While it’s no Tiger, the Sunbeam Alpine is an attainable classic that checks many boxes for a vintage roadster. Having had some seat time in one, I can attest they are not all that quick (buy a Tiger is speed is your goal), but they deliver on every other quality you’d look for in a convertible in spades. This example has been parked for 20 years and is in need of a new home; find it here on craigslist for $2,500 or go here if the ad is archived.
Thanks to Barn Finds reader Paul Z. for the find. The Alpine is in rough shape, and the seller says it’s been parked for 20 years. This is a Series II car, which has about 80 b.h.p. From what I can recall spending time in my friend’s car, it wasn’t particularly fast despite having the looks of a Tiger and the brakes were far from reassuring. Acceleration is leisurely, requiring almost 14 seconds to reach 60 m.p.h. Bodywork is often fragile on these cars, but I can’t spot any major rot in the two photos included in the listing. Curiously, the windshield has been removed since the first photo was taken.
The Alpine is a looker when restored, especially with the factory hardtop attached. A fair number were produced, limiting their value ceiling today and effectively making a car like this a labor of love. The Alpines offer good versatility for the enthusiast set, however, as they are as comfortable sitting at lawn events as they are in vintage racing communities, and they look fantastic on a set of period American Racing Libre wheels. This one may be more parts car than restoration candidate, but a lower price may make its return to the road more feasible.
Gotta love those period adverts.
The red car in the foreground is RHD, while the white one with the lid in the background is LHD. And, I’d swear that the dude in the red car is sitting with one cheek on each seat….. ;-)
Alpines were nice cars, more having sporting pretensions than being a true sports car. Solidly built (spelled: h-e-a-v-y) until they rusted, the Alpine was a nice tourer. Think more ’55-7 T-Bird than, say, MGA.
I had a Series III that I traded a blown-out WWI German rifle for (original cost of the firearm was $30 at the local Big 5 sporting goods store – I bought it to affix a German bayonet to, as a display item), decided I had too many projects and then flipped it for the princely sum of $85. That was 40 years ago, of course.
I have a co-worker with one of these in pretty nice shape. He and I are both 6’4″ so he looks like a bit of a clown while driving it. He’s wanted to sell it for years but the market just isn’t there at his price (I think he wants $14-15K for it).
Not to pick nits but this could be the rare one of one Sunbeam Beach Jolly that was driven by Barbara Feldon in the lost episode of Get Smart.
You really have to wonder, in this age of digital photography, what the rationale is for putting a collectible car on the market with two lousy pics and a couple of clipped sentences for a description. Are you THAT lazy, or do you just not give a crap about getting the best price?
Craigslist, ya gotta love it.
If I was selling this, I’d part it out or ask $2500 as the seller has. In reality I’d expect to get $1k & be happy.
I speak w some experience, having owned a mk iii for 15 years. After other projects got in the way & I sold it in great cosmetic condition, but not running….got $3k for it. Seller is a great guy, has it running & driving & enjoying, we are both happy
Nice cars, fast enough for country roads here in CT if you pay attention behind the wheel. Made a couple of long trips in mine in 05 & earlier, fun times! LD71😄
One has to wonder how much damage was done by the fire under the bonnet. Paint not too badly scorched but sure looks like something was aflame under there which probably caused the parking 20 years ago.
Although Barn Finds apparently rejects my comments I’ll keep trying.
This may be a good buy for a tourer, don’t expect mind bending acceleration, and prices have slowly started to rise in these cars.
Maybe Barn Finds will find this remark acceptable. I have been around old cars since before you people were born.
I saw a BRG one drive by me yesterday. I was right surprised to see it.