Austin Allegro
The dumpy face of 1970s British Leyland, now a cult classic rarity.
- Power
- 59 bhp
- 0–60 mph
- 17.0 s
- Top speed
- 87 mph
- Est. value
- $2k–$8k
About the Austin Allegro
The Austin Allegro was designed to replace the world-beating ADO16, but it became a symbol of British Leyland's 1970s decline. Its bulbous styling was a compromise forced by the need to fit a tall heater unit and E-Series engines, losing the sleek wedge shape originally intended by designer Harris Mann. Despite its poor reputation for build quality, it featured advanced Hydragas interconnected suspension which provided a remarkably smooth ride for a small car. Today, the Allegro has transitioned from a punchline into a sought-after 'unexceptional' classic, with survivors becoming increasingly rare due to historical neglect.
Austin Allegro specs
The Austin Allegro produces 59 bhp (44 kW) and 94 Nm (69 lb-ft) of torque. It reaches 60 mph in 17.0 seconds and has a top speed of 87 mph (140 km/h).
| Make | Austin |
|---|---|
| Model | Allegro |
| Trim | 1.3 |
| Years | 1973–1982 |
| Type | Classic |
| Body style | Saloon |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Engine | 1.3-litre A-Series inline-four |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,275 cc (1.3 litres) |
| Induction | Naturally aspirated |
| Power | 59 bhp (44 kW) at 5,300 rpm |
| Torque | 94 Nm (69 lb-ft) |
| Redline | 6,000 rpm |
| 0–60 mph | 17.0 s |
| Top speed | 87 mph (140 km/h) |
| Transmission | 4-speed manual |
| Drivetrain | Front-wheel drive |
| Weight | 820 kg (1,808 lb) |
| Power-to-weight | 72 bhp per tonne |
Typical figures for the standard car; options, markets and model years vary. Where our specs come from
How much is an Austin Allegro worth?
A typical Austin Allegro is estimated to be worth $1,800 – $8,000 (about £1,300 – £6,000).
Values are directional estimates for a typical example, not appraisals. Condition, mileage, history and specification all change what a real car is worth. Pound figures use the exchange rate of 3 November 2026. How values are estimated
Austin Allegro rarity in CarSpot
The Austin Allegro is an Uncommon card in CarSpot, with a rarity score of 19 out of 100. Hot hatches and premium sporty cars. An Uncommon card is worth 20 XP.
Each model's tier starts from a 0–100 score based on its value plus its power or production numbers. Once enough players have spotted a model, how often it is spotted can move it up or down one tier. How CarSpot rarity works
Rarity is a collectible game mechanic, not an assessment of real-world scarcity or value.
Austin Allegro fun facts
- Early models featured a controversial 'Quartic' steering wheel that was rectangular with rounded corners, though it was dropped by 1974.
- A persistent urban myth claimed the Allegro was so aerodynamically unstable that the rear window would pop out if the car was jacked up incorrectly.
- Despite its reputation as a failure, it was consistently one of the top ten best-selling cars in Britain throughout the 1970s.