Description Fully restored between 2006 and 2012 and carefully used since; floor-change gearbox; servo brakes; displayed at the NEC in 2014 and used for film work; original number plate; one of only 1,192 made and perhaps 200 surviving; a wonderful example of this elegant open tourer that was driven 80 miles to the auction Launched in March 1953, the Sunbeam Alpine two-seater sports roadster was inspired by a one-off open rally car built by Bournemouth Sunbeam-Talbot dealer, George Hartwell.

The production version was based on the existing Sunbeam-Talbot 90 saloon but with styling input from Raymond Loewy to add the sparkle needed to attract the all-important American market.

The 90’s chassis and running gear were retained, the former suitably stiffened to compensate for the reduced rigidity of the open-topped body, while the bodies were hand-made by Mulliners of Birmingham.

To enhance the Alpine’s sporting credentials, the 2,267cc four-cylinder ohv engine received a power boost to ...