Sunbeam Alpine Series V

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Sunbeam 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/Triumph TR market – previous models being larger touring cars.

It was styled by the great industrial designer Ken Howes and was heavily influenced by the Ford Thunderbird, which lent it oodles of transatlantic glamour with large tail fins. 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, which ran from 1965 to 1968 and had a 92bhp twin carb 1,725cc Holbay engine - enough to power the Alpine to an easy 100mph.

Considered by some as the stylish man’s MGB, the Alpine certainly does make the BMC model look common (I think you mean ‘popular’. Ed) and this one has the touch of glamour to which the B can only aspire.

From the stable of a serial classic car enthusiast with an eye for detail, this Alpine MkV comes from the final year of production and looks very classy in its Diamond white paintwork, recently re-plated brightwork and new Minilite-style wheels.

The car has had much recent work to bring it up to standard, including a new clutch, slave and master cylinders, new copper brake pipes, new coil and electronic ignition and new tyres. The recorded mileage is 29,519 - the MOT history suggesting that this is 129,519 miles.

Sadly there is very little history with this car, but the vendor says there are 12 past MOTs for it and hopes to have found them in time for the sale.

This Alpine is a very smart example which has had the attention of a knowledgeable and enthusiastic owner and offers an appealing alternative to an MGB.