Lot 304: 1969 Sunbeam Alpine Mk IV FIA Papers

Launched in 1948, the Sunbeam-Talbot 90 was an elegant and individual sporting saloon. By autumn 1950 it had appeared in Mk II form with independent coil spring/wishbone front suspension, considerably stiffer chassis and the Humber Hawk's 2267cc 70bhp engine. A Mk IIA followed with numerous improvements before the final 1953 Mk III with 80bhp at 4,400rpm enough for 81mph and 0-60mph in 18.4 seconds. In 1952, however, George Hartwell, Rootes dealer, converted a 90 saloon into an open two seater for competition use; Rootes saw it and put the car into production. Using a chassis with stiffer front and extra rear cross member, uprated suspension and higher geared steering, the Alpine was more a roadster than a sports car. Well appointed and with commodious boot, it was among the most handsome cars of the day with its sloping, graceful tail and a roof that folded out of sight.Presented here, this very elegant sportscar comes complete with FIA papers as well as Swiss registration papers. Described as in generally good condition throughout, this stylish sportscar must represent extremely good value in todays market as both a road and race car. Restored by the Emil Tschumi Garage in Interlaken between 1992 and 1993, this potent racer has both FIA and FIVA passports and has undertaken a number of sprints, hill climbs and rallies. Sunbeam Alpines have always been popular with the historic racing fraternity, but with lightened cams, polished ports, modified exhaust systems and uprated brakes, this example will certainly feature strongly in next years podium results.Cette Sunbeam a beneficiee d'une restauration en Suisse entre 1992 et 1993. Documents de circulation Suisses, papiers FIA et passeport FICA. Prte pour comptitions historiques.