Did you know the first James Bond car was a Sunbeam Alpine? Of course you did – Sean Connery taking the wheel in 1962’s Dr No.
From launch, this gorgeous 2-seater sports car was a hit and so much so that the Sunbeam Alpine Owners Club (SAOC) is alive and thriving with over 800 members worldwide. It was then a joy to see the Alpines gathered on Tuesday evening of 16 June, (they brought their owners with them) at the Ferry Inn at Stone-in-Oxney, the Kent Group of the national owner’s club convening to discuss, to consult, on tweaks and mods and repairs and to look ahead to the next big road trip, the “German National”, just around the corner!
The history of the Rootes Group Sunbeam Alpine goes back to the early 1950s. The Mark I and III were produced between 1953 and 1955 before the designers were asked to create a sleek, modern shape with their skill and creativity embodied in the Alpine Series I to V, the cars you see represented here. Over 69,000 were produced between 1959 and 1968 with the Alpine breaking ground with new and innovative developments such as chassis strengthening that meant rattle-free open topped motoring and it beat the competition on practicality and choice with generous luggage space and options including an alloy hardtop, wire wheels and overdrive.
In an era of MGs and TRs, the Sunbeam Alpine is an underrated beauty. Many thanks to the owners for their time and consideration and to Tim Raymond from the SAOC committee, my evening’s Alpine guide.
The SAOC are looking to fill the vacant slot of rep for the East Sussex group, so form an orderly queue and contact: www.sunbeamalpineowners.club
Image Credits: Mark Hunter .