Sunbeam Alpine: A Classic British Sports Car

The Sunbeam Alpine is a name that resonates with classic British sports car enthusiasts. This beauty, produced in several series from 1953 to 1968 and then again as a rebadged Chrysler from 1976 to 1980, captures the spirit of open-top motoring. Let's dive deep into what makes the Sunbeam Alpine so special.

History and Evolution

The Sunbeam Alpine's story begins in the early 1950s with the Sunbeam-Talbot 90 Drophead Coupe. This car was a stylish tourer, but it wasn't quite the out-and-out sports car that many craved. In 1953, the first Sunbeam Alpine, the A40, was introduced. This model was directly aimed at the American market, where demand for British sports cars was booming. The A40 Alpine was based on the Sunbeam-Talbot 90, but it featured a more streamlined body, a lower ride height, and a host of other improvements.

Series I-V: The Rootes Group Era

The most iconic Sunbeam Alpines are the Series I through V, produced by the Rootes Group from 1959 to 1968. The Series I Alpine, launched in 1959, was a completely new design. It was a sleek, modern sports car with a unitary construction body, a 1.5-liter engine, and a stylish interior. The Series II followed in 1960, with minor improvements, including a slightly more powerful engine. The Series III, introduced in 1963, brought with it roll-up windows and other refinements that made the Alpine more practical for everyday use.

The Series IV, launched in 1964, featured a revised front end design and an optional automatic transmission. This was a significant step for the Alpine, making it more appealing to a wider range of buyers. Finally, the Series V, introduced in 1965, was the most powerful of the lot, with a 1.7-liter engine that delivered brisk performance. Each series brought incremental improvements, refining the Alpine's design, performance, and features.

Chrysler's Rebadged Alpine: The Sunbeam Tiger

In the late 1970s, Chrysler, which had acquired the Rootes Group, decided to revive the Sunbeam Alpine name. However, this time, it was a rebadged version of the Chrysler Alpine, a front-wheel-drive hatchback. While this car was a decent enough vehicle, it lacked the charm and character of the original Sunbeam Alpine sports cars. It was a product of its time, reflecting the changing automotive landscape, but it never quite captured the hearts of enthusiasts in the same way.

Design and Features

The Sunbeam Alpine is renowned for its elegant design, penned by the legendary Raymond Loewy. Its sleek lines, long hood, and short deck give it a classic sports car silhouette. The Alpine was available as a two-seater roadster, with an optional hardtop for all-weather motoring. Inside, the Alpine was typically British, with leather seats, wood trim, and a host of Smiths gauges. The overall design was both stylish and functional, making the Alpine a joy to drive and behold.

Exterior Styling

The Alpine's exterior design is characterized by its flowing lines and balanced proportions. The front end features a distinctive grille, flanked by chrome bumpers andLucas headlamps. The long hood hints at the power beneath, while the short deck gives the car a sporty stance. The Alpine's curves and contours are pleasing to the eye, and its overall design has aged gracefully over the years. Whether in classic British Racing Green or a vibrant red, the Alpine always looks the part.

Interior Appointments

Stepping inside a Sunbeam Alpine is like stepping back in time. The interior is a delightful mix of classic British materials and design. The leather seats are comfortable and supportive, while the wood trim adds a touch of luxury. The Smiths gauges are easy to read and provide all the essential information. The Alpine's interior is a testament to the craftsmanship of the era, and it's a place where you can truly feel connected to the car.

Performance and Handling

The Sunbeam Alpine was never the most powerful sports car on the market, but it offered a balanced and enjoyable driving experience. The early models were powered by a 1.5-liter engine, while the later Series V featured a 1.7-liter unit. These engines provided adequate power for spirited driving, and the Alpine's lightweight construction made it feel nimble and responsive. The handling was also a strong point, with precise steering and a well-sorted suspension.

Engine Options

Over its production run, the Sunbeam Alpine was offered with a variety of engine options. The early cars were powered by a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine, which produced around 80 horsepower. This was enough to propel the Alpine to a top speed of around 90 mph. The later Series V models featured a 1.7-liter engine, which boosted power to around 93 horsepower. While this may not sound like much by modern standards, it was enough to make the Alpine feel lively and engaging on the road.

Driving Experience

Driving a Sunbeam Alpine is an experience that's hard to replicate in modern cars. The open-top motoring, the sound of the engine, and the feel of the road all combine to create a sensory overload. The Alpine's handling is precise and predictable, making it a joy to throw into corners. The car's lightweight construction also contributes to its nimble feel. Whether you're cruising down a country lane or tackling a twisty mountain road, the Sunbeam Alpine is sure to put a smile on your face.

Collectibility and Restoration

The Sunbeam Alpine is a highly collectible classic car, with prices ranging from affordable to quite expensive, depending on condition and rarity. The Series I and V models are particularly sought after, as are those with rare options and colors. Restoring a Sunbeam Alpine can be a rewarding experience, but it's important to do your research and source the correct parts. With proper care and attention, a Sunbeam Alpine can be enjoyed for many years to come.

Market Value

The market value of a Sunbeam Alpine can vary greatly depending on several factors. Condition is perhaps the most important, with pristine, fully restored examples commanding the highest prices. Rarity also plays a role, with the early Series I cars and the later Series V models being the most valuable. Originality is another key factor, with cars that retain their original features and components being worth more than those that have been heavily modified. As a general guide, you can expect to pay anywhere from $15,000 to $50,000 for a Sunbeam Alpine in good condition.

Restoration Tips

Restoring a Sunbeam Alpine can be a challenging but ultimately rewarding project. Before you begin, it's important to assess the car's condition and determine the scope of the restoration. Sourcing parts can be difficult, but there are several specialist suppliers who can provide everything you need. It's also important to have a good understanding of the car's mechanics and electrics. If you're not confident in your abilities, it's best to seek the help of a professional restorer. With patience and attention to detail, you can bring a Sunbeam Alpine back to its former glory.

The Sunbeam Alpine in Pop Culture

The Sunbeam Alpine is famous, thanks to its appearance in the 1962 James Bond film, Dr. No. A light blue Series II Alpine, driven by Bond (Sean Connery), added a touch of glamour and sophistication to the movie. This exposure helped to cement the Alpine's place in popular culture and made it a desirable car for many moviegoers. The car's appearance in Dr. No remains one of its most enduring legacies.

James Bond's Ride

The Sunbeam Alpine's appearance in Dr. No was a stroke of genius. The car's sleek lines and open-top design perfectly complemented Bond's suave and sophisticated persona. The light blue color also stood out against the backdrop of Jamaica, where much of the film was shot. Although the Alpine was not equipped with any gadgets or weaponry, it was still an integral part of the Bond experience. The car's presence in the film helped to elevate its status and made it an icon of the Swinging Sixties.

Conclusion

The Sunbeam Alpine is more than just a classic British sports car; it's a piece of automotive history. Its elegant design, balanced performance, and open-top motoring experience make it a joy to own and drive. Whether you're a seasoned collector or a newcomer to the world of classic cars, the Sunbeam Alpine is sure to captivate your heart and soul. So, if you ever get the chance to get behind the wheel of a Sunbeam Alpine, don't hesitate. You won't regret it! The Alpine is a testament to a bygone era of automotive design and engineering, and it continues to delight enthusiasts around the world. It is truly a classic.