Highlights
- Rare right-hand drive Sunbeam Harrington Le Mans
- One of only 250 built, most of which were USA market LHD cars
- Extensive rally history, including participation in the 1962 RAC Rally
- Recently recommissioned with a rolling road Crypton tune
- Fitted with an uprated 2-litre engine and twin 40DCOE Weber carburettors
- Fascinating historic racer with great provenance
The Appeal
The Harrington Le Mans was an official factory-built special created to capitalise on success in the Thermal Efficiency Trophy at Le Mans in April 1961. These cars differ from the Harrington-built specials by being factory-assembled with svelte, finless kamm tails. Just 250 left the works, most of them in LHD and destined for the USA.
So, this RHD home market car is already rare. Its appeal is further dialled up, somewhat significantly, by its racing history that takes in the International Scottish Rally in June 1962 and RAC Rally in the same year.
In the 1970s, it was extensively restored and upgraded. That work included switching to the smart Forest Green we see now, complemented by a neatly trimmed Biscuit leather cabin. Beneath the bonnet, the car gained a bored-out 2L engine, big Webers, alloy head, uprated cooling, fuelling, brakes, and adjustable shock absorbers.
In 2023, it was recommissioned by specialist Mech Repairs. This work covered a new fuel tank and hoses, carburettor overhaul, full service and Crypton tune.
Genuine Le Mans cars are a rarity on the market, ones with proper historic racing provenance, even thinner on the ground. This car, which sports decals referencing its 60s activities, is in very good order across exterior, interior and mechanicals. It would make a perfect addition - and an interesting talking point - on any classic car event.
The History and Paperwork
- First registered in January 1962
- DVLA records three registered keepers
- Original home market RHD Le Mans
- Originally painted red
- Previously registered as 2 EGG and well known in specialist circles
- First owned by club racer John Melvin
- Entered on June 1962 International Scottish Rally by Melvin
- Then entered on 1962 RAC Rally by Melvin
- Reappeared in Ireland in the 1970s
- Restored in the 1970s by George McWaters
- Recommissioned in 2023 by Mech Repairs at cost of £1,698
- Previously MOT valid until November 2024
- HPI-clear and eligible for free historic road tax
- Supplied with two history folders, including model guides and specifications
- Old-style green registration logbook
- Correspondence from the Sunbeam Harrington Le Mans register
- Written account of competition history by Graham Gould as shown in photos
- Correspondence with Clive Harrington’s great grandson
The Condition
- Stylish Le Mans with rare finless, Kamm-tail styling
- Paintwork presents well in Forest Green
- Features neat decals that reference the car’s 1962 rallying activities
- There are some minor points to note typical of an older restoration
- These include localised marks, crazing and bubbles as shown
- Bodywork is straight and very well-kept for a car of this era
- Underside appears to be in good order with no structural issues reported
- Sits on Minilite 13in alloy wheels which are in very good condition
- Tyres show plenty of tread and good sidewall condition
- Glasswork and lights in good order as shown
- Chromework in good order with front and rear bumpers presenting well
- Interior re-trimmed in Biscuit leather with green piping to a high standard
- Green wool carpets through cabin and boot area in very good order
- Wood-rimmed three-spoke wheel and dashboard veneers in good condition
- Door cards, switchgear, dials and dashboard present well with no issues to report
- The interior was restored some years ago so very light patina should be anticipated
- Versatile 2+2 layout with decent sized boot makes this car perfect for touring
- Some custom switches added behind gear lever as shown
The factory Le Mans cleverly evolves the Alpine's transatlantic styling into something altogether more timeless. The rear fins are gone, replaced by a flowing rear deck ending in an aerodynamic Kamm tail. That detail identifies this car as a proper factory Le Mans.
The smart Forest Green paintwork was applied in the 1970s as part of a comprehensive restoration that also included a full retrim in Biscuit leather. It is a very attractive combination that has held up remarkably well. There are some small areas to note in photos around the bodywork, but nothing that should surprise on a car of this age.
The whole is completed by some smart Minilites and decals that reference the car’s 1962 rallying provenance.
The Mechanics
- Engine bored out to 2L in the 1970s
- 4spd manual gearbox
- Recent recommissioning by Mech Repairs detailed below
- This included a tune up so that the car runs very well
- No reported running or driving issues
Mechanical upgrades applied in the 1970s:
- Engine bored out to 2L
- Twin 40DCOE Weber carburettors
- Alloy head converted to unleaded
- High capacity alloy radiator
- Uprated brake calipers
- Adjustable shock absorbers
- Stainless steel fuel tank
2023 recommissioning by Mech Repairs:
- New fuel tank and hoses
- Carburettors stripped and cleaned
- Full oil and filter service
- Brakes checked and adjusted
- Crypton tune
The Alpine’s surefooted handling and reliability made it a perennial of 60s rally stages and race tracks. The Harrington Le Mans took things one step further. Its streamlined styling maximised competitive performance and was key to Le Mans victory.
This car maximises the potential of that shape with its larger 2L engine, developed as part of a general restoration and overhaul completed by enthusiast George McWaters in Ireland in the 1970s. He added big Webers, improved cooling, fueling and brakes and adjustable shock absorbers. The car retains this titivated set-up today.
A recent check and overhaul by specialist Mech Repairs ensures the car arrives on the market in very good running condition. It is ready to use and enjoy.
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