Marque: Sunbeam - Company History & Models - Cars By Brand
Sunbeam
The Sunbeam Motor Car Co. Ltd. Was started in 1905 following development of cycles and then cars from diverse beginnings (starting in 1887 with John Marston and his ‘Sunbeamland Cycle Factory’). Designed by Angus Shaw, the first product of the new Sunbeam company was the 16/20, introduced in 1907. Louis Coatalen (previously with Humber and Hillman) became Designer in 1909 and joint Managing…
Sunbeam Alpine (Series I-V)
Fast Facts
- Produced:
1959-68 - Bodywork:
Two-door sports two-door hard top GT - Engine:
Overhead valve in-line four-cylinder Series I (1959-60): 1494cc 80bhp; Series II (1960-63): 1592cc 82bhp; Series III (1963-64): 75-82bhp; Series IV (1964-65): 1592cc single carburettor (twin choke) 81bhp; Series V (1965-68): 1725cc (twin carburettor) 91bhp - 0-60 mph:
13-14 sec - Top Speed:
95-100mph - MPG:
23-30
The Alpine arrived on the scene just as the MGA was reaching the end of its life, and the MGB had yet to be introduced. This stylish sportster was based upon the Hillman Husky platform, initially with the proven 1494cc engine but power units grew in stages to 1592cc and finally 1725cc, yet the cars were lively if not really fast. In later years the hard top GT version was fitted with a walnut dash, full carpeting and other refinements. For those seeking a classic British sports car but would prefer something a little different - and more refined – to the MGB and Triumph TR models, the Alpine is a worthy, easy to own alternative that’s still great value.
Sunbeam / Talbot 80, 90, Alpine
PRICE: Saloon: £500 - £5000; Drophead Coupé: £1000 - £9000; Alpine: £4000 - £12,000+
Fast Facts
- Produced:
1948-56 - Bodywork:
four-door saloon; two-door drophead coupe; two-seater sports (Alpine) - Engine:
Overhead valve in-line four-cylinder 80: 1185cc 47bhp; 90: 1944cc 64bhp; 90 Mk II/IIA/III: 2267cc 70-97bhp - Top Speed:
80: 70+ -104 mph - MPG:
80: 28-32; 90: 24-30+
Solidly-built, comfortable, well-equipped and enjoyable to drive, these cars were well-respected in their time. Today these attractive vehicles are still revered. The 80 is no road burner. However, the 90 has a 1944cc unit under the bonnet - a much better bet for long distance classic motoring. The Alpine sports version was inspired by George Hartwell, and this uprated model (based on Mark IIA) had a stiffer chassis, modded front suspension, higher compression ratio and 80bhp. The Mark III 90 saloon and drophead were also fitted with the Alpine-type 80 bhp engine, for a still respectable turn of speed. Prices are starting to rise across the board on all models.
