1962 Sunbeam Alpine Series II Convertible
One of 19,956 Series II examples made
6L inline four-cylinder engine
Four-speed manual transmission
Moonstone exterior (code 19) with black, aluminum hardtop and Scarlet interior
Newer tires, new exhaust system
More than $9,600 worth of maintenance and service receipts, some dating back 15 years
Sunbeam auto parts guides, photos, articles, parts guides and other, assorted documentation
British drophead coupes are rare finds but here at MotoeXotica Classic Cars, we have a jolly good find in this 1962 Sunbeam Alpine Series II Convertible, which U.S. sales literature termed “Sleek – Swift – Spectacular.” This example was made in Ryton-on-Dunsmore, Warwickshire, England on March 2, 1962.
An airman out of Fort Riley in Wichita, Kansas originally owned this example and it spent a long time stored in the Kansas City region. Ownership records show the car time spent in California, Illinois, Ohio and Iowa, and it is now located in Saint Louis, Missouri. Finished in Moonstone over Scarlet from the factory, this example is reportedly largely unrestored cosmetically and shows a wonderful patina.
The Moonstone paint (code 19) is in overall very good order and claimed to be original aside from several touch-ups and repair spots. No body filler is believed to be present and no accidents are known, though multiple places in the finish have been buffed through. Both the front and rear bumpers are present along with their factory over-riders and some exterior chrome shows minor pitting. The car’s glass is in overall good order, the windows are said to function well, though the windshield has pitting present from age. The vehicle’s lights are in similar overall good shape.
An original black soft top has a small tear and a matching tonneau cover is included. The car rides on steel wheels, which have been fitted with wide whitewall Coker tires, size 6.50-13. The car’s body panels are straight and solid overall. The trunk with its full-size spare tire is in good shape and the engine bay is in good order.
Power comes from a 1.6L inline-four with three main bearings and originally had two Zenith downdraft carburetors. Notable work performed during the past decade include a radiator rebuild, new radiator hoses, a Weber two-barrel/manifold conversion (original dual carbs/manifold are included), new engine gaskets, a valve adjustment, a new flywheel ring gear, a rebuilt fuel pump, new starter, and electronic ignition upgrade. The engine is mated to a four-speed manual transmission. A new battery was fitted in 2016, the car has a newer stainless steel exhaust (~2013) and a new water pump is included. Within the past decade, underside work included new tie rod ends, repacked front wheel bearings, a replacement rear axle bearing and seals, new brake shoes, pads, lines, master cylinder, rebuilt front brake calipers and rear wheel cylinders and a replacement U-joint.
The Scarlet interior is believed to be largely original, with some creasing and looseness visible on the front seat bottoms. The bucket seats evidence some sun fade as well. The carpet is in fair condition and appears original. The instrument panel, with its full set of gauges, is in good order, as is the original two-spoke steering wheel. The inner door panels and center console are in fair order while the mirror glass and shift lever look good. The rear seat and rear deck upholstery were recently recovered and are said to match the rest of the interior well. Original tarpaper interior insulation under the snap-in rubber factory floor covering is present. The car has no radio.
More than $9,600 worth of maintenance and service receipts, some dating back 15 years, are present, including Sunbeam auto parts guides, photos, articles, parts guides and other, assorted documentation.
The Series II featured an enlarged 1,592cc engine and a revised rear suspension but there were few other changes. When it was replaced in 1963, 19,956 had been made. A Series II with hardtop and overdrive was tested by The Motor magazine in 1960, which recorded a top speed of 98.6 mph, acceleration from 0–60 mph in 13.6 seconds and 25.8 mpg.
Competition to this Sunbeam in 1962 included Alfa Romeo’s Giulia 1600 Spider, British Leyland’s MGB, Chevrolet’s Corvair Convertible, Fiat’s 1600S Convertible, Lancia’s Flavia Convertible, Lotus’ Elan S2 and Triumph’s TR3.
Price: Auction
More info: Listing has ended. Click to search on eBay for similar Sunbeam Alpine Convertible (Affiliate link)
Location: Saint Louis, Missouri, United States
