New Everything! 1962 Sunbeam Alpine

I’ll admit it, I’m a sucker for Sunbeam’s Alpine, such as this 1962 example. It’s simple; for me, it’s all about the styling. A designer named Kenneth Howes is responsible for most of the penmanship, and I believe he just nailed it. I counted sixteen “new” in this car’s listing and two “brand new” items, so there’s a lot of updating this resident of Seattle, Washington, has experienced. Here on craigslist is where you’ll find this very orange roadster, and it’s listed for $17,500, negotiable. Thanks are due to Curvette for this tip!

Sunbeam’s Alpine, courtesy of the Rootes Group, first appeared in 1955, but what we’re focused on here is the Series I through V, which spanned 1959 through 1968. Being a 1962 edition places this Alpine in the Series II category, and it’s one of 20K Series II cars assembled between 1960 and 1963. Our seller describes his Alpine as: “Zero rust and new paint, perfect chrome all around with zero rust…good top.” This one’s a looker, no doubt. The body is super straight, and the finish has excellent depth. There’s not a lot of detail on the cosmetics, and I would like to take a gander at the underside, but this Alpine appears to have sound bones.

The big news is under the hood, where the 80-gross-HP 1.6-liter, in-line four-cylinder engine has racked up most of those “news” I previously mentioned, specifically: “alternator, fuel line, timing belt, tie rods, head cover gasket, valve gasket, camshaft, oil pan gasket, side cover gasket, water pump gasket, oil pump, drive gear, battery, thermostat, and a fuel line.” The seller adds, “spent 14k with all the upgrades. It’s warranty for 36k miles and 3 years from a reputable Shop. Has records and receipts to support it.” While the car’s total mileage is claimed to be 72K miles, the engine has only experienced 1K miles of use since it was renewed. Working through a four-speed manual transmission, the seller claims this Alpine has a top speed of “99.5 MPH!”

Apparently, the newness does not extend to the interior, but from what can be spied, it looks to be in fine nick. I don’t know about that diamond-tufted upholstery and door cards, but it doesn’t appear to be failing – ditto the dashpad. The instrument panel looks clear and complete with no unoccupied openings – it’s a purposeful design, typical for sports cars from this era.

Like it? You bet! If I were ever going to consider a British sports car, I’d have to put this one on my list. Sure, a thorough visual inspection is recommended, but this example certainly presents a welcoming invitation. Let’s talk price: at $17,500, what’s your thought- priced right or not quite?