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1959 - 1968 |
Country: |
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Engine: |
4 cyl. |
Capacity: |
1494 to 1724cc |
Power: |
78 to 92 bhp |
Transmission: |
4 spd. man (opt. overdrive) |
Top Speed: |
100 mph |
Number Built: |
69,251 (all series) |
Collectability: |
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Styled by Kenneth Howes, the second
generation Alpine was launched in 1959 and was based
on the contemporary Hillman Minx.
The Alpine used the floorpan of the Hillman Husky, a short wheelbase Minx estate
car. When launched it used Rootes' existing 1494cc engine to Sunbeam Rapier specification.
Armstrong Siddeley built the first series cars, and during 1960 production of
the second series was switched to Rootes own Ryton facility. The series II had
the engine capacity increased to 1592cc, along with other refinements being made.
1963 saw the introduction of the Series III model, which gained a new interior
and a roomier boot. For the first time there were two specification levels available,
"Sports" and "GT".
The GT came with a hardtop as standard equipment, but no folding hood. The lack
of a hood resulted in a roomier interior and the engine was detuned for greater
comfort. The Sports of course kept the hood and came with an optional hardtop,
while retaining the sportier engine. Production totalled units.
For 1964, the Series IV saw the tailfins cut back. It received a new grille and
optional automatic gearbox, while the final version, the Series V, was introduced
in 1965. It featured the five bearing 1724cc engine. Production ceased in 1968.
Production numbers for the Alpine are
Series I - 11,904
Series II - 19,956
Series III - 5,863
Series IV -12,406
Series V - 19,122 |