Series II – Rare Carnival Red Rootes Group James Bond Era Gem, Euro Import Craze

1962 Sunbeam Alpine Series II – Wings of Glory

This is a decidedly unique and cool car.   A rare chance to own a series car and a piece of the storied motoring history from the Rootes Group and the Sunbeam marquee.   Put on early 60's threads. grab the leather grip on the “banjo” steering wheel and prepare to send and receive lots of grins and admiration.

Sunbeam Alpines were made from 1959-1968.    Production numbers were never as high as competing brands like MG. Triumph and even Austin Healey.   Fewer still were built for the States as this one (the LRX designation in the VIN #).   In fact. there were fewer Alpines made in their 9 year run than a single year's production of the Mazda Miata (around 90. 00 total according to records kept by Sunbeam).   It's from a bygone era to say the least.

The series numbers do not have a one to one relationship with the model year.   The Series II had one of the longest runs (October 1960 through February 1963).   There were a total of 19. 56 built over this run.   I don't know precise numbers for 1962. but they are rare and therefore highly collectible.

I don't think that any one thing can explain the higher valuation of the Series II Alpines. but it likely has something to do with the fins.   Many valuable and even necessary improvements were made to this model over the Series I.   The Series III had a very short run as almost a transition to the Series IV and V.   Opinions certainly vary on specific series of preference. but apart from the Tiger. the Series II is certainly demonstrating sought after valuation figures.

This particular car comes in paint code 39. carnival red.   An apt name for such a fun color on such a fun car!  It certainly suits the car well.   The hard top is the factory original aluminum one.   According to all records and appearance it has been with the car since new.   The aluminum is ideally suited for the job because is it quite light weight making installation and removal an easy one person job.   They are fragile so to find one intact at all is exceptionally rare.   This one has a brand new headliner.   It also comes with a new in package weather strip and installation tool.   The rear window can easily be sourced by www. aircraftwindshield. com.   Great company. btw.   They have been making this window from their proprietary mold since the 1960's.   It costs $225.   They have about a 2 week lead time for manufacturing so. I did not have time to get it before the listing of the vehicle for bid.   This and other items outlined in this listing have been factored into the reserve price.

To see a comprehensive set of photos go to -- http://www. flickr. com/photos/105315473@N02/

The car presents very well. but this is not a show quality paint job.   Close examination will reveal minor scuffs and scratches.   The passenger door has a bit of original primer showing through (see photo blue/gray color).   There are a few imperfections on the hardtop as well. but they could easily be resolved at the time of a repaint (which could wait indefinitely if you choose to keep it a driver).

The engine is the slightly larger 1725cc displacement motor used in series V cars.   The extra ponies are just fine by me.   It is set on slightly wider rims and tires.   They are brand new and give the car a reassuring stance and grip.   She really wants to climb through the gears and settle in to the 40-60 mph range and paste smiles on your face the rest of the afternoon.   It thrives in the roadster/touring driving mode and conditions.  

I'm not sure if the wood dash is original.   They were an option. but it may have been added later.   It certainly suits the car well.   The levers add a nice vintage touch and operate with a gratifying “click”.

The car has been in collector care since at least 1982 (the last year it was registered as a daily driver).   I personally believe it deserves and even wants to be driven.   The carburetors were professionally (with great delicacy I might add) reconditioned and synchronized about 2 years ago.   It has a brand new starter. intake and exhaust manifolds gasket.   The battery (sets in rear “jump seat” btw) has brand new cables.   It's idling a wee bit high. but that may be more a matter of preference.   Would be easy to sort out. but for now I'm keeping it as is.

The soft top is believed to be original to the car.   There is no way to substantiate this claim. but it's condition seems consistent with the story.   In fact. the car still has the original “Cantrails” (see parts photo).   The Sunbeam owners club shared this is quite rare and another valuable asset to the car.   It has only been a fair weather car for over 30 years if not more.   The soft top has several small tears so to be used or in preparation for a more comprehensive restoration it would need to be replaced.   They are readily available and cost around $300.  

A clever and unique engineering attribute of the Alpine is the factory “boot”.   This 3 piece system requires a knowledgeable and patient hand to set in place.   The result is a rewarding finished look when the top is down – no aftermarket vinyl boot needed.  

The instructions for raising and lowering the hood (see pic) are classic in and of themselves.   They also prove to be pretty spot on and valuable.   Over time they were not always followed.   So. of all the carnival red body work on the car. these 3 pieces show the most wear.   I removed a piece and took a photo to help demonstrate the condition.   They seem to have the patina of originality. but are pretty scuffed up to.   Kind of like a well used set of leather boots!

The rear bumper must have received a bump at some point.   There is a bit of wrinkling in the chrome (see closeup) could use a bit of adjusting on the brackets.   These bumpers remove so easily and quickly that I could see a future owner removing them for any detailing job – seriously that quick and easy.  

This car also comes with enough parts to start your own swap meet.   A previous owner had kind of a swap meet “problem” I think.   There is a block. aluminum head. aluminum valve cover and probably the most valuable pieces – complete front control arms.   I noticed reconditioned arms are fetching nearly $800 -- alone.   The parts have been with the car for so long now that I hope they can stay with it.   They are included in the reserve price.   Shipping. as with the vehicle itself will be the responsibility of the new owner.

As for the reserve price – it is fair and set well below what the vehicle it likely to bring in this auction.   Out of respect for the bidding process. I will not reveal the amount.   Bid what you are comfortable spending on the car.   I have tried to be very thorough and honest in my depiction of the car.   If you have any questions or concerns. please feel free to contact me.   My number is (816) 786-7534.

Hope this got your own motorsport engine revving just in time for Spring!  Good luck bidding.

Also published at eBay.com

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