INTERVIEW: Chris Harris on racing the ‘70s saloon everyone obsessed over

Reflecting on his youth, Harris recalled the Alfasud’s reputation. “It was obsolete just before I started loving cars, and everyone was still waxing lyrical about them in the mid‑80s.” The Alfasud first went into production in the early ‘70s as a four-door family transporter and the sporty two-door Ti model was introduced in 1973.  

A racing series exclusively for Alfasuds was organised a few years later and spread across Europe in the second half of the decade, with competitions in Italy, Austria, Germany and France. The 1982 British Saloon Car Championship saw the Alfa Romeo Dealer Team run an Alfasud Ti; John Dooley picked up a Class A victory at Mallory Park and finished eighth overall, in the year Win Percy picked up his third Championship.

Proving its versatility, the Alfasud Ti took six class wins at the Monte Carlo Rally between 1979-85, while famous names attached to the car include Gerhard Berger and Ayrton Senna, who reportedly drove his Alfasud Ti to his first Formula 1 test with Williams.

Given its history, it was no surprise Harris was “very excited” to race one. “I never thought I’d race one. I hope people will love the incredible livery on the car and the fact that there’s an Alfasud racing at Goodwood. 

“Compared to the other [cars] in our race, it doesn’t have a huge amount of power,” he said, “but, you know, it’s the car that raced in the British Touring Car Championship in period.”

That said, Harris anticipated the prospect of battling against the mightier Ford Escort RS2000s on the grid with a typically frank confession: “I’d be much more comfortable if I was in an RS2000 [too].” As it turned out, that comment proved rather prophetic; RS2000s went on to fill four of the top five finishing spots in the 2026 Win Percy Trophy, continuing its winning form in this fixture.

Escorts aside, the Win Percy Trophy featured a wonderfully mixed cast of cars, boasting a broad spread of manufacturers and eye‑catching liveries.

Now separated from the Gordon Spice Trophy, these 1970s and ‘80s saloons have their own stage on which to perform, freed from the shadows of the big bangers that have traditionally dominated that contest. Still, lining up against a grid packed with more powerful machinery, Harris was realistic about his chances of victory.  “We won’t be troubling the podium spots,” he stated, and sadly he was right. Harris’ Alfasud Ti lined up on the grid for Saturday’s Part 1 in 28^th and the car unfortunately failed to complete a lap.

But, ever the knowledgeable pundit, Harris called how the race would play out, with one car particularly catching his eye. “I think it might be another Escort, but I’m looking at the BMW 323i and I really fancy that as well. I think Alex [Brundle] is going to be quick in that, and it’s a gorgeous car.” His instincts proved sound, with Brundle and partner Darren Fielding securing an impressive fifth place behind the dominant RS2000s.  

Despite accepting that outright pace wasn’t on the cards, Harris’ enthusiasm for the Members’ Meeting weekend was unmistakable. “I don’t mind [not being at the front] because that’s not what this is about. I’ve never driven an Alfasud before this race experience.” Smiling throughout, he described the car as “small and nimble” — perfectly capturing the spirit of the Win Percy Trophy.

In the end, results mattered less than the moment. For Harris, simply being part of a grid this eclectic — and doing so in an Alfasud at Goodwood — was more than enough. As he put it himself: “The sun’s out, there’s not a cloud in the sky. So really, it’s a great day to not be at the front.” 

 The 84^th Members' Meeting presented by Audrain Motorsport takes place on the 10^th & 11^th April 2027. Tickets are on sale now for GRRC Members and Fellows. If you haven’t already, you can  join the Fellowship today.

 Photography by Johnathan Swann and Joe Harding.