Highlights
- Quintessential Series 5 roadster
- 1,725cc powerplant and 4-speed manual transmission
- 53,283 miles, warranted by an impressive paperwork file
- Fully restored and resprayed in 2006
- Colour-matched hardtop
The Appeal
What we now recognise as the Sunbeam Alpine was introduced in 1959. They were fanciful looking motors - these cars were designed principally by Kenneth Howes, who doubtless brought over his experience stateside into the car’s distinctive profile. With its long nose and subtle curves, the car was a winner through and through - with a level of refinement to their interiors that seriously challenged the wider market.
Sadly, Rootes Group didn’t have the resources to market against the sheer domination of MG in the roadster space - so these impressive vehicles went somewhat unappreciated in their time. That means these are rarer, more unique and arguably more likely to raise admiring glances than its 60s rivals.
This particular Alpine boasts plenty going for it. Thoughtfully modified, with a low mileage and an older restoration perfectly bedded in, it’s ready and waiting to hit the road in style.
The History and Paperwork
- Built in 1966
- Restored and repainted in 2006
- The car was later placed in dry, heated storage
- Purchased from a deceased estate in May 2021
- Since then the car has undergone some sensible modifications and servicing
- The car currently indicates 53,283 miles on a five-figure odometer
- The vendor informs us that this is verified by the car’s paperwork
- MOT exempt and last tasted in 2020
- Invoices totalling £22,000 and 31 MOT certificates dating back to 1984
- This paperwork file includes:
- A photographic record of the 2006 restoration
- A swathe of invoices dating back at least 30 years
- A collection of old tax discs
- A selection of handbooks, manuals and the AA insurance wallet
- Some advertising materials
- Warranty leaflet
The Interior
- Refined interior with vinyl seats and walnut
- Seats in good order with no rips or tears
- We note some light deformation to the driver’s seat
- Door cards are showing some scratches and marks, commensurate with wear
- The dashboard’s wood veneers are in good order
- However, we do note some light delamination
- The original instruments are all in situ with no cracks or faults
- Some light patina to the interior chromework
- Wood-trimmed Moto-Lita steering wheel in good order
- A modern radio unit has been mounted underneath the dash
- Megavox speakers have also been mounted in the rear bench
- Some light wear to the vinyl trims
- The carpets look in good order
- The headlining of the hard top is in good order with light discolouration
- Boot is in good order with solid floors and a spare wheel
The Exterior
- Impressive Howes design with subtle curves and sharp lines
- Panel fit is in good order with no unseemly gaps
- Painted in a stylish red livery with a colour-matched hard top
- Paintwork is in good order with light wear
- We note some microblistering to the boot
- Some heavier wear towards the sills, though no visible perforation
- Chrome carries some patina though nothing too significant
- All branding is present and correct
- Glasswork and lenses in good condition
- Matching hard top and its mountings in good order
- Complete with a black tonneau cover
- The car is sat on its original wheelset which look in good order
- Shod in a full set of Goodrich tyres which look in good condition
- Underneath, the car shows some light corrosion but appears solid
The Mechanics
- 1,725cc I4 powerplant
- 4-speed manual transmission
- Recently fitted with a Weber carburettor
- The car also carries a new ignition unit
- The engine bay looks in good order
- The car is reportedly driving very well with no issues
- The vendor notes that the overdrive is working very well
- We’ve no reports of any leaks, knocks, bangs, rattle or smoke
- The car is reportedly ready and waiting to drive away
Summary
With that winning design, a distinguished interior and a great history file, this car is an excellent example of an unsung hero of the British 60s-era roadster.
BEFORE YOU BUY
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:
✓ If the seller is registered as a private seller, consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not apply. Car & Classic’s return policy applies.
✓ A non-refundable deposit will be payable if you are the winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for details.
✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is, Where Is’ basis and without warranty. A full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase and bidding is highly recommended. Photos and descriptions are for guidance purposes only.
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's deposit. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.
✓ UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check, to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing.
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