Lot 117 1953 Sunbeam Alpine Mk. I

• One of c.200 surviving examples
• Previous historic rallying provenance
• Recent refurbishment after long-term barn storage

Introduced in 1953, the Sunbeam Alpine was the first Rootes Group model to carry the Sunbeam name alone. Styled by Raymond Loewy and inspired by dealer George Hartwell, it was named in honour of Sunbeam's successes on the Alpine Rally. The model achieved fame through competition victories with Stirling Moss and Sheila Van Damm, as well as its appearance in the 1955 film To Catch a Thief. Hand-built by Mulliners of Birmingham, the Alpine was powered by an 80bhp 2,267cc four-cylinder engine. Production continued until 1955, with just 1,582 examples built across the Mk. I and Mk. III ranges, of which relatively few survive today.

According to its original logbook, this rare and historically significant Alpine, chassis A303819HRO, was first registered to Rootes Ltd as 'OLR 446' on 10^th February 1954 before being sold to its first private owner later that year. A correct-type replacement engine was installed in August 1954, presumably under warranty. By the late 1970s the car had undergone some refurbishment before passing to a subsequent owner, who carried out a more extensive restoration including body repairs, an engine overhaul, a retrimmed interior and a new hood. During the mid-1990s the Alpine was prepared for historic rallying and competed in events such as the Targa Rusticana, Welsh Retro, Dubai International and UAE International rallies. It retains its FIA Historic Vehicle Identity Form, period rally equipment and a selection of spare parts. Fitted with a later Sunbeam Mk. III engine, Kenlowe fan, uprated air filter and overdrive switch, the Alpine had been dry stored for around two decades before our vendor acquired it as a restoration project in 2022. He subsequently worked to return the car to usable condition, but advancing years and a desire to reduce his collection mean it is now offered for sale once again, in considerably improved order. Consigned by Charlie McCreery

Interested parties should note that there is no hood present or supplied with this vehicle.