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The New England Classic Car Company

1483 Stratford Ave, Stratford, CT 06615
3.4
3.4 out of 5 stars
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Used 1966 Sunbeam Alpine

For Sale:$22,900
Estimated payment:$519/mo.
$0 trade-in, 10% down payment, 48 months, Great credit score
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  • Convertible
  • Condition
    Used
  • Transmission
    Manual
  • Exterior Color
    White
  • Interior Color
    Black
  • VIN
    -

Engine

I4 1.7L

Message from the seller

Acquired from an owner who knew nothing of its history, purchased on a whim, and never driven. So, here is our description based on specifications and our observations and opinions: Checked underneath, excellent floors, chassis, sills, no sign of damage, rust, or repair. Excellent body which appears to have excellent original white paint (a few very minor areas with the faint indication of tiny cracks from age). Otherwise, incredibly well preserved. We can see a lot of indications of recent servicing, new radiator, servo (for the power disc brakes), new tires (6.00-13s), spotless trunk, tonneau, good soft top, and an excellent original hardtop. Interior looks all new, seats, carpets, panels, shows 66,000 miles and I would guess that is accurate. Has a 1725cc twin carb engine rated at 93hp, four speed all synchromesh transmission, runs and drives very well (excellent performance, oil pressure, quiet valves, and no smoke), chrome all looks like new as does things like windshield, window and door seals, etc. With a tiny bit of engine bay detailing, certainly ready for a low key show. Interesting cars fitted with roll up windows at time (late 1950s) when side curtains were common on British sports cars. All of the panels are leaded together, hence no body seams. And with the lively engine, all synchro transmission, power assist disc brakes, it all makes a nice, comfortable, stylish car. Only 19,000 Mk Vs were built so not particularly common. We offer financing at competitive rates. Inquire for details

1966 Sunbeam Alpine

The 1966 Sunbeam Alpine represents a charming and spirited entry into the compact British sports car market. Building upon the foundation laid by its predecessors, the Series IV Alpine offered a blend of stylish Italian-inspired design, agile handling, and a respectable performance for its class. Produced by the Rootes Group under the Sunbeam brand, it was a car aimed at those seeking affordable, open-top motoring with a touch of sporting flair.

Design and Styling:

The Alpine's aesthetic is undeniably one of its strongest selling points. Designed by Kenneth Woodward and influenced by Italian styling houses like Frua, the Series IV featured a low, sleek silhouette with flowing lines. Key design elements include:

  • Open-top Configuration: Available as a convertible (roadster) as standard, the Alpine offered the quintessential British sports car experience of wind-in-your-hair motoring. A removable hardtop was also an optional extra, providing more versatility.
  • Familiar Alpine Profile: The Series IV retained the characteristic long bonnet, short rear deck, and distinctive grille that had become synonymous with the Alpine name.
  • Subtle Updates: Compared to earlier Series models, the 1966 Series IV saw minor cosmetic updates, often including revisions to the grille and badging, though the overall design language remained consistent.
  • Chrome Accents: The car was typically adorned with chrome trim, including bumpers, headlight bezels, window surrounds, and side trim, which added to its classic appeal.

Mechanicals and Performance:

Underneath its attractive exterior, the 1966 Sunbeam Alpine was powered by a robust and reliable inline-four engine.

  • Engine: The primary powerplant for the 1966 model year was the 1,592 cc (1.6-liter) inline-four engine. This engine, shared with other Rootes Group vehicles, was known for its smooth operation and decent torque.
  • Carburetion: Typically fitted with a Stromberg or SU twin-choke carburetor, the engine delivered its power effectively for spirited driving.
  • Horsepower: The 1.6-liter engine produced around 93 horsepower. While not a powerhouse by modern standards, this was competitive for its class at the time, offering brisk acceleration and comfortable cruising speeds.
  • Transmission: A four-speed manual transmission was standard, providing a direct and engaging driving experience. Synchromesh was typically present on all forward gears.
  • Rear-Wheel Drive: The Alpine employed a traditional rear-wheel-drive layout, contributing to its balanced handling characteristics.
  • Suspension and Handling: The suspension system consisted of independent front suspension with coil springs and a live rear axle with leaf springs. This setup, combined with the car's light weight and low center of gravity, resulted in agile and predictable handling. Steering was typically by recirculating ball.
  • Brakes: Front disc brakes were a welcome feature for the era, offering improved stopping power compared to all-drum setups, complemented by rear drum brakes.

Interior and Features:

The interior of the 1966 Sunbeam Alpine was designed to be driver-focused, though appointments were generally functional rather than luxurious.

  • Seating: The car typically seated two occupants in comfortable bucket seats.
  • Dashboard: The dashboard featured a clear and uncluttered layout with essential instrumentation, including a speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge, and oil pressure gauge.
  • Steering Wheel: A three-spoke steering wheel, often wood-rimmed in higher trim levels or as an aftermarket upgrade, provided a classic touch.
  • Convertible Top: The convertible top was usually a manually operated affair, made from vinyl or canvas, and was relatively easy to deploy and stow.

Legacy and Appeal:

The 1966 Sunbeam Alpine remains a popular choice among classic car enthusiasts for several reasons:

  • Affordability: Compared to many other British sports cars of the era, Alpines were relatively affordable to purchase and maintain, making them accessible to a wider audience.
  • Classic Styling: Its timeless and elegant design continues to turn heads.
  • Driving Enjoyment: The car offers a pure and engaging driving experience, characterized by its light weight and responsive handling.
  • Reliability: The mechanical components, particularly the engines, were generally reliable when properly maintained.
  • Community and Parts Availability: A dedicated community of owners and enthusiasts exists, and parts are reasonably available, making restoration and maintenance manageable.

The 1966 Sunbeam Alpine is a testament to the enduring appeal of the classic British roadster. It represents a period when driving pleasure and open-air motoring were paramount, offering a delightful and accessible entry into the world of vintage sports cars.

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Listed on February 26, 2025 (a year ago)
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