Description
This is a rare and very special car. It is a 1963 Series III Sunbeam Alpine GT (the rarest Alpine version) with the 1725 cc Holbay engine. It is also the rare factory original "Autumn Gold" colour and in beatiful condition. As a GT it has the original factory hardtop (in black), but also comes with (rare) hood and tonneau cover (although I don't believe either has been fitted to the car). Press stud posts for the tonneau are present on the dash, but press studs for the body but have not been fitted (suitable press stud posts are in the glove box).
This car spent a significant portion of its life as a race car, in its day dubbed a "Tiger Killer" with its race tuned 130 bhp Coltec built Holbay engine rather than the heavy V8, it was lighter and much better balanced.
It has the 4 speed gearbox with overdrive on 3rd and 4th gear.
The car was initially restored in 1989 for classic racing and hill climbs to an extremely good standard and has been an ongoing labour of love ever since. Most recently, it was purchased from a former track racer, who in his seven years ownership race prepared this alpine, attended and raced at meetings across Europe with a degree of success. In order to be competitive, a race prepared 1725cc Coltec Engine with twin 40 Webers combined with a 4 speed Gearbox and 3/ 4 overdrive was prepared along with up rated suspension, brakes and steering. Since its purchase, the previous owner has returned the car to the road subject to a further restoration and returned to fast road spec, with respray in its original Autumn Gold, a re-trim of seats combined with replacement of rear seat panels. Mechanically, the suspension brakes and steering have been checked and reset due to previous use on the track. The head has been re-skimmed and a new gasket set has been fitted, combined with new plugs suitable for the road, as originally hot running plugs were used. It retains its Coltec built Holbay engine (in 130bhp state of tune), its competition suspension, stainless steel exhaust, and Mistral "Minilite" style wheels. It drives beautifully and, despite its high state of tune, is untemperamental idling smoothly. The car has also in recent times received a new starter motor, solenoid, stainless exhaust system, brake discs, recon gearbox and overdrive, clutch. I had recently acquired this lovely 1963 Series III Sunbeam Alpine GT after searching for a good one for a while. However, we have been lifelong Alfisti and ran one of the AROC club sections for many years, sadly, while I love the car my wife does not like the Alpine, and has persuaded me to buy an S2 Alfa Spider, which I have acquired, hence the Alpine may go.
If you are looking for a nicely restored and cherished Alpine GT in beautiful condition and fast road spec then this is the one, it is super fun to drive and the overdrive is a tremendous benefit (I never understood the benefit of overdrives until I drove this car).
