The Sunbeam Alpine always had a more civilized flavor than its MG and Triumph contemporaries, something its owners were never afraid to point out in most polite of fashions. An open topped 2+2 sports car based on the floor pan, of the Hillman Husky/ Commer Cob van, it was always a bit too heavy to have a really stirring, inspiring and dramatic performance, but it attempted to make up for this shot coming with comforting features like wind up windows, better trim and a really good hardtop for maximized stability. Where its competitors were ruggedly good-looking, the Alpine publicized in 1959, was fashionable and sophisticated, although various felt its styling was too feminine. Early versions had prominent tail fins, but these were thought of by many as too American and too gawdy. They were duly trimmed back fairly early on in the vehicle’s life time. The Alpine was far from out classed technically it had an 78 bhp 1.5 liter engine from the Sunbeam Rapier, front disc brakes and was good for nearly 100 mph (162 km/h) though it never quite made it to that Holy Grail of the 100 mph (162 km/h) mark.
Rightfully adjusted the car released itself well in opposition too. The Alpine turned out to be slowly but surely more and more authoritative throughout the sixties culminating in the MK V which had a 92 bhp 1725 cc engine for a genuine 100 (162 km/h) for the first time. It died in 1967 with no successor and, unlike some of its contemporaries, is still missed by many.
