Sunbeam Alpine V

In 1956 Kenneth Howes and Jeff Crompton were tasked with designing a dedicated sports car aimed principally at the US market. In 1959 Rootes launched the Alpine Series 1, 2-seater sports convertible.

The Alpine was produced in four subsequent revisions until 1968. Total production numbered around 70,000 and this stopped shortly after the Chrysler takeover of the Rootes Group. The car made extensive use of components from other Rootes Group vehicles and was built on a modified floor-pan from the Hillman Husky estate car. The running gear came mainly from the Sunbeam Rapier, but with front disc brakes replacing the saloon car's drums.

The final version had a new five-bearing 1,725 cc engine with twin Zenith-Stromberg Semi-downdraught Carburettors producing a claimed 93 bhp.

Our example 1967 example is a lovely un-restored UK home market car, with five owners from new and 53,000 miles recorded; which although impossible to warrant is believed correct.

Acquired by the most recent keeper in 1992 the car has been sparingly used but kept in constant on the road condition.
We have a letter from the previous keeper stating:

"We purchased the car in 1992. The car is one of the few original cars of this type remaining. I am a fitter by trade and have carried out all of the maintenance of the car. Being original to the best of my knowledge no rebuild has occurred, this being supported by the enclosed letter. The only changes are the original Stromberg twin carburettor has been changed for a Weber twin choke. The windscreen washer is no longer a 'pull-push' but is electric. The only other addition has been the Motorola Radio and Speaker. Due to circumstances the car has been little used over the last 15 years but has constantly been MOT tested."

We can confirm that we have looked at the car, it drives superbly and has obviously been loved and cherished throughout its life.....