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Sunbeam Alpine MkIV

Sunbeam Alpine MkIVSunbeam Alpine MkIVSunbeam Alpine MkIVSunbeam Alpine MkIVSunbeam Alpine MkIV
Sunbeam Alpine MkIVSunbeam Alpine MkIVSunbeam Alpine MkIVSunbeam Alpine MkIVSunbeam Alpine MkIV
Sunbeam Alpine MkIVSunbeam Alpine MkIV
Lot number 127
Hammer value £5,900
Description Sunbeam Alpine MkIV
Registration BTK 115C
Year 1965
Colour Red
Engine size 1,592 cc
Chassis No. 94101785.HR0
Engine No. 94101785HRO

Sunbeam, now part of the Rootes organisation, first announced its Alpine sports model in 1959. The new car was a change of direction for Sunbeam and was aimed squarely at the younger MG/TriumphTR market – previous models being larger touring cars. 

It was largely styled by the great industrial designer, Ken Howes, and was heavily influenced by the Ford Thunderbird which lent it oodles of Trans-Atlantic glamour. At first the car was powered by a 78bhp 1494cc four-cylinder engine but in the Series II of 1960 this was replaced by an 80bhp 1592cc unit. In 1963 the Series III arrived with larger front brake discs, a bigger boot and a revised interior. Power went up by another 2bhp the following year with the Series IV, easily recognised by its much smaller tail fins.

All were fine cars, being perhaps the most habitable, practical and everyday useable sportscars of their era. The driving position is excellent, the door apertures are wide allowing easy entrance and exit, the boot space is generous and the handling is exemplary thanks to a notably rigid structure. Great for shopping but also a real hoot on twisty B-roads, the Alpine is perhaps the ideal classic sportscar.

First registered in January 1965, this particular Series IV has been in the current ownership since 1991 with only one other recorded keeper before that. Said to be in good, sound condition throughout and to drive well, it is taxed until the end of June and is due to have a fresh MOT before the sale.

The vendor believes that the 47,000 miles displayed on the clock could well be genuine and states that the car has only covered 3,000 miles in his 22 years’ ownership. The car is fitted with wire wheels and comes with a hood that is watertight and in serviceable condition. Regularly serviced by Myddlewood Garage of Shrewsbury, it is only reluctantly being sold due to the advancing years of the vendor.

P.S. This car now has a fresh 12 months' MOT.
 

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