Few post-war British sports cars possess the character, elegance and exclusivity of the 1954 Sunbeam Alpine.

Developed from the highly successful Sunbeam-Talbot competition cars that earned international acclaim in the gruelling Alpine Rally, the Alpine was created as a refined sporting roadster capable of combining long-distance touring comfort with genuine performance.

Hand-built by coachbuilders Thrupp & Maberly, the Alpine featured beautifully proportioned open-top styling, a luxurious interior and robust engineering, making it one of the most sophisticated British sports cars of its era.

Unlike many contemporary sports cars that prioritised outright performance over comfort, the Sunbeam Alpine was designed as a true grand touring machine. Its smooth and dependable 2.3-litre four-cylinder engine, coupled with excellent road manners and impressive touring ability, made it equally suited to continental adventures as it was to spirited drives on winding country roads.

The model's competition pedigree was firmly established through notable successes in European rallying, helping to cement Sunbeam's reputation for building sporting motor cars that could withstand the toughest conditions while maintaining a high level of refinement.

Today, the early Alpine is recognised as one of the most desirable and collectible British sporting convertibles of the 1950s.

Produced in limited numbers and surviving in relatively small quantities, these cars offer a rare opportunity to own a significant piece of British motoring history. Combining timeless styling, coachbuilt craftsmanship and a direct link to one of Britain's most successful rally programmes, the 1954 Sunbeam Alpine remains a distinctive and rewarding classic that stands apart from the more commonly encountered sports cars of the period.

ABOUT THIS CAR

• This 1954 Sunbeam Alpine presents as a highly attractive example of this rare coachbuilt British sports car.
• The vehicle benefits from an older restoration that has matured gracefully, retaining the character and authenticity expected of a significant historic motor car while remaining highly presentable throughout.
• The bodywork displays very good panel fit and attractive lines, highlighting the elegant styling for which the early Alpine is renowned.
• Paintwork remains in very good condition with a deep finish that complements the car's classic proportions.
• Brightwork, exterior trim and detailing are similarly well presented, contributing to the vehicle's strong overall appearance.
• The interior offers a welcoming and period-correct environment, with upholstery, instrumentation and fittings presenting well and reflecting the quality expected of a carefully restored example.
• The engine bay is tidy and purposeful, while the underbody and chassis areas display evidence of ongoing care and maintenance consistent with enthusiast ownership.
• On the road, the Alpine delivers the refined driving experience that helped establish its reputation as one of Britain's premier post-war sporting tourers.
• The engine performs strongly, the gearbox operates as intended and the vehicle exhibits the comfortable yet sporting character that distinguished the model from many of its contemporaries.
• Overall, this Sunbeam Alpine represents an opportunity to acquire a rare and highly desirable classic that combines historical significance, attractive presentation and enjoyable usability.
• It is a motor car equally suited to touring events, concours display, club activities or inclusion within a discerning collector's stable.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Manufacturer: Sunbeam-Talbot (Rootes Group)
• Model: Alpine Mk I
• Body Style: Two-seat convertible roadster
• Coachbuilder: Thrupp & Maberly
• Engine: 2,267cc (2.3-litre) inline four-cylinder, overhead-valve
• Power Output: Approximately 80 bhp @ 4,400 rpm
• Transmission: 4-speed manual gearbox with column shift
• Drive Type: Rear-wheel drive
• Chassis: Steel box-section chassis
• Front Suspension: Independent coil spring suspension
• Rear Suspension: Live rear axle with semi-elliptic leaf springs
• Brakes: Hydraulic drum brakes front and rear
• Steering: Worm and roller
• Wheelbase: 2,540 mm (100 in)
• Overall Length: 4,394 mm (173 in)
• Width: 1,626 mm (64 in)
• Kerb Weight: Approximately 1,150 kg
• Top Speed: Approximately 95 mph (153 km/h)
• 0–60 mph: Approximately 16 seconds
• Fuel Capacity: 54 litres (12 Imperial gallons)
• Production Period: 1953–1955
• Production Numbers: Approximately 1,582 Alpine Mk I examples produced

Notable Features

• Hand-built aluminium and steel coachwork by Thrupp & Maberly
• Distinctive cut-down doors and sweeping rear wings
• Derived from the rally-winning Sunbeam-Talbot competition cars
• One of Britain's earliest post-war sporting grand tourers
• Eligible for numerous historic motoring and rally events worldwide.

MARKET REVIEW

The early 1953–1955 Sunbeam Alpine occupies a unique position within the British sports car market.

Unlike the later and far more numerous 1959–1968 Alpines, the original coachbuilt Alpine was a hand-crafted sporting roadster developed directly from Sunbeam's successful Alpine Rally competition programme. Production was limited to approximately 1,500 examples, with survival rates believed to be relatively low, making these cars significantly rarer than contemporary MGs, Triumphs and Austin-Healeys. Some historians estimate that only a few hundred examples survive worldwide today.

The collector market has increasingly recognised the significance of these early Alpines in recent years.

Their combination of documented rally heritage, attractive coachbuilt styling and genuine scarcity has seen them emerge from the shadow of more common British sports cars. Well-restored and correctly presented examples are highly sought after by enthusiasts who appreciate their historical importance and exclusivity.

The model's eligibility for prestigious touring events, concours competitions and historic rallies further enhances its appeal among collectors. Auction and private-sale results demonstrate that exceptional examples can command strong prices, with quality cars attracting international interest from Europe, North America and Australasia.

From an investment perspective, the early Alpine offers an appealing balance of rarity and accessibility. While important examples have achieved substantial values, the model generally remains more affordable than many equivalent-period Jaguar, Aston Martin or Austin-Healey models. As a result, collectors are often able to acquire a genuinely rare, coachbuilt 1950s British sports car with notable motorsport pedigree at a level that still represents comparatively good value within the broader collector car market. This combination of limited production, historical significance and relative affordability has contributed to steadily growing appreciation for the model among knowledgeable enthusiasts and collectors worldwide.

Perhaps the greatest strength of the early Sunbeam Alpine lies in its exclusivity. Owners are unlikely to encounter another example at local events, while still benefiting from an active international enthusiast community and strong recognition within historic motoring circles. For collectors seeking something rarer and more distinctive than the traditional British sports car offerings, the coachbuilt Alpine represents one of the most compelling opportunities of the post-war era.

Enquiries are welcome, and viewing is encouraged to fully appreciate the presence, condition, and character of this iconic Fiat in person.

Will be sold WOF'd and Registered IF sold in New Zealand.

Transport / Worldwide Shipping can be organised for Buyer's behalf at Buyer's cost.

Viewing is Monday to Friday By Appointment Only!

PLEASE READ: The Purchaser is encouraged to personally fully inspect the vehicle and also to have the vehicle inspected, and fully assessed by an experienced, independent, specialist garage - before committing to purchase. While the Purchaser is entitled to rely on statements given by Waimak Classic Cars as being correct, where goods such as vehicles are concerned, with so many moving parts and rust being an issue with older vehicles; a Purchaser who chooses not to seek independent professional assistance when assessing the quality of what they propose to buy is considered as buying at their own risk, and if the vehicle then turns out to be of less than the represented quality, or not up to the Purchaser's expectation, or in the Purchaser opinion not fit for purpose; then the Purchaser is considered to have contributed to their own loss and should not expect any refunds or betterment from Waimak.