The Allegro was introduced in 1973 to replace the best-selling Austin/Morris 1100/1300 model. The two smaller Allegros carried over the A-series engines but models with larger engines were added using the 1500 and 1750 E‐series from the Maxi. There was also an up-market version – the Vanden Plas 1500.

Apart from the usual transverse engines and front wheel drive, the car had Hydragas fluid/air suspension. Early cars had the 'Quartic' square shaped steering wheel but it was dropped after two years.

Allegro was never as popular as the 1100/1300 and, when it was replaced in 1982 by Maestro, total production had only reached 667,192.

This Allegro was the last to be made at Longbridge, coming off the line in June 1982.