Sunbeam Alpine Sports - GB Classic Cars

Sunbeam Alpine - A Brief History

Sunbeam Alpine Series II The Alpine name, previously used by Sunbeam on an earlier car, was revived for this all new sports car launched in 1959. Based on a Hillman Husky floorpan, and using the 1494cc 4-cylinder engine from the Sunbeam Rapier, this new medium sized and attractive sports car was welcomed by the buying public who were at the time were not spoilt for choice in this area of the market. Performance, while not outstanding was brisk for the day, and handling was well able to cope with the cars power. Modifications were made to the series II model that was launched in 1960. These included an increase to engine capacity and improved suspension.

With the arrival of the Series III Alpine in 1964 came the option of a GT model that featured a hardtop and 2+2 seating. The GT also benefited from wood veneer dashboard and more luxurious trim, but all series III cars were fitted with twin fuel tanks and larger front disc brakes which were now servo assisted. January 1964 brought with it the next in the series - the series IV. The tail fins on this car were now much less pronounced than on the earlier models and other styling changes included a different front grille and redesigned indicators. Automatic transmission became an option on this model and in October 1964 the Alpine received an all synchromesh gearbox. The final model, the series V was introduced in October 1965 and was fitted with a stronger 1725 cc engine, but was only available with manual transmission. Styling was similar to the previous model. The Alpine ended production in January 1969 but the Alpine name was to be used again on a totally different design of Sunbeam launched in October 1969.

Specifications
Model	Series I	Series II	Series III	Series IV	Series V
Years Produced	1959 - 1960	1960 - 1963	1963 - 1964	1964 - 1965	1965 - 1968
Body Type	All steel semi-unitary construction, 2 door sports
Length	12ft 11 in	12ft 11 in	12ft 11 in	13ft 0in	13ft 0in
Width	5ft 0.5in	5ft 0.5in	5ft 0.5in	5ft 0.5in	5ft 0.5in
Weight	2200lb	2150lb	2185lb	2253lb	2246lb
Engine	1494cc 4 cyl	1592cc 4cyl	1592cc 4cyl	1592cc 4cyl	1725cc 4cyl
Power (bhp/rpm)	78 @ 5300	80 @ 5000	82 @ 5200	87 @ 5000	92.5 @ 5500
Torque (lb ft/rpm)	89.5 @ 3800	94 @ 3800	93 @ 3600	93 @ 3500	103 @ 3700
Gearbox	4 speed manual, optional overdrive. Automatic optional from 1964
Driven Wheels	Rear	Rear	Rear	Rear	Rear
Brakes	Front disc, rear drum - servo assisted from 1963
Front Suspension	Coil & Wishbone
Rear Suspension	Leaf spring, live axle

Performance
Model	Series I	Series II	Series III	Series IV	Series V
Top Speed	100 mph	98 mph	98 mph	100 mph	102 mph
0-60 mph	14 seconds	14.5 seconds	15 seconds	13.5 seconds	13 seconds
Fuel Consumption	25 - 30 mpg	25 - 30 mpg	25 - 30 mpg	25 - 30 mpg	25 - 30 mpg

Sunbeam Alpine Series V

Sunbeam Alpine Series V

Useful Links
Sunbeam Alpine Owners Club	The Association of Rootes Car Clubs
Sunbeam Alpine books at Amazon.co.uk
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Photographs on this page courtesy of Practical Classics magazine

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