Description:

A 1954 Sunbeam Alpine Mk1 Club reg 07865H
Engine/Chassis No. A3014170 HRO Body 1895

Originally conceived as a rally car when George Hartwell modified a Raymond Loewy styled Sunbeam Talbot 90 convertible, the Alpine was put into production by the Rootes brothers with handbuilt bodies by Thrupp & Maberly.

The cars achieved considerable international success in winning Alpine Cups in the Alpine Rally of 1953 driven by Stirling Moss, George Murray-Frame, John Fitch and Sheila van Damm who also won the Coupe des Dames.

The stylish Alpine also had a supporting role when driven around the French Riviera by Grace Kelly in the Alfred Hitchcock movie " To Catch a Thief".

Approximately 3,000 Alpines were produced from 1953 to 1955.

This car was brought to Australia from the UK in 1975 by Mal Clark (a doyen of the Sunbeam marque) who undertook a full body-off restoration in the early 80s, opting for high quality vinyl upholstery for practicality.

The vendors fell in love with the car and bought it from Clark in 1985.

It won "Best car 1950-60 (Open)" in the Classic Car Show Melbourne 1985 & 1989 at the Royal Exhibition Building.

It competed in the:
o 1989 Lucas Grand Prix Rally
o 1990 Lucas Grand Prix Rally on which Sir Stirling Moss approached the car and remarked: "Ah yes, I remember these well, no brakes but at 90mph on ice who needs brakes?" but added that they were so solid and reliable that he knew if he happened to run off the road as long as he could get a push back on he would complete the event. The owners who do not have anywhere near Sir Stirling's ability to carry speed, have found the brakes to be more than adequate.
o 1992 Dutton Grand Prix Rally
o 1994 Dutton Grand Prix Rally, Grand Tour
o 1997 Australian Mille, carrying the number "1" in this inaugural event.

and various club meets and classic car events.

Since acquiring the Alpine, as well as regular servicing, the following modifications have been carried out to improve practicality, safety and drivability in modern traffic:

o Radial ply tyres
o 2 Four-point Willans safety harnesses
o Hi level Brake light
o Replaced Generator with Alternator (original in storage and will accompany the car)
o New Stromberg carb (original in storage and will accompany the car)
o Replaced 3.9 ratio differential with 4.22 and stronger crown wheel carrier
o 5 speed Celica gearbox (original box and column shift mechanism in storage and will accompany the car)
o Head, rings, bearings and gudgeon pins serviced
o Steering box rebuilt
o King pins replaced
o Brake wheel cylinders replaced; the Brake master cylinder was overhauled in 2012
o Petronix electronic ignition module (points in boot)
o Recent service includes replacement of front brake hoses.

Exterior was repainted in 1997-8 after an extremely strong gust of wind blew the soft-top header rail off (it damaged the boot lid) during the 1997 Australian Mille.

Please note, the Trip meter currently does not reset to 000.

The car comes with jack, starting handle and a comprehensive tool roll, two piece tonneau cover (ie passenger side can be covered when only driver is in car) sliding side curtains and soft-top, all in excellent condition. It also comes with its original owner's manual, a lubrication chart and workshop manual.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

All lots must be paid for and collected by 4pm AEST Monday 8 November. Unfortunately we cannot arrange shipping from this location, however we can arrange the goods to be removed to our rooms at the buyers expense.

25 October 2014 19:00 ACDT
Melbourne, Australia

Theodore Bruce Auctioneers & Valuers

You agree to pay a buyer’s premium, as outlined below, and any applicable taxes and shipping.
Buyer's Premium
$1 - $100,000:
15.50%
$100,001 - $500,000:
13.00%
$500,001+:
8.00%

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
A$0 A$49 A$5
A$50 A$99 A$10
A$100 A$499 A$20
A$500 A$999 A$50
A$1,000 A$1,999 A$100
A$2,000 A$4,999 A$200
A$5,000 A$9,999 A$500
A$10,000 A$19,999 A$1,000
A$20,000 A$49,999 A$2,000
A$50,000 A$99,999 A$5,000
A$100,000 A$199,999 A$10,000
A$200,000 A$499,999 A$20,000
A$500,000 + A$50,000