Austin Austin Allegro History

The Allegro replaced the hugely successful 1100/1300 in 1973, carrying over front-wheel drive and adding the new Hydragas suspension (derived from the earlier Hydrolastic system). Early cars were infamous for a 'quartic' rectangular steering wheel meant to free up legroom; it proved unpopular and was dropped in 1974, but the car never lived it down.

Plagued by build-quality problems, the Allegro became one of British Leyland's most criticized products, earning the nickname 'All Aggro' and a lasting reputation as shorthand for the company's 1970s decline. Production ran to 1982. A plush Vanden Plas 1500 version, with a grand upright grille, leather and walnut, sat at the top of the range.