Sunbeam Alpine Series 5 convertible, fresh MOT, ready to go

I have owned this car for many years but It's the old story - too many cars. too little time. and I haven't driven this little thing for ages.  I've realised its pointless my owning it - time to pass it on.  I'm getting too old to be poncing about in a convertible in any case.   I've listed it with no reserve because I don't know what it's worth. and having sold a car previously on ebay I am confident it will reach a sensible price.  

It is the 1725 cc model. with a four-speed gearbox. overdrive on third and fourth - effectively a six-speed box.  It drops in and out of overdrive beautifully.  The drive is superb - it is a quick car. and very chuckable.  It cruises at motorway speeds with no problem.  It's great fun - even my wife likes it. and she  is generally unimpressed by my classics.

When I bought it it had been fully restored (no welding was needed) but I was never happy with the paint job.  So last year I had it taken down to bare metal and repainted. at huge cost.  The result is superb - a deep. rich. glossy finish.  I have also had new carbs fitted.

Good bits:  Its a classic 1960s convertible.  Great fun. huge boot. strong. easy mechanics. cheap parts. and gorgeous looks.  Girls love it!  I've fitted a high-performance cooling fan (Alpines tend to run hot in traffic).  It is fitted with a top-of-the-range tracking device and immobiliser.  The tracking device is subscription-free and can be assigned to you for a small fee to the tracking company.   It has four good tyres and a good battery. and full tanks (the twin tanks are in the rear wings).  It is taxed (for free of course) and newly tested; I had in honestly tested last week. at Cuffley Motors (who fitted the carbs for me).  All of the chromework is new and superb.  The hood cover (the thing that covers the hood when its lowered) is superb - new mohair.  I have upgraded the headlights to modern halogen - fabulous.  It has auxiliary reversing lights.  The cabin heater is incredible - you could bake bread with it. and I have even driven it in winter with the hood down. my feet toasty. It has a stainless exhaust.

Bad bits: It's a classic 1960s convertible.  Don't bid if you don't know what that means but don't expect tight panel gaps. power steering. central locking. electric windows. ABS. air bags or air conditioning - or even a radio.  The rear seats are only for very small children. or luggage.  The fuel gauge isn't working; it always used to and I think it's just a dodgy connection somewhere.  (It has a full tank of new fuel. )  The painters managed to lose a few bits of inconsequential trim but they are easily available from the specialist suppliers.  The steering wheel isn't on quite straight but I have never bothered to sort that (again. not a big job).  The fuel gauge sender knocks against the tank occasionally.  Some paint is peeling from one of the wheels.  One of the headlight cowls has slightly bumpy paint; this isn't rust because the cowls are brass - I think it is just a paint reaction that isn't going to get worse.  The brakes pull very. very slightly to the left on first application - I have bought new flexible fuel lines but never fitted them (the car pulls up straight and true. and stops well).

The hood - which is new and expensive mohair - has gone a bit saggy and needs restretching.  This is not a big problem.  I never drive it with the hood up anyway.  I don't have a hard top but they are available separately.  

Bids from anyone with less than ten bids will be removed.  Happy to answer any questions but the usual daft ones will be ignored.  You can view the car by arrangement. evenings only - contact me via eBay. I will not end the bidding early or sell it anywhere else.  Payment by paypal or cash and nothing else.   No tyre kickers please.   You are bidding to buy. and I've heard the usual excuses about death in the family. sudden illness. blah blah blah.

I will miss it.   Many happy memories of this car.

Also published at eBay.co.uk

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