Sunbeam Alpine

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Sunbeam

Sunbeam Alpine

1959 - 1968
Country:
United Kingdom
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:
4 star
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

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