1953 Sunbeam-Talbot Alpine Mk1

Highlights

• In current ownership for approximately 30 years
• Upgraded to a fine standard for top-notch performance
• Serviced by marque specialist Richard Carp in 2024, with full details available
• Previously maintained by Bamforths of Yorkshire, a well-regarded marque specialist
• Resprayed in Arum White in 2013
• Rear bumper re-chromed at the time of the respray

The Appeal

Originally developed for a one-off rally car by Bournemouth Sunbeam-Talbot dealer George Hartwell, the Alpine MK1 was a two-seater sports roadster that took its evocative name from Rootes' celebrated performances in the Coupe des Alpes rally during the early 1950s. It was a handsomely kept, upright sort of car that felt truly sporting, while being loaded with touring comforts. It was a very desirable little car when new, and still a fabulous classic today.

This 1953 example has been in the care of a single owner since 1996, some 30 years of custodianship during which it has been garaged and thoughtfully maintained. Mechanical work has been entrusted to respected specialists, including Bamforths of Yorkshire and, more recently, Richard Carp. The car benefits from a number of considered upgrades to the drivetrain and running gear, as outlined below.

Key Information

• Mileage: 30,215 miles with no documentation referenced to verify
• Country of registration: United Kingdom
• Technical inspection status: MOT exempt
• Technical specs: 2,267cc inline four-cylinder petrol, four-speed manual with Laycock overdrive
• Paperwork: 2024 service details available; registration FAG 666 included with the sale
• Grille badges not included in sale

The Detail

• 2024 service covered the full Sunbeam lubrication chart, including rear hubs and propshaft
• Engine oil and filter, gearbox oil, and rear axle oil changed during 2024 service
• Steering box topped up, speedo cable and gearbox pinion replaced during 2024 service
• Front brake cylinders and flexible hoses replaced during 2024 service
• Brake fluid renewed and rolling road brake test carried out during 2024 service
• Reconditioned replacement engine fitted
• New differential and exhaust system fitted
• Humber Sceptre gearbox with Laycock overdrive and centre-change gear lever, providing overdrive on the two top gears
• Lightened flywheel fitted
• Electric Facet petrol pump fitted
• New spark plugs and new tyres fitted
• Shock absorbers reconditioned prior to 2008
• Respray in Arum White (Code NMF) carried out in 2013
• Minor scuff marks on the bodywork as detailed in photos
• Twin period Lucas spotlights fitted
• Hood replaced in recent years and is in sound condition, though a couple of rear fasteners require attention
• Interior trimmed in red leather and presents well
• Driver and passenger seatbelts professionally fitted
• Electric isolator key switch fitted

BEFORE YOU BUY

This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:

✓ The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions..

✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.

✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.

✓ VAT is included in the buyer's fee. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.

✓ We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence.

✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed on Car & Classic and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance. However, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it is always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer on a vehicle.

✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection

or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it's worth checking beforehand. It is the bidders responsibility to confirm import eligibility prior to purchase.

✓ Unless stated otherwise, you must assume that any cherished, personalised, or heritage vehicle registration is not included in the sale of a vehicle.