1966 Sunbeam Alpine Series V

Description

Before collaborating with Carroll Shelby on the Ford-powered Tiger, Sunbeam brought American-inspired motoring to the roads of Britian with the introduction of the second-generation Alpine in 1959. Taking design cues from '50s-era Thunderbirds and Studebakers, the Alpine was successful on both the track and the screen, having been driven in-period by such celebrities as Ken Miles and James Bond. By the time Series V examples were rolling off the production line in 1965, several changes had been made, including the introduction of front quarter windows, a larger-displacement four-cylinder powerplant, and a completely redesigned rear end. Identifiable by its lower-profile tail fins, this later styling would end up being adapted and carried over onto the hopped-up Tiger.

Finished in red over a black interior and black soft top, this 1966 Sunbeam Alpine Series V is powered by a numbers-matching 1,725cc inline-four motor fed by dual Zenith-Stromberg carburetors and mated to a full-synchromesh four-speed manual transmission. Stopping power is provided by front disc brakes and rear drums, housed inside 13-inch steel wheels that are accented with chrome hubcaps and trim rings.

Acquired by the seller in 2016, the car reportedly received replacement hoses, weather stripping, and headlight and taillight gaskets in 2017. Further, the seller reports that the brakes were also serviced and the u-joints were replaced at that time. Later work reportedly included a carburetor rebuild in 2018, along with the replacement of spark plugs and installation of an aftermarket ignition system.

This 1966 Sunbeam Alpine Series V is now offered with a tonneau cover, wheel dollies, manufacturer's literature, parts invoices, and a clean Michigan title in the seller's name.

Highlights

• Numbers-matching 1,725cc four-cylinder engine

• Fully synchronized four-speed manual gearbox

• Series V model

• Carnival Red over replacement black vinyl with black top

Factory Equipment

• Carnival Red paint

• 1,725cc four-cylinder engine

  • Engine stamping B395000012 corresponds with the car's serial number

• Dual Zenith-Stromberg carburetors

• Full-synchro four-speed manual transmission

• Jaeger instrumentation

• 13" steel wheels with chrome hubcaps and trim rings

• Front disc brakes

Modifications:

• Aluminum radiator

• Accel ignition coil

• Rear windscreen

• Aftermarket upholstery

• Union Jack badging on rear quarter panels and trunk

Servicing

According to the seller, the following services have been performed circa 2017-2018:

• Replacement weather stripping, gaskets around headlights and taillights, and hoses

• Brakes and carburetors rebuilt

• Replacement spark plugs and ignition system

• U-joints installed

• Hankook Optimo tires mounted

Known Imperfections

• The brake booster and heater hose are disconnected

• Heater valve is inoperative

• The soft top is difficult to secure

• Wear present on seats

• Various blemishes consistent with age

Included items:

• Manufacturer's literature

• Tonneau cover

• Wheel dollies

• Parts invoices

• Dust cover

Additional information

• Note from the seller: "This car is a joy to drive! Engine runs strong and has incredible torque. We love driving it on the curvy roads of Leelanau County where downshifting and powering through the corners is best. The rag top is in good condition but is difficult to put up (during our ownership the car has been 100% garage stored so top stays down)."