 |
The Sunbeam Alpine always had a more civilised flavour than its MG and Triumph contemporaries. An open-topped 2+2 sports car based on the floorpan of the Hillman Husky/Commer Cob van, it was a little too heavy to have stirring performance but made up for it with comforting features such as wind-up windows, better trim and a really good hardtop. Where its rivals were ruggedly handsome, the Alpine, announced in 1959, was stylish and urbane, although many felt its styling was too feminine. Early versions had prominent tail fins, but these were trimmed back fairly early on.
The Alpine was far from out-classed technically: it had a 78 bhp, 1.5-litre engine from the Sunbeam Rapier, front disc brakes and was good for nearly 100 mph. Suitably tuned, the car acquitted itself well in competition, too.
The Alpine became gradually more powerful during the '60s, culminating in the Mk V which had a 92 bhp, 1725 cc engine, giving a genuine 100 mph. It died in 1967 with no successor but was immortalised in films such as 'Butterfield 8' (driven by Elizabeth Taylor as a high-class-hooker), 'Dr No' (James Bond's first car) and 'Get Carter' (the white one that gets knocked into the Tyne with a poor unfortunate still in the boot).
|
