Austin Allegro History
Catalog record
This is a brief catalog introduction with limited source documentation. A licensed, identity-checked lead photograph has not yet been added for this page. Detailed year, configuration and ownership coverage must be identified separately; this page is not a complete vehicle catalog.
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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.
Body styles
- 2-door saloon
- 4-door saloon
- Estate
Notable special editions & performance variants
Vanden Plas 1500
Upmarket Allegro with a tall traditional grille, leather seats and walnut trim — luxury on a small-car footprint.
Related models
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