Drive and Restore: No Reserve 1967 Sunbeam Alpine

Regular readers have probably realized that I have a bit of a soft spot for classic British sports cars. They represent an attempt by manufacturers to combine some basic mechanical components from the company’s Parts Bin to produce cars that typically added affordable excitement to their model ranges. This 1967 Sunbeam Alpine is an excellent example of that philosophy that represents a promising project candidate. This beauty runs and drives, but is begging for someone to treat it to the TLC it deserves. The seller has listed the Alpine here on eBay in Conshohocken, Pennsylvania. Bidding has reached a mere $410 in a No Reserve auction.

The Rootes Group has a fascinating history, and could well have become a post-war vehicle manufacturing powerhouse. It was famously offered the entire Volkswagen empire as war reparations in 1945, but seeing no future in either the factory or the humble Beetle, it declined the offer. As history shows, that proved to be one of the most catastrophic errors in automotive history. It followed a growing trend in 1959 when it released the Alpine Series I as a stereotypical affordable British sports car. The Alpine received ongoing updates, culminating in the Series V that emerged in 1965. Production ended in 1968, with this little project candidate emerging the year before. The seller admits that it requires a total restoration and that there are rust issues requiring attention. The first owner ordered this Alpine in Carnival Red, a shade that was available from Day One until late in the 1967 model year. The paint is tired, and the soft-top has seen better days. The deal includes a factory hardtop, meaning this Sunbeam can cope with all weather conditions. It appears that a previous owner may have repaired some panel rust, and there is some evidence of a return visit beneath a layer of Bondo. However, the issues appear to be prime candidates for patches, while the underside shots confirm that the floors and frame are rock-solid. The bumpers and some trim pieces require a trip to the platers, and the Alpine rolls on aftermarket alloy wheels.

One of the most profound changes to the Alpine came with the release of the Series V version. It featured a new 1,725cc four-cylinder engine that inhaled through a pair of Zenith-Stromberg carburetors. While the Series IV placed 82hp at the driver’s disposal, Series V owners had 99hp beneath their right foot. A four-speed manual transmission sent power to the rear wheels, and the company offered an optional overdrive that improved the Alpine’s open-road cruising ability. The seller confirms that this little gem runs and drives well, but has a few issues that will eventually require attention. These include the typical British sports car oil leaks, while the motor also appears to suffer from blow-by, which contributes to its above-average oil consumption. Pulling the engine during the restoration would provide an ideal opportunity to rebuild it and address the shortcomings. Purists will welcome the news that the factory carburetor setup is included if they wish to remove the aftermarket unit for authenticity.

I would describe this Alpine’s interior as serviceable, but it would benefit from some TLC. The dash looks nice, featuring the gauges and toggle switches that almost define classic British sports cars from this era. However, the pad is cracked, the seatcovers are split, and the wheel has cracked in a couple of spots. None of the issues are insurmountable, due to parts availability and affordability. It doesn’t feature luxury touches like air conditioning or a radio, allowing the buyer to focus on the pure driving pleasure these classics provide.

Although the listing statistics suggest this 1967 Sunbeam Alpine has generated significant interest, it has attracted only three bids at the time of writing. I believe that tally will climb markedly before the hammer falls, but provided potential buyers keep their heads, it should remain an affordable option for enthusiasts seeking a project candidate. Are those thoughts enough to tempt you to monitor the listing and strike at the right time? I wish you luck if you do.