Lot 014: 1960 SUNBEAM ALPINE

"In the Alpine the needs of the sporting motorist with a young family are met. It is attractive, safe and unquestionably fast in spite of the emphasis put on long distance comfort. The world's markets are overdue such a car". (Autocar 1959) Introduced in 1959, the Sunbeam Alpine was a natural rival to cars such as the MGA and Triumph TR3. Built around a steel monocoque, it featured independent coil-sprung front suspension, a 'live' rear axle and disc / drum brakes. An attractive design, its lines were predominantly the responsibility of Kenneth Howes. Swindon born, this former employee of Ford' Detroit Styling Centre had also been schooled under Raymond Loewy. As such, the Alpine's 'micro Thunderbird' profile was perhaps little coincidence. Initially powered by a 1494cc OHV four-cylinder engine developing some 78bhp @ 5,300rpm, the be-finned sportscar was reputedly capable of 98mph. Finished in white with red leather upholstery, this particular example is variously described by the vendor as being in "all working" (electrical equipment), "quiet" (four-speed manual transmission), "clean" (engine, bodywork), "decent" (paintwork) or "excellent" (interior trim) condition. While, he notes that the chassis and wheels / tyres were of a sufficient standard to pass a MOT test earlier this year. Believed but not warranted to have covered some 49,000 miles from new (the seller cites various papers on file and a general lack of wear to the interior as supporting evidence), the Sunbeam benefits from both hardtop and soft-top roofs. Riding on steel wheels, this early Alpine is offered for sale with history file and MOT certificate valid until April 2008.