A rarely seen example of Alfa Romeo’s unconventional approach to practicality: a 1980 Alfasud 1300 Giardinetta. The seller has provided minimal information, so any considerations here are based on what the model represents rather than specific details about this particular car.

The Alfasud Giardinetta is one of the least common variants of the Alfasud range. Introduced in 1975 and designed by Italdesign, it combined the mechanical base of the standard Alfasud with a three-door estate body—offering increased cargo space while maintaining a sleek, coupe-like silhouette. Its styling was more refined than utilitarian, clearly aimed at private buyers rather than commercial fleets. Technically, the Giardinetta shared the Alfasud’s advanced features for the era: front-wheel drive, a flat-four (boxer) engine, four-wheel independent suspension, and disc brakes all around. These elements gave it superior road manners compared to most competitors in the small family car segment.

Despite these qualities, the Giardinetta struggled in the market. Estate cars in late 1970s Italy were still largely perceived as work vehicles, and Alfa Romeo’s attempt to market a sporty, stylish version of the format did not match customer expectations. As a result, only around 2,100 units were built before the model was quietly dropped from the range in 1981. Today, the Alfasud Giardinetta is considered one of the rarest Alfa Romeos of its era. Very few have survived, and even fewer remain in original configuration. This makes any example, regardless of condition, a notable find—especially for collectors interested in underappreciated or low-production Italian cars from the 1970s and early 1980s. Find it for sale at €7,500 (today $8,800) here in Trapani, Italy.