Sunbeam Alpine MkII

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When Sunbeam announced its Alpine sports model in 1959 the new car was a change of direction for the Rootes-owned firm and was aimed squarely at the younger MG/Triumph TR market – previous models being larger touring cars.

Styled by the great industrial designer, Ken Howes, it was heavily influenced by the Ford Thunderbird which lent it oodles of Trans-Atlantic glamour. At first the car was powered by a 78bhp 1,494cc four-cylinder engine but in the MkII of 1960 this was replaced by an 80bhp 1,592cc unit. In 1963 the MkIII 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. The final model was the Series V of 1965 which had a 92bhp twin carb 1,725cc engine, enough to power the Alpine to an easy 100mph.

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.

Dating from 1962, this particular Series II has the 'big fin' good looks of the early models and has been uprated to give it even more performance than the later ones. After spending many years in the dry climate of Cyprus the car came back to the UK in 1997 and was treated to a comprehensive restoration including a full repaint in Brooklands Green.

A 1,725cc engine built to fast road spec by Chris Draycott was fitted to the car along with twin 40 Weber DCOE carbs, a 4-branch manifold, uprated clutch, uprated radiator, uprated rear suspension and a pre-selector gearbox. New rally bucket seats, carpets, dash coverings, rubbers, hood and tonneau were also fitted at the same time along with a set of Superlight alloy wheels. A black hard top also comes with the car for snug year-round motoring.

Said to be in very good condition throughout with an impressive turn of speed and a wonderful exhaust note, it has recently been serviced and comes with MOT and tax until January 2015.

AMENDMENT: This car may not have a Holbay engine fitted as previously stated.