Sunbeam Alpine

Sunbeam Alpine
1962 Alpine on optional wire wheels with wide rims
Overview
Manufacturer	Rootes Group
Production	1953–75
Assembly	Ryton-on-Dunsmore, Warwickshire, England
Body and chassis
Body style	Sports car
Layout	FR layout

Sunbeam Alpine Mark I & III
Alpine with factory aero-screens registered November 1953
Overview
Production	1953–55 1.582 made
Assembly	United Kingdom Australia
Body and chassis
Body style	2-door roadster
Related	Sunbeam-Talbot 90
Powertrain
Engine	2267 cc (2.3L) I4
Dimensions
Wheelbase	97.5 in (2,476 mm)
Length	168.5 in (4,280 mm)
Width	62.5 in (1,588 mm)
Chronology
Successor	Series Alpine

Sunbeam Alpine Series I to V
Sunbeam Alpine Series IV
Overview
Production	1959–68 69,251 made
Body and chassis
Body style	2-door roadster
Related	Sunbeam Tiger
Powertrain
Engine	Series I: 91.2 cu in (1.5 L) I4 Series II, III & IV—1592 cc (1.6L) I4 Series V—1725 cc (1.7L) I4
Dimensions
Wheelbase	86 in (2,184 mm)
Length	155 in (3,937 mm)
Width	61 in (1,549 mm)
Height	51 in (1,295 mm)
Chronology
Successor	none

Sunbeam Alpine "Fastback"
Overview
Production	1969–75
Body and chassis
Body style	2-door fastback
Powertrain
Engine	1725 cc (1.7L) I4
Dimensions
Wheelbase	98.5 in (2,502 mm)
Length	174.5 in (4,432 mm)
Width	64.75 in (1,645 mm)
Height	55 in (1,397 mm)
Chronology
Successor	none

The Sunbeam Alpine is a two-seater sports drophead coupé produced by Rootes Group from 1953 to 1955, and then 1959 to 1968. The name was then used on a two-door fastback from 1969 to 1975. The original Alpine was launched in 1953 as the first vehicle from Sunbeam-Talbot to bear the Sunbeam name alone since Rootes Group bought Clément-Talbot and later the moribund Sunbeam from its receiver in 1935.

The Alpine was derived from the Sunbeam-Talbot 90 Saloon, and has become colloquially known as the "Talbot" Alpine. It was a two-seater sports roadster initially developed for a one-off rally car by Bournemouth Sunbeam-Talbot dealer George Hartnell. It had its beginnings as a 1952 Sunbeam-Talbot drophead coupé. Announced in March 1953 it received its name following Sunbeam-Talbot saloons successes in the Alpine Rally during the early 1950s. On its first competitive outing, the July 1953 Coupe des Alpes, the new car won the Coupe des Dames (Sheila van Damm) and, without loss of any marks, four Coupes des Alpes driven by Stirling Moss, John Fitch, G Murray-Frame and Sheila van Damm.

The car has a four-cylinder 2,267 cc (138.3 cu in) engine from the saloon, but with a raised compression ratio. However, since it was developed from the saloon platform, it suffered from rigidity compromises despite extra side members in the chassis. The gearbox ratios were changed, and from 1954 an overdrive unit became standard. The gearchange lever was column-mounted. A true open 2-seater there were no external door handles or wind-up windows.

The Alpine Mark I and Mark III (no Mark II was made) were hand-built – as was the 90 drophead coupé – at Thrupp & Maberly coachbuilders from 1953 to 1955, and remained in production for only two years. Of the 1582 automobiles produced, 961 were exported to the USA and Canada, 445 stayed in the UK, and 175 went to other world markets. It has been estimated that perhaps as few as 200 have survived.

The Sunbeam Alpine Mk 1 Special: It was based on the 2267cc Mk 1 Sunbeam Talbot motor, with alloy rocker cover and Siamese exhaust ports [ cylinders 2 and 3 ]. These motors developed a reputed, 97.5 bhp at 4,500 rpm, mainly by raising the compression ratio to 8.0:1 and incorporating a special induction manifold with a twin choke Solex 40 P.I.I carburettor .