Most Sunbeam followers know the history of the Alpine and the Series 11 models. Basically a sports car developed from a sedan chassis with a drive train sourced from Hillman, it followed the arrogant pattern of the English motor industry’s development, or lack of. Starting n the late 50’s it eventually led to the failure or consolidation of major brands by the mid-70’s. Today, there is not a major manufacture that was founded in the England, all are owned by foreign companies.

Back to the Alpine. The original drive train was relatively weak in power and reliability. Carroll Shelby sized upon the car as his next success of shoe horning a Ford small block as he had with the ACE. With a 260 V-8, it woke the car up and would have been a huge success except for Chrysler purchasing Rootes Group in 1967. Stuffing a Ford V-8 into a Chrysler built car was unacceptable, but nothing Chrysler built in the day would fit and production ended 1967 with the Alpine managing to last until 1975.

Which brings our car into the picture and it’s particular history. The car has been in this ownership for more than 20 years and the first thing that had to be changed was the engine. It was mechanically slow and noisy and at the time, being original was not important, being comfortable and reliable was. A Ford V-6 and C4 Automatic transmission from a Mustang was installed after being reconditioned along with other parts of the Mustang drive train. The floor boards had rust and new panels welded in place. The body is straight but was repainted to a good level of finish, the bumpers color matched, the seats reupholstered, the top replaced and a custom dash was made from solid wood. Most of the work was done decades ago, but it is in very good order looking it over and driving it. One of the weaker points of the car is the wiring which should be attended too. Everything works, but it is a bit haphazard and untidy. There is strong seep coming from the rear crank area, probably from years of sitting unused. It drives well, but my estimate is that if you are over 5’10”, it is going to be an uncomfortable fit. The car starts, drives well and best of all, stops without fuss.

There are spare parts for the car that go with it including a medal factory hard top (missing the rear glass) which we have included with the images taken.

The VIN# B910772LRX. The miles showing are 4,205. For other interesting bikes and collectable vehicles, visit our web site http://www.automaniagp.com , 541 479 8888 or come by and see us at 895 SE Gladiola Drive, Grants Pass, Oregon, 97526. Oregon Dealer DA1287

Automania is a Consignment Oregon Dealer selling quality, privately owned vehicles including Aprilia, Buell, BMW, Citroen, Ducati, Harley Davidson, Honda, Hummer, Kawasaki, Moto Guzzi, MV Agusta, Nissan, Ossa, Piaggio, Suzuki, Triumph, Vespa, Classic Hot Rods, Buick, Dodge, Ford, Chevrolet, Lamborghini, MG, Packard, Porsche, Rover, Shelby, Toyota, Triumph, Volkswagen and any other vehicle of interest