1953 Sunbeam Alpine Roadster Project
Registration no. MDA 215
Chassis no. A3013285
Engine no. to be advised

Aimed squarely at the North American market, the Sunbeam Alpine roadster was based on the existing Sunbeam-Talbot 90 saloon with styling input from Raymond Loewy. The 90's chassis and running gear were retained, the former suitably stiffened to compensate for the reduced rigidity of the open-topped bodyshell, while the front suspension was stiffened and the steering revised. To enhance the Alpine's sporting credentials, the 2,267cc four-cylinder overhead-valve engine received a power boost to 80bhp courtesy of a revised cylinder head. Initially for export only, the new Alpine did not reach the UK market until the autumn of 1953, but before then the new model's launch had been enhanced by a blaze of publicity following successful record breaking attempts at Montlhery, France and Jabbeke in Belgium where Stirling Moss achieved a maximum speed of 120mph. Nevertheless, despite valuable exposure accruing from these exploits and numerous class wins in the Alpine rallies, the Alpine was unable to counter the price advantage enjoyed by its rivals and was dropped in 1955. Supplied new on 31st December 1953, this very early Series 1 roadster was delivered to the Willenhall Motor Radiator Company by Wolverhampton Motor Services Ltd and retains its original registration and colour scheme. The car formed part of the estate of its deceased owner, who died prior to finishing the restoration, the major part of which appears to have been completed. It should be noted that it has been fitted with the more powerful Series 3 engine and floor-mounted gearchange, and comes with the sought-after side screens, hood and hood frame. Offered requiring completion, the car comes with Swansea V5 document and is sold strictly as viewed.