c1959 Sunbeam Alpine Series 1 Convertible

The Rootes Group introduced the pretty Alpine sports car in July 1959, initially using a hotter version of the 1500cc engine found in the Sunbeam Rapier, with a special alloy cylinder head and a four-speed manual box plus optional Laycock overdrive acting on third and top gears. What set the Alpine apart from contemporary rivals like Triumph and MG more than anything was the greater level of comfort afforded the driver and passenger, particularly in the area of weatherproofing. With wind-up windows, easy acccess and a relatively spacious cabin, the luxurious feeling was further enhanced by the well stocked dashboard and comfortable seats. Early Alpines were coachbuilt by Armstrong-Siddeley in Coventry and are identified by the high rear wings, something lost on post-1964 models. In 1960, Sunbeam introduced the Series II model with running improvements, including boring the engine out by 8.5mm to 1592cc, reducing the compression slightly and the modest increases to both power and torque resulted in a more relaxed drive. Other changes included more legroom by relocating the seats, a new pedal arrangement and changed to the rear suspension. The Alpine ultimately remained in production for more than a decade and spawned the ferocious V8-powered Tiger. Alpines always sold in small numbers compared to the more mainstream British sports cars and surviving examples are both hard to find and greatly sought after today.