Highlights
- Manual gearbox with overdrive
- Long MOT
- Charming period interior
The Appeal
The Sunbeam Alpine has an unusual claim to fame as one of the first Bond cars. A Series II Alpine was driven by Sean Connery in the 1962 film Dr. No and a Sunbeam Alpine was written into the original novel by Ian Fleming.
This Series V model is an attractive, and these days rarely seen, British sports car. It looks magnificent in its deep blue paintwork, with matching light blue upholstery. The interior is pleasingly well used, wearing its years with pride, rather than being restored to better than new condition.
With its powerful twin-carb engine and a claimed top speed of 100mph, this ‘60s sports car will surprise the modern traffic it passes on the highway. And its overdrive gearbox allows for relaxed cruising at speed.
The History and Paperwork
- First registered in June 1966
- MOT valid until August 2023
- No MOT advisories
- Road Tax and MOT exempt
- Current owner purchased the car in January 2020
- Rootes 1275 Service Manual included
- Copy of Sunbeam Alpine Owner’s Handbook
The Interior
- Pale blue vinyl seats in good condition, with signs of use
- Black carpets clean and tidy
- Some sagging to the door cards
- Dashboard lacquer cracked and peeling
- Additional reversing light switch on dashboard
- Period ‘Radiomobile’ radio present but not working
- Wooden rimmed steering wheel showing a few scratches
- Full size spare wheel and jack in boot
- Small repair on inside of hardtop
The Exterior
- Midnight Blue paintwork in good condition for age
- A few minor blemishes and chips to paint
- Wheels in good condition
- Tyres said to retain good tread
- Cloth convertible roof in good condition, with a little sagging
- Clear rear window
- Full tonneau cover (two clips need replacing)
- Half rear tonneau cover
- Some evidence of previous welding to sills
- Driver’s floor pan may require attention
- Underside said to be in fair condition, with no damage reported
The Mechanics
- 1725cc four-cylinder engine, producing 92 bhp
- Top speed of 100 mph
- Twin Stromberg carburettors
- Four-speed gearbox with overdrive
- Brake servo replaced by the vendor, original unit included in sale
- Minor leak from front of gearbox reported — only required topping up once in three years
- Some surface corrosion to suspension components
- Said to accelerate well and brake in a straight line
- No reported leaks or smoke
- Vendor informs us that the car passed its MOT in August with ease
Summary
Overall, this appears to be a fine, usable example of this good-looking and powerful ‘60s roadster. It benefits from a long MOT, which will give its next owner peace of mind, and a pleasantly well used aesthetic which allows it to be used as it should be, without worrying every time you take it for a drive.
The hard top and soft top options make this a versatile all-rounder and we think this Sunbeam looks great from any angle, in all its roof configurations.
Notice to bidders
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*
A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.
All bidding, buying and offers are subject to our Terms and Conditions.
