Description
The time has come to part with my series 2 Sunbeam Alpine. I'm not using it as much as it needs and don't have the dry space to keep her any more so looking for a new home. I'm her third keeper and have owned her since 2001, her longest custodian was a Miss Tweedy from Folkestone with an impressive 36 years. I used her regularly until 2004 when she was put into dry storage and I got distracted until 2021! Its colour is Moonstone White (a very light blue), the V5 lists it as Red/ White as i believe it originally had a red interior (it's black now). If you look on the DVLA online site it'll come up as red!In 2021 I recommissioned her with all fluids changed, brakes overhauled with new cylinders, shoes, handbrake cable, and caliper rebuilds. Front shocks were replaced and oil changed in the rear lever arm shock absorbers. Four new tyres (i kept the spare as it was made in Yugoslavia!), some of the body seals were also changed, and a new battery added. Body work was tidied up and blown over in Moonstone White, it's not the best paint job (unlike my photos which i'm quite impressed with!). She's not a show winner by any means, and over the years has been patched and painted but still presents fairly well for a 65 year old car. There's some history with her which details interior restoration and bodywork in the late 80's / 90's - Miss Tweedy spent a fair bit on her!There's an official Rootes Group replacement engine plate, so at some point the engine was replaced under warranty (not unusual in the day). She presents in very original condition, still running her twin Zenith 36WIP carbs and tea strainer filters to stop small birds getting sucked in. The carbs have been rebuilt so many times they now require replacement or professional rebuild as not running on tickover off the chokes. Suspect air leaks on spindles and no doubt many other places! Was going to put the club weber conversion in but never got around to it. She has a four speed gearbox but has had an overdrive fitted which makes motorway cruising much easier, with selection available in 3rd and 4th. Stainless steel exhaust with good mild steel manifold fitted. The original diff developed a whine around 2003 so i replaced it with one from a Minx, but original diff is still with the car if you want to have it rebuilt. She still has the original soft top which was knackered when i got it and still is (see pics!). The frame is fine and it still has the additional over door sections. She also comes with her original aluminium hard top with all its brightwork (though seals will need replacing). Since I've recommissioned her I've only taken out on nice days without the roof, occasionally been caught in a shower and the soft top helps a bit (better if you're the passenger!). Also comes with it's original tonneau cover, though its got a tear next to one of the poppers and zip is starting to go (see pics). The Dynamo packed in last year so i swapped it our for a Dynamator. At this point i've lost the fuel and temp gauges and the overdrive solenoid have stopped working. This may also be due to the fact that i put the keys somewhere safe ('lost') and needed to change the ignition barrel. I've not had the time to look into it, so just keep it topped up with fuel. Oil pressure is good when cold and hot. Chrome work needs attention (unless you're into the rat look - in which case it's perfect), but it functions. I put a slightly less rusty front bumper on it last year and the original will come with the car too. Viewing welcome, located 5 mins from J27 of M5 in sunny Devon. I've endeavoured to give as accurate a description as possible, and have priced to reflect condition. The carbs need attention, though drives fine but annoying when in traffic. Everything is there, and at a low 59k miles it makes an excellent gateway classic car at an affordable price which i'm sure if you spent a bit on you'd not lose out. 59k miles, three owners since 1961, some service history back to the 80's, James Bond owned one - what's not to love. A stylish car with beautiful lines and all the original features. She's got a stainless steel exhaust system which sounds lovely, and an overdrive that makes it [almost] practical to drive. It doesn't have any cup holders, power steering, brake servo, a radio, mp3, sat nav or any of that. So you'll save money on gym membership and buying coffee, and driving her will be a mindful experience and make you smile!
