Lot details
Registration No: JLA645K
Chassis No: 389667556QMA
Mot Expiry: April 2006

A less expensive derivative of the Rapier sports coupe which had appeared some two years before, the Sunbeam Alpine Fastback was introduced in 1969. Sharing the same distinctive Roy Axe penned sheetmetal as its sibling, the model utilised Macpherson strut independent front suspension, a leaf-sprung 'live' rear axle, servo-assisted disc / drum brakes and rack and pinion steering. Canted over to achieve a lower bonnet line, its 1725cc OHV four-cylinder engine drove the rear wheels via four-speed manual transmission. Bearing a passing resemblance to the contemporary Plymouth Barracuda, the four-seater Alpine was reputedly capable of 0-60mph in 14.6 seconds and 94mph. A credible alternative to the Ford Capri, it remained in production until 1976.
Finished in Tahiti Blue with black vinyl upholstery, this particular example is variously described by the vendor as being in "very good" (engine, manual gearbox, electrical equipment, interior trim, chassis) or "excellent" (bodywork, paintwork , wheels / tyres) condition. Said to be "a very original car" that was "always garaged and used summer only", it remained in its first owner's possession from 1971 until 2000. Reportedly treated to "a complete restoration by Wilkinsons of Derby" including a respray in its original hue, JLA 645K is believed to have covered just 65,765 miles from new. Capable of running on unleaded fuel, this rare Sunbeam which the seller considers "a pleasure to drive" is offered for sale entirely without reserve but with MOT certificate valid until 28th April 2006 and historic class (free) road tax until 30th June 2006.