Description
The Rootes Sunbeam Alpine was produced between 1959 and 1968 with the final MKV versions arriving in 1965 with 1725cc engine with twin Stromberg carburettors and optional overdrive. “GT” versions were fitted with a removable hard-top, wooden dashboard and steering wheel.
This Sunbeam Alpine MKV GT in its original colour of “Wedgwood Blue” with a black interior is from the last year of production of the open-top Alpine models. The V5 shows just three previous owners but the last two were father and daughter and before that it was in single ownership, a Miss Ibbotson, for over forty years. In 2018 it had a comprehensive body restoration and re-paint and it has been used sparingly since then. The restoration included various repair panels, new floors and a brake overhaul with new pipes and callipers fitted, re-chroming and the fitting of “Performance” minilite style wheels.
In 2011, the last year of Miss Ibbotson’s ownership, the mileage was 68, 000. We understand that the original speedo was faulty, and replacement also failed. The new unit shows 67, 000 - we don’t guarantee mileage on classic cars the total mileage is almost certainly less than 70, 000.
This Alpine is not a concours car, it’s had restoration work but carried out to a good standard and it is rock solid. The paint finish is good if not prefect and other than the odd minor imperfection it has stood up very well, seven years after restoration. It also runs and drives beautifully with strong oil pressure and working overdrive. We have just carried out various minor re-commissioning jobs including an oil and filter change and it is MOT’d until June 2026. The car comes with a tonneau cover.
Clearly very good value – a beautiful British sports car with detachable roof for the price of a Morris Minor!
Viewing at Biddulph ST8.
Additional photos available.
