Project or Parts? 1962 Sunbeam Alpine Series II

You can be fairly sure that any classic with a body requiring the attention of a Weedwacker before the buyer can remove it from storage will also require more than a buff and a polish before it returns to active service. Such is the case with this 1962 Sunbeam Alpine Series II. It has spent thirty-two years in this barn, and time hasn’t been kind to it. The seller questions whether it is a project candidate or a parts source. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Chuck F for spotting the sad little British classic listed here on Facebook in Schaghticoke, New York. The seller set their price at $1,500, and the Alpine has been on the market for a surprisingly long time considering that modest figure.

Sunbeam released its Series II variant of the Alpine sports car in 1960. Although the update brought no significant styling changes, the company revised the rear suspension and equipped the Alpine with a larger, more powerful engine. The history of this 1962 example is unclear beyond the fact that the seller parked it in this location approximately thirty-two years ago. It might have a roof over its head, but I believe adverse weather has probably blown in at times, giving the car an unplanned bath. That may help to explain the rust that has consumed areas of the lower body and the floors. It is unclear whether the situation is salvageable, but the fact that the seller so readily embraces the concept of this classic serving as a parts car suggests the news is bad. However, there are some positive attributes worth considering. A few panels look fit for reuse, as does the glass. The pot of gold could be the aluminum hardtop. It might be missing its back window, but the top appears to need little more than stripping to bare metal and a fresh coat of paint before finding its way onto another Alpine.

The Series II update saw Sunbeam introduce an improved 1,592cc four-cylinder engine to power the Alpine. The previous 1,494cc unit had produced 84hp and 90 ft/lbs of torque. The bigger powerplant pushed those figures to a dizzying 85hp and 94 ft/lbs. The gains may seem laughable, but the new motor delivered more linear power and torque, improving flexibility. The Alpine is also extremely light, making even slight gains very obvious. The bad news for potential buyers is that the Alpine’s engine bay is empty, which may be why the seller parked it decades ago. However, the remaining mechanical components are intact, and the deal includes a spare transmission. The interior retains its wheel and gauges, but only an in-person inspection will reveal whether any other significant items are salvageable.

Ever the optimist, I scoured the listing images, hoping to spot something that would make restoring this 1962 Sunbeam Alpine Series II a no-brainer. Sadly, I’ve had no luck. I think the moment the seller parked this classic thirty-two years ago marked the end of its active life, and it will become a parts source for other builds. Some readers may question the price, especially since the motor is long gone. However, the Hardtop is a fantastic find, and the true worth of donor cars isn’t necessarily in the major parts. It is the little items, the unique brackets and hinges, that often disappear during a project build. Some of these seem to be made from pure unobtanium, and sourcing new replacements can prove impossible. I am sad that this Alpine will probably end its days that way, but it will give its life for a worthy cause. If you have a build on the go, would you consider making a play for this sad Sunbeam?