SOLD 1961 Sunbeam Alpine race car

Update: race result 08/ 08/ 26 14th overall and 2nd in class out of 26 starters in HSCC Griffiths-Haig race against much more powerful cars.

I've had this well-known historic race car for three years now, and in that time I have:

- Had an engine rebuild by Vibration Free over winter 25/ 26 (fewer than five hours running since, Dyno tuned)

- Replaced the gearbox with a pristine item from John 'The Box' Roseby. It's the correct 4-speed with overdrive on 3rd and 4th

- Replaced adjustable dampers all round

- Installed twin Weber 40 DCOE carbs (as per Jack Brabham's tuning in period)

- Installed new Coolex radiator

- Installed new fuel tank and twin pumps

- New wire racing wheels with a spare set of Minilites to come with the car. New FIA homologated Continental Renner historic racing tyres in September '26

- MSD 6AL ignition module (allowed in historic racing)

This is a brilliant car to drive, with entertaining handling and lovely steering feedback through the wooden Moto Lita wheel. It stops seriously well with disc brakes up front. Its power is fed through the rear wheels. It is absolutely ready for you to drive away right now.

We've won a number of trophies together, and have raced in MRL Pre-63GT (Donington Historic and Silverstone Festival) as well as in FiSCAR for a few seasons. Previously it's been entered in HSCC Roadsports and did the Goodwood Members Meeting in 2015 with the chap who restored the car back in 2011. There is plenty you can do with this charming little beast.

It's also been the subject of a column in Classic Cars magazine's Our Cars section periodically for the time I've owned it, and appeared on Richard Hammond's Smallest Cog TV programme several times, from when we raced against him at Silverstone in 2025.

But even stood still, the car gets loads of attention. People love its looks: it's finished in the colour scheme run by Rootes Group works cars at Sebring in 1962, when Ken Miles drove #42 (which subsequently disappeared) alongside #41 and #43. Those who enjoy motor racing history would be interested to note the Alpine's successes at Le Mans, winning the coveted Index of Thermal Efficiency in 1961. There is a long history of competition, both of circuit in international events and at some of the most important rallies on the planet back in the '60s. There is a thriving owners' club scene and plenty of knowledge out there for anybody wishing to race an Alpine.

However, this car can also be road legal. I have the V5C under the registration you see in the pictures, although it is currently under SORN as the tyres aren't suitable for road use. It also comes with early tax book from the '60s and a vehicle verification form alongside an HSCC Vehicle Identify Form and plenty of additional paperwork/ history. There are a few spares that will come with the car upon sale.

I'm going to continue racing and looking after it for the foreseeable unless it sells. I'm hoping to race at Silverstone before the year is out, if you fancy coming to see it in action.

This is an honest, well-developed, brilliantly fun turn-key racer that I've had a serious amount of fun with. I'm selling due to upgrade. Now it's somebody else's turn...

Plenty of races results and trophies. Original tax book from 1961 alongside heritage certificate and plenty of paperwork. Converted to a race car in 2011.