Sunbeam Alpine Mk1 1953

This handsome Mark 1 Alpine dates from 1953, the first year of production although it was not registered until May the following year when it was bought from agents Bloomer Brothers of Grimsby by Sir Thomas Pilkington of Newmillerdam near Wakefield.

Derived from the 90 saloon, the open two seater Alpine took its name from Stirling Moss’s 10th place in the 1953 Alpine Rally, one of the classic long distance rallies which were hugely important in those days. The Alpine bodies were made by Mulliners of Birmingham and are remarkable for their graceful lines.

The Alpine is beautifully presented in Sapphire Blue with light fawn interior and black mohair hood. It is the same colour as that of the Alpine which featured in Alfred Hitchcock’s 1955 film To Catch a Thief, starring Cary Grant and Grace Kelly. It was during the making of this film on location in the south of France that Kelly met her future husband, Prince Rainier of Monaco.

Little is known of the Sunbeam’s history after Pilkington’s ownership until 1969 when it passed through a number of owners in London and Sussex. It was subsequently purchased for a restoration which was not completed and the car was eventually acquired by marque specialist Ken Sparkes, who planned to restore it for his own use. However, a change of plans meant it was completed for a customer instead and the car was featured in The Automobile magazine in September 2018, a copy of which is in the file.

The Sunbeam changed hands again in 2021 and is only for sale due to the acquisition of another longed for car.

The car differs from standard in that it is fitted with a MkIII engine which is regarded as an improved power unit. It also features a Hillman Hunter four-speed, all-synchromesh gearbox with floor change and overdrive on third and top – a very worthwhile modification which improves the driveability enormously. The last owner also fitted a Powerlite alternator and a Facet electric fuel pump in the interests of reliability. The original components come with the car. It has a new speedometer fitted, hence the indicated mileage.

The engine starts easily, shows good oil pressure and has a pleasing, fruity exhaust note.
It is a pleasure to drive with ample performance and excellent road manners – it has clearly been well set up by the previous owner. The overdrive gearbox is ideal for today’s driving conditions.

The hood is permanently fixed to runners so it can be erected quickly yet stows neatly behind the seats so it can’t be seen when not in use. The sidescreens can be lifted out from the doors for complete fresh air motoring.

The interior is a lovely place to behold with the stylish period instrumentation and cream bakelite wheel. The rev counter is mounted in its correct position under the dashboard and the overdrive works via a switch on the steering wheel boss.

It is understood that a mere 200 Alpines survive out of a production run of more than 1800 making this a rare and very desirable motor car with its film star good looks and rugged construction. They also enjoyed an enviable competition record.
The car comes with a Workshop Manual, Parts Book, Owners’ Handbook, Lubrication Chart plus jack and wheel brace.

To arrange a viewing please call James on 07980 982367 or contact us via the website.

Thank you for reading.