1953 Sunbeam Alpine Mk.I

The Sunbeam Alpine was a two-seater sports roadster initially developed by Sunbeam-Talbot dealer George Hartwell in Bournemouth, as a one-off rally car. Success followed and quickly a reputation grew. In the 1953 Alpine Rally four Alpines won the Coupe des Alpes, one of which, finishing 6th, was driven by Sir Stirling Moss; Sheila van Damm won the Coupe Des Dames in the same rally.The Alpine Mark I and Mark III (no Mark II was made) were hand-built at Thrupp & Maberly coachbuilders from 1953 to 1955, remaining in production for only two years. The majority of production were exported overseas and it has been estimated that perhaps as few as 200 have survived.That fact makes this 1953 Sunbeam Alpine Mk1 not only very beautiful, but also increasingly rare. Powered by the original 2260cc 4 cylinder engine, this is reported to start and idle soundly, and deliver a superb and smooth drive through the original 4-speed column-change gearbox, with full working overdrive. Being a former South African car this magnificent example has not suffered with our hard winters and road salt, the body work and underside are therefore in excellent condition. The seats have just been professionally restored as has the steering wheel. Offered with the car are a tightly fitting hood, side screens and a full tonneau for protection against the elements. All of these items are also in good condition.Offered with UK V5C registration certificate and MoT test certificate to February 2013 this is undoubtedly a genuine and unusual car in very original order ready to follow in the footsteps of Sir Stirling Moss in the Alpine Rally's!