The Austin Allegro: A Look Back at its Launch

The launch of the Austin Allegro was met with mixed reviews, largely due to the car’s reputation preceding it. However, it is important to remember that the Allegro was released during a time when British Leyland was doing well and was meant to replace the popular 1100/1300. The Allegro boasted an all-new look, although not as stylish as originally intended, and new rubber and fluid suspension, as well as the familiar A- and E-series four-pot engines.

Of the 12 launch variants, the 1300 Super 3dr was likely to be the most popular. While it had the same power output as the Morris Marina at 60bhp, it did not match the Marina’s on-road performance. This was attributed to the grim weather during testing. However, the Allegro felt lively and flexible, with a smooth ride. The hydragas suspension was an improvement over the old Hydralastic, but it firmed up oddly at times and was prone to pitch and dive. The steering was also problematic, tugging at the driver’s hands. Despite its flaws, the Allegro was considered a step up from the 1300 and was expected to sell well.

Volkswagen’s Modernisation Efforts

Volkswagen had long been associated with the iconic Beetle and its air-cooled relatives. However, after acquiring NSU and inheriting the front-driven and watercooled K70 saloon, the company set about modernising its range. In early 1973, images of EA266 and EA400 prototypes were released. The former became the Volkswagen Passat, although it was developed from the Audi 80. The true harbinger of Volkswagen’s modernisation efforts came in early 1974 with the launch of the Volkswagen Golf, which evolved from the less radical EA337 project inspired by the Fiat 128.

British Leyland’s Fifth Anniversary

British Leyland had a difficult start as a nationalised company formed from a mismatched merger. However, by the time of its fifth anniversary, the company was feeling confident. The Marina was selling well, and the Allegro had been released. Triumph was being reinvented, and new factories were planned for Jaguar and Rover. Lord Stokes, the company’s boss, announced a £500m investment plan that included new Austin/Morris factories, new interests abroad, and increased production and European sales. He expressed confidence in the company’s designers, engineers, and production men, stating that they would provide a British motor industry of which everyone could be proud.

In conclusion, the launch of the Austin Allegro was met with mixed reviews, largely due to the car’s reputation preceding it. However, it was released during a time when British Leyland was doing well and was meant to replace the popular 1100/1300. Volkswagen was also modernising its range, and British Leyland was feeling confident as it celebrated its fifth anniversary. Despite its flaws, the Allegro was expected to sell well, and Lord Stokes expressed confidence in the future of the British motor industry.