Designed for families and small entrepreneurs, the Giardinetta was the station wagon version of the Alfa Romeo Alfasud.
Alfa Romeo struggled with the workforce, the Italian Government, and with Fiat to launch the Alfasud project. Even after it started, the numerous strikes of its southern factory workers affected both the production and the products. Body panels were left unpainted in the yard for days and started to rust even before they were mounted on the cars. But those who were lucky enough to get a vehicle that was assembled with new parts were happy. The Alfasud was a successful car, and the carmaker understood the need for a bigger trunk. Thus, it created the Giardinetta version, which was Alfa Romeo’s first mass-produced station wagon.

The front was similar to the rest of the Alfasud range, with rectangular, horizontal headlights and a black plastic grille between them. In the middle, the Alfa shield with its chromed trim around it created a sporty image, unusual for a station wagon. But, since it only had two side doors, it might be considered a shooting-brake as well.

The interior was bare, with plastic, rubber, and few metal trims here and there. The idea was to keep the car’s price low. There was enough room for four adults, without any problems with the headroom or legroom. Since the engine was flat and low-mounted, the front overhang was kept short, and the wheelbase was ample for its overall size. Unlike its siblings, the Giardinetta featured a liftback to access the trunk.

Under the hood, Alfa Romeo installed a flat-four engine, which kept the center of gravity low. Despite its almost utilitarian look, the Giardinetta was a nimble little station wagon.