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2016 Shannons Sydney Winter Classic Auction
Lot
16

1967 Sunbeam Alpine MkV Roadster

$22,500

Sold

Specifications

Engine In-line 4-cylinder, 1725cc
Gearbox 4-speed manual
Body Work Roadster
Colour Dark Blue
Interior Red
Trim Vinyl
Wheels Wire/Spoke
Brakes Disc/Drums

Description

This lot is no longer available

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, featuring a special alloy cylinder head and a four-speed manual box plus optional Laycock overdrive acting on third and top gears. Early Alpines with their signature high wings, were coachbuilt by Armstrong-Siddeley in Coventry and stood out from contemporary rivals like Triumph and MG thanks to the the greater level of comfort afforded the driver and passenger, particularly in the area of weatherproofing. With wind-up windows, easy access and a relatively spacious cabin, the luxurious feeling was further enhanced by a well-stocked dashboard and comfortable seats. In 1960, Sunbeam introduced the Series II model with various improvements, including boring the engine out by 8.5mm to raise total capacity to 1592cc and reducing the compression slightly, the modest increases to both power and torque resulting in a more relaxed drive. Other changes included relocating the seats for additional legroom, a new pedal arrangement and revised rear suspension. The Alpine ultimately remained in production for more than a decade and spawned the ferocious V8-powered Tiger; the Series III of 1963 saw the range expanded to two models, the Sports Tourer (with a vinyl dash and soft top) and the GT (with a veneer finished dash and hard top only), plus new suspension settings and stronger brakes. Sunbeam modernised the Alpine’s appearance with the introduction of the Series IV in January 1964, with an updated grille design and restyled rear end, with less pronounced fins. The ultimate Alpine, the Series V, was launched in September 1965 with a larger 1725cc version of the familiar ‘four’, boosting the power output from 80 to 92 horsepower, along with a commensurate increase to the torque. The gearbox was also revised with better-spaced ratios for more relaxed motorway cruising, although the Alpine’s top speed of 100 mph remained unchanged. Other improvements saw the dynamo replaced with an alternator, better ventilation and detail changes to the hood and interior. Sunbeam’s Alpine always sold in modest numbers relative to more mainstream British sports cars from MG and Triumph and surviving examples are both hard to find and increasingly sought after today.