1954' Sunbeam Alpine

A fabulous And rare opportunity to accrue a Alpine MkI , Special model with ERA tuned engine. one of only c. 90 made and perhaps 25 surviving, only 1, 400 miles since full restoration by Alpine guru Ken Sparkes and in show-winning condition throughout. built locally by Bournemouth Sunbeam-Talbot dealer, George Hartwell. This Special was developed by ERA According to documentation on file, this Alpine Special was built in July 1954 , finished in Alpine Mist complimented with contrasting period hide interior, The buff logbook shows that by 1956 it was owned by a Trevor Grant of HMS Ganges, a Royal Navy training ship . In March 1958 it was acquired by a Margaret Hayes of London SW6, who kept it until April 1965 when ownership transferred to a Christopher Barker of Hampshire, A period of some 45 years passed with this wonderful car laid up in dry storage , The the new keeper sent the Alpine to guru Ken Sparkes of Huntingdon for a full restoration which reputedly cost over £58, 000 including a repaint in the original Alpine Mist. Although there are no invoices to substantiate this, the car speaks for itself and is now in superb condition throughout. Later invoices on file (Solex carb, water pump and starter motor overhauled. A full service with various new parts; new set of Michelin X tyres etc). In 2020 the Alpine won 'Best in Show' at 'A Classic Affair' in Huntingdon and in 2021 it won Second Place at the inaugural Moto Fest Concours in Coventry against some seriously stiff competition, Since the Ken Sparkes restoration was completed she has only covered 1, 400 fine weather miles and drives beautifully, cruising comfortably at the motorway limit with plenty more in hand . pulling sweetly in 4th gear from very low speeds, flicking the overdrive in and out to maintain smooth and rapid progress. In highly original specification throughout this wonderful Alpine Special has been restored by the best man in the business and must surely be among the finest of the handful remaining -- if not the finest.