Sunbeam Alpine Mark I '54

Appraisal report available
Very good condition
Beautiful patina
Matching numbers
Terratrip Belmog Classic installed
New tires
2025 maintenance

Sunbeam is a British car brand, originally produced in Wolverhampton. Sunbeam originated from John Marston's "Japanware" factory, founded in 1859. In the early 1900s, Sunbeam achieved many successes in motorsport, notably at the Brooklands circuit, in the Grand Prix, the Coupe de l’Auto de Dieppe, and also during the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Let’s not forget the famous "Blue Bird" and "Sunbeam 1000HP" speed record cars, which made history on Pendine Sands and Daytona Beach. In 1953, the "Sunbeam-Talbot Alpine" appeared, a two-seater roadster developed by "Sunbeam-Talbot" dealer George Hartwell, intended as a rally car. In 1954, the name "Talbot" was dropped, and "Sunbeam" became the brand's name for its sports cars. That year, the "Alpine" was renamed "Sunbeam Alpine". Production of the "Alpine" ended in 1956, replaced by the "Sunbeam Rapier". The "Sunbeam 90 Mark III" was produced from 1954 to 1957. On the grille, the model was labeled as "Sunbeam Supreme". The convertible version disappeared in 1955. In total, about 2,250 units of the "Sunbeam Alpine MK I & III" were produced, of which only around 200 are believed to remain! A rare car indeed!

Technical specifications
Bodywork: Convertible
Length (cm): 425.4
Width (cm): 158.8
Height (cm): 149.9
Wheelbase (cm): 247.6

Mechanics
Engine: 2267cc L4
Fuel system: Carburetor
Gearbox: 4-speed + overdrive
Drive: Rear wheels
Left-hand drive
Max power: 80 hp
Top speed: 150.6 km/h

Note from the STAR Sunbeam Owners Club
The factory records for your car show:
Chassis Number: A3013765 LRX
Engine Number: -----ditto-------
Original Colour: Coronation Red
Date Despatched: 2 October 1953
Invoice Number: ME 13903
Despatched to: Rootes (Export Department)
Date exported: 14 October 1953

L = Left hand Drive (Export)
R = Alpine (Roadster)
X = Non-Standard Specification

This car has not been registered with our Club before.
The Sunbeam Talbot Alpine Register caters for all Talbot, Sunbeam Talbot, and Sunbeam cars produced by Rootes between 1936 and 1956.

The Club, founded in 1969, has 729 members worldwide, with 91 in the USA/Canada, 112 in the rest of the world (including 9 in Holland, 8 in Belgium, 13 in France, 12 in Germany), and just over 500 in the UK. The Club publishes an informative magazine, Stardust, every two months.

I am sending you a Membership Application form to hand over to the buyer of the car.

Special note on the special engine
I have had another look at the engine bay images. The engine is sporting the special elbow-carburettor (Rootes Parts Catalogue description for the 'pancake'), twin choke Solex carburetor, inlet manifold, AC centrifugal air cleaner, and fishtail inlet. However, there is not the correct oil filler with the breather tube from the air cleaner. The rocker cover is also fitted with an Alpine MKI vent pipe support plate. The chassis number is A3013765 LRX, which is not one of the 93 factory Specials (46 RHD & 47 LHD). I think the car has a Special engine fitted or at least the Special head, manifolds, and twin choke, etc., from a Special engine.