Coys Auction
Ascot Racecourse,
Berkshire SL5 7JX
Saturday 2 October 2010 at 3pm
Kenneth Howes and Jeff Crompton were tasked with doing a complete redesign of the Sunbeam in 1956, with the goal of producing a dedicated sports car aimed principally at the US market. Ken Howes contributed some 80% of the overall design work, which bears more than incidental resemblance to the early Ford Thunderbird - Ken Howe had worked at Ford before joining Rootes. The "Series" Alpine started production in 1959. One of the original prototypes still survives and was raced by British saloon car champion Bernard Unett. The Alpine was produced in four subsequent revisions through to 1968. Total production numbered around 70,000. The car enjoyed relative success in competition, both in Europe and in North America. Successive increases in displacement and engine tuning improved the car tremendously and combined with the elegant lines the cars possessed, proved to be a winner.
The car on offer here is in very