When you look up “under appreciated British roadster” in the mythical automotive dictionary, I’m sure the Sunbeam Alpine (second generation) has to be right there. When new, Alpines offered more creature comforts, better rides, and arguably better styling then many of their competitors, yet frequently they were branded with the “girl’s car” label and often suffered in comparison with their similar appearing Tiger brethren. This pair of Alpines is available here on eBay in Dayton, Maryland with a starting price of $5,000 and a Buy-It-Now of $6,500.
What exactly does an Alpine lack? For one, it doesn’t have the name recognition of MG, Triumph, Jaguar, or even Austin-Healey. And many Americans associate the name Sunbeam with toaster ovens and other appliances rather than topless motoring. But the fact remains that the marque predates 1900 and built Grand Prix racers and even a world land speed record holder. Later, Sunbeams were known for their rallye successes, and this generation of Alpine won many SCCA races. As you can see, they even have decent size trunks!
Ouch! Unfortunately, this Alpine met with a rather hard object at some point in its life. According to the listing, the frame has been straightened already and this fender scrapped. I would argue the hood can be saved, but the area around it could stand to be replaced. Which is why the owner purchased Alpine #2…
The second Alpine in the sale sports not only a solid front end, but a pretty cool hardtop (no word as to whether the Sears cargo carrier is included as well). A fairly straight front bumper and a grille needing a little help would mean that with a little judicious use of a plasma cutter (my favorite tool) and a welder, you could put the wrecked Alpine back together. Or would you rather source another fender and fix both cars? The Sunbeam Alpine Owners Club can help you there!
The first time I drove an Alpine I weighed about 140 pounds more than I do now. I fit anyway, and was amazed at the room and general feeling of quiet, rattle-free motoring competence that I don’t always feel in my beloved Triumphs. Comprehensive gauges are across the dash, with a wraparound windshield and built in wind wing windows preventing some of the wind from attacking your hair. I have fond memories of that drive and sometimes wish I had bought the car.
Two engines are included, with one said to be free and running well prior to removal. There are also some new and NOS parts that are part of the deal as well. So are you interested in this deal?
don’t cut the grey one for a fender find another fender for the green turn the grey one into a tiger since the that engine needs to be rebuilt or turn both into a tiger. then you’ll have a nice set of sunbeams
Fond memories of Sunbeam Alpines – did you know two people can cavort in the passenger seat? More than that would have required opening the door!
My first rally car in British Columbia was a ’61 Alpine. Had success with it and graduated to V8 powered (sponsored of course) Mopars and Chevy IIs.
Gave it all up to gain a family and have never looked back (on the rally scene). Still have a ’67 Mk II Tiger, though
Yes find another fender, fix one, maybe sell one, but keep them Alpines! Conversion to a Tiger is no simple task anyway, not at all a drop-in operation. Its major, major, and the result will nearly always be bad. Preserve the Alpines, I say. They are smart, civilized, beautiful roadsters and tourers. I wish I owned one today.
Somebody absolutely buy this and get it out of awful E Bay. i would but I have no more room.
These are quick, civilized, lovely sports cars.
I have a 1967 Sunbeam Alpine Series 5 that is the ultimate find. It is painted #86 green with 60% of the paint being original. It has never been in a major accident, although it does have some parking lot dings. The interior is black vinyl and I just had the seats, door panels, and console redone. It has absolutely no rust and has always been a California car. It has American Racing Silverston magnesium wheels with new tires. It has Koni shocks and both tops. The engine was rebuilt in the early ’90s and has been mechanically serviced with 2,000 miles since the rebuild. The brakes are new, the cooling system has been serviced and the fuel system is been thoroughly gone through. There is also a load of new rubber trim and suspension parts from Sunbeam Specialties. Sure, I would consider selling it but, it will not be cheap.
A nice pair of Alpines. With the chassis already being straightened, get a new wing and bonnet fitted and save them both. A couple of other nice cars in the background of the photos too.
@ RickyM: I agree!
I’ve always loved the Alpines. I dont think they look like a “girls” car. They have really clean lines. I drove a genuine Tiger as a parts getter for a local garage when I was a kid (go figure). So maybe thats the source of my prejudice. I hope to find a really original one, one day. If you have the resources, space and time this is a start.
Let us not forget the Sunbeam Tiger. Same car, but with a V8. Not sure where that engine was sourced from. Rover?
The Tiger’s V8 came from Ford. This eventually led to the Tiger’s demise when Chrysler bought Sunbeam and the Chrysler small block did not fit.
I quite like the Alpine, I’d go for a V6 conversion, on the condition that there was nothing cut.
The GM 3800 & a 5 speed. Plenty of them here in Australia and all RWD.
Chris, that’s a great idea and i agree that the switch would be excellent provided there was no surgery.