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?
Great cars, and this one is a beauty. I sure wouldn’t push it out of my garage.
Wow… those are some terrible pictures. Could be super nice, but who can tell?
All the work under the hood, check. Great looking body with no rust, check. What the hell were they thinking when they did the inside! Color?? Don’t think it factory. Love the Alpine and the Tigers and this is a good looking Alpine to have. Price, not sure, seems a little high but I’m sure the seller is trying to recoup some of his cash out lay. But over all really nice example.
The exterior color looks like Chevrolet engine orange.
And they meant to say the engine has a new timing chain, not a belt.
This is probably a good one to buy on balance… I find the ad description just a bit odd. It suggests that the seller isn’t really that knowledgeable about the car…. many of the parts listed are just gaskets, the photos appear to show a re-surfaced cylinder head but that gets no mention? Did it get re-bored? new rod or main bearings? those are more important details. They mention a new “timing belt” – this engine doesn’t have one (it’s a steel timing chain).
Still, a solid rust-free body is always a very good start point. I agree with others that the pimptastic quilted upholstery is horrible, but that’s relatively easy to change.
James Bond’s original ride in Dr. No!
having had a Alpine, if i remember they have a timing chain ,not a timing belt.
If it was a tiger, it would be sold already. You can go to the Sunbeam Tiger club website, and they usually sell for between 5000 and $12,000. Also, the later versions without the fins are preferred. Like many classic cars, the guy who like these when they were younger, are all dying out.
Diamond tufted upholstery? Yuck.
I don’t think these engines had a timing belt – that probably should read timing chain.
I had one when I was fresh out of college. Decent body but top was in rags. I was working in Boston area and drove it around all winter with the “top” down and only the tonneau cover. My girlfriend of the time was NOT amused. Also, I couldn’t keep head gaskets in it, I think I traded it on a well used SAAB.
Get Smart?