Sunbeam Alpine Series V
The Sunbeam Alpine was one of the most attractive British sports cars of the 1960s, offering a blend of style, practicality, and performance that made it a genuine alternative to the MGB and Triumph TR series. Designed by Kenneth Howes, the Alpine featured clean, modern lines with distinctive fins that gave it a transatlantic appeal — it sold as well in the United States as it did in the UK. Through five series of development from 1959 to 1968, the Alpine received progressive improvements to engine power, gearbox, and equipment levels. The Series V, the final and most refined version, featured a 1,725cc engine with 92 horsepower, a much-improved gearbox, and better trim. The Alpine enjoyed a distinguished motorsport career, winning its class at Le Mans in 1961 and proving successful in international rallying. It also gained cultural fame as the car driven by Sean Connery in the first James Bond film, Dr. No (1962) — before the Aston Martin DB5 became Bond's signature vehicle. The Alpine's body was strong enough to accept a Ford V8, creating the legendary Sunbeam Tiger, but the four-cylinder Alpine has its own devoted following as a sweet-handling, characterful British roadster.
Rust is the primary concern — check sills, floors, boot floor, inner wings, and door bottoms. The engine is a Rootes inline-four shared with the Hillman Super Minx and is well-supported by specialists. Overdrive operation should be smooth — repair is expensive. Unique body panels may need fabricating. Series V is considered the best overall package.
Total Alpine production across all series was approximately 69,251 units. The car was built by the Rootes Group in Coventry. The Series V (1965-68) was the final and best-developed version. Carroll Shelby was involved in fitting a Ford V8 to create the Tiger. The Rootes Group was acquired by Chrysler during Alpine production.