When is a Sunbeam Alpine not a Sunbeam Alpine? That would be starting in 1969, when the nameplate shifted onto the sedate Arrow sedan platform and gained a roof. Configured as a fastback and ambitiously called a “GT”, the new Sunbeam was foisted upon the US because Rootes was unable to meet our emissions and safety regulations by altering its roadster. In Europe, the Alpine GT ran headlong into the Ford Capri, launched in the same year, and we all know how that turned out. In the US, the new Alpine with its wheezing four-cylinder cost $2570, when a Mustang V8 could be had for $2700. Comparisons with the competition did not flatter the Sunbeam; consequently, survivors are few and far between. This 1969 version, advertised here on craigslist, can be yours for $8000 or best offer; the car is located in Boring, Oregon (not quite as funny as Drain, Oregon). Thanks to Curvette for finding this rare Brit for us.
The last of Rootes had been acquired by Chrysler in 1967, so by end of the decade, its new parent was calling the shots. The Tiger had been killed off pronto, leaving the roadster without that feather in its proverbial cap. Neither company was in sterling financial condition at the dawn of the 1970s; in fact, Chrysler reported huge losses in the first three quarters of the new decade. With money so tight, the new Sunbeam was engineered from the parts bin, and that included its 90 hp 1724 cc four-cylinder, in use since 1965. The engine is backed by a four-speed manual. The seller notes that the odometer reads 88,000 miles, and the car runs well with no issues. A lifetime’s collection of parts, including an extra engine and transmission, comes with the sale.
The GT’s interior is nicely appointed, with a variety of gauges set in a polished wood instrument panel, carpet, and individual front seats. Despite the swanky appearance, fading and blemishes are visible. The finsh on that fine wood dash is cracking, and the door seals need to be replaced. The rear glass concentrates heat inside the cabin, and for all its expanse, rearward visibility isn’t great.
Speculation abounds that the Alpine GT’s styling owed rather a lot to the Barracuda, launched in 1964. Perhaps, but Sunbeam’s GT was a far less successful car despite remaining in production through 1975. What’s the right price? Something less than the roadster for sure; in the US, very fine GTs will bring $9k to $10k – eventually. Expect to wait for a buyer. In the UK, this ’71 sold for £3132, a typical price for a driver-quality example. Have you ever owned an Alpine GT? What did you think of the driving experience?
To just about everybody on this here side of the pond, it was always a mini-Barracuda. No shame in that, mates, it was a heck of a car to be compared to. I actually remember some, only because they caught my eye as such. Certainly more than a Alpine/Tiger. I think the Brits may look down upon this car as having more Italian styling than US. The odd raked steering wheel, swoopy Italian design, thank G-d it still used the tried and true British pushrod motor. None better. So, why didn’t it sell? Once again,,,the cost. I think that’s the symbol for pounds, and 3132 pounds was just over $4grand! Little pricey when a ’69 Formula S Cuda was $2999. Still, I read, about 19,000 ’69 GTs were sold here, the most popular Sunbeam so far. I’d have to think most of those sales were people that knew nothing of a Sunbeam, but wanted a Barracuda that got 30 mpg. From what I’ve read, they were very nice cars.
Great write up Michelle. The one thing I’m surprised about is the lack of visibility with such a huge amount of glass. I never thought about it, but that angle its at, I can definitely “see” your point.( insert rim shot for my first Bad Dad Joke of the day). This looks like a great Alpine to buy. Even though it needs a little love here and there it seems solid, and the fact its a two owner car with a huge stash of extra parts is icing on the cake. The wood dashboard insert is a nice touch , kind of like what Pontiac did in the 60’s as an option for their dashes. Always thought these were cool little Mini Baracudas. -Dave
She seems to be fitted for a snow plow?
How so, mate?
3rd photo in the advert. Those large brackets and eyebolt don”t appear to be factory items.
Is it for a possible tow bar for behind an RV?
Dang. More likely but not as much fun.
Saw this one last year at the Waynesboro,VA
British car. meet
Great write up, I’ve never seen one in the wild.
Has a Bales badge on the trunk. Just across the river from Louisville in Jeffersonville, Indiana.
Remember seeing a few of these around. Usually burgundy or dark blue, maybe the occasional teal. Never a red one though.
These are fairly attractive but the photos just aren’t flattering. Looks good but can’t really tell if it’s nice or nasty.
I need to add a correction to this, this is an Alpine, not an Alpine GT. Having owned one just a few years ago, the GT version of this period Alpine had the Aluminum head and dual SU carbs and disk front brakes, and had GT insignias on the sail panel.while the Alpines only had the Sunbeam badge there. Loved mine, traded it for a bathroom remodel after months of trying to sell it. $8k is a hard sell and having been there “done that” I wish the seller a lot of luck finding a buyer!!!
Incredibly crappy pictures.