gelhard radio/ cassette player, dials, gauges and switchgear.
UNDER THE BONNET
The engine shows no signs of oil or coolant leaks, and the whole bay area would need little effort to bring it up to show standard. The history file shows that the mechanicals have been very well cared for. Between 1981 and 2006, it confirms that 26 main dealer services were followed by a further four until 2010 when the lady owner gave up driving. In the last 10,000 miles invoices confirm replacement exhaust, clutch master cylinder, battery, starter motor and wheel cylinders, plus brake pads and shoes.
THE CCW VIEW
It’s rare to feel excitement around a Leyland model that didn’t enjoy the best of publicity during its lifetime. The history file alone will take any future custodian hours to read through and this care reflects in both the visual and driving experience. If you don’t care about brand snobbery, this has the potential for years of classic ownership on a budget.
Orchard Classics, Orchard Business Park, Arundel, West Sussex BN18 0GA. 01243 555595, orchardclassics.co.uk
Good body and paint, excellent interior Minor body dings, suspension needs a re-gas