1962 Sunbeam Alpine - Series II

When, in the mid-1950s, demand in the USA for small sports cars from the Old World soared to unprecedented heights, the British Rootes Group also wanted to capitalise on the Americans’ enthusiasm for buying. The risk of failing was negligible. The opportunity, on the other hand, to significantly boost the company’s financial reserves by selling a small, modern sports convertible alongside its conservative saloons was very great. After all, it was precisely the two-seater models from the British Isles that enjoyed particular popularity on the other side of the Atlantic. Following the discontinuation of the unsuccessful first Sunbeam Alpine – based on the Sunbeam-Talbot 90 – in 1955, work began on its successor in 1956. As MG, Triumph and Austin-Healey were already established players in the US market – and it was virtually impossible to displace them with a conventional open-top roadster – a unique selling point was needed to persuade buyers. This was, of course, quickly identified. For, of all things, the very thing the Americans loved most was missing from most English sports cars: comfort. Nevertheless, this ‘giant-killer’ naturally had to look racy and drive fast. In short: it was to be a car that would allow not only Grace Kelly to cut a fine figure in Nice, but also John Ashley in Hollywood – and, of course, all the amateur racing enthusiasts at the airfield at the weekend. The underbody of the Hillman Husky was chosen as the basis – and thus as another unique selling point. This was a two-door estate version of the Hillman Minx with a wheelbase shortened to 86 inches (2'184 mm), which had been reinforced with an additional X-brace for use beneath the convertible top. For whilst the competitors were all still built on an antiquated ladder frame, the Alpine was thus the first of its kind to be self-supporting. The chassis and powertrain were essentially derived from the Sunbeam Rapier, the rebranded sister model of the Minx, but with disc brakes instead of drums on the front axle. Chief designer Bernard Winter also carried over the 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine from the saloon. In September 1960, the slightly revised Alpine Series 2 followed. The engine, increased to 1.6 litres, delivered not only an extra two hp but also increased maximum torque. This Sunbeam Alpine from the second series, fitted with an 81 hp 1.6-litre engine, was originally delivered to Switzerland and was first registered in June 1962. The early history of this little convertible is unknown, until it was acquired from the previous owner in June 2003. Subsequently, the Sunbeam was used for a number of historic events before being taken off the road in 2006 due to a faulty piston ring. Plans to get this cool Alpine back on the road were thwarted by a lack of time, and so it has spent the past 20 years in the garage. Today, this attractive British car offers an excellent basis for restoration – the chassis appears sound, the bodywork is solid and the interior shows signs of wear and tear appropriate to its age. The engine and the entire mechanical system require an overhaul or some refurbishment. The car comes with an optional hardtop and will be handed over to a new owner with its most recent MOT from June 2003.