Description
The first Sunbeam Alpine was launched in 1953 and was the first vehicle made by Sunbeam-Talbot to bear the Sunbeam name alone since the takeover of Sunbeam and Talbot by the Rootes Group in 1935 and it became colloquially known as the "Talbot" Alpine.
It was a two-seater sports drophead coupé and only 1, 582 of this model were produced between 1953 and 1955 when production ceased. A complete redesign was commissioned in 1956 with the goal of producing a dedicated sports car aimed principally at the US market and the first smaller 2 seater sports convertible - the Alpine S1 was launched in 1959. Four subsequent versions were made and total production numbered around 70, 000 when production of the Series V stopped shortly after the Chrysler takeover of the Rootes Group in 1968.
The Series II Alpine as we have here for sale, was introduced in 1960 and had an enlarged 1, 592cc 4 cylinder Engine producing 80 bhp and when tested by Motor Magazine in 1960, it recorded a top speed of 98. 6 mph, acceleration from 0–60 mph in 13. 6 seconds and fuel consumption of 31. 0 mpg. The test car cost £1, 110 on the road including taxes.
First registered on 21st September 1962 this lovely Series II Alpine is a 'Matching Numbers' car and is finished in Wedgewood Blue with Black leather trim, Black carpets, Black 'fold-away' Soft Top, Factory Hard Top in Old English White, original interior fittings including its original Steering Wheel and dashboard, original 1592cc Engine, 4 Speed Manual Gearbox, Stainless Steel Exhaust and new stove enamelled Wire Wheels with new tyres.
The car was completely repainted in 2017 with new rubber seals fitted all around, refurbished Hard Top and many new upgrades including Electronic Ignition, a new head gasket, twin choke Weber Carburettor, recored Radiator, reconditioned Gearbox and Differential, new Clutch Master and Slave cylinders, Poly-Bushed Suspension, new Brake Shoes and Wheel Cylinders, new Heater Matrix and much more.
The car has only had 3 former keepers from new and has been kept in a heated and dehumidified garage by its last fastidious owner since 2014 and there is a history file dating back to 1993 with photographs and receipts for all works undertaken.
It is clear on all HPi registers and it is showing 97, 000 miles on the speedometer, but we cannot confirm this as its actual mileage from new.
The car is in excellent condition throughout and is really nice to drive and should make a great investment that can also be driven and enjoyed.
Car on display @ our showrooms in Mortlake.
