Image of 1962 Sunbeam Alpine, sourced from www.hemmings.com , Image Link.

Introduction

The 1962 Sunbeam Alpine emerges as a quintessential British sports car that captures the essence of a bygone era of motoring. Born from the roots of the Sunbeam-Talbot company, this sleek roadster was designed to cater to the spirited driving enthusiast. With its origins tracing back to the early 1950s, the Alpine model line evolved into a refined and capable machine by the time the Series II variant hit the streets in 1962. Notably, this vehicle gained fame as Grace Kelly's ride in Alfred Hitchcock's "To Catch a Thief," forever cementing its place in both automotive and cinematic history.

Design and Innovation

The 1962 Sunbeam Alpine boasted an elegant exterior with flowing lines that hinted at both sportiness and sophistication. Its cutaway door design and gently sloping rear fins were hallmarks of its era, while the wraparound windshield offered drivers an unobstructed view of the road ahead. Inside, occupants were greeted with a cockpit that balanced functional simplicity with comfort, featuring leatherette seats and a polished wooden dashboard in some models. Technologically, it was equipped with innovations like disc brakes at the front – a significant advancement for its time. The Alpine was available in a palette of period colors, with Carnival Red and Mediterranean Blue being particularly popular among enthusiasts.

Historical Significance

The Sunbeam Alpine played a pivotal role in popularizing sports cars in North America, offering an affordable alternative to more expensive European imports. It stood out for its blend of performance, style, and reliability – characteristics that helped establish the reputation of British sports cars on foreign shores. The Alpine's influence can be seen in subsequent roadsters that sought to capture the same balance of attributes.

Performance and Handling

Underneath its bonnet, the 1962 Sunbeam Alpine housed a robust 1.6-liter inline-four engine capable of propelling it to speeds upwards of 100 mph – impressive for its class at the time. The sprint from 0-60 mph could be achieved in around 13 seconds, which was quite respectable for a sports car of this era. Drivers often praised the Alpine for its nimble handling characteristics; it tackled winding roads with poise and communicated road feedback effectively through its steering wheel. The symphony of its engine provided an auditory thrill that complemented the tactile experience of driving this classic machine.

Ownership Experience

The Sunbeam Alpine was versatile enough to serve as a daily driver yet spirited enough for weekend jaunts or even amateur racing events. Its mechanical simplicity meant that maintenance was straightforward for those with basic mechanical knowledge, contributing to its popularity among enthusiasts who enjoyed tinkering under the hood.

Fun Facts

A lesser-known fact about the Sunbeam Alpine is that it served as a base for Carroll Shelby's prototype that would eventually evolve into the iconic Shelby Cobra. Additionally, while not setting any official speed records, Alpines were often seen competing in rally events and hill climbs across Europe and North America. Despite facing criticism over time for not being as powerful as some rivals, it remained beloved for its balance and charm.

Collector's Information

Today, collectors cherish the 1962 Sunbeam Alpine for its elegance and historical significance. While production numbers were not meticulously recorded at the time, estimates suggest that several thousand Series II models were produced. In terms of value, well-preserved Alpines can fetch anywhere from $15,000 to $30,000 depending on their condition and provenance – with prices appreciating steadily as classic car enthusiasts recognize their worth as both an investment and a piece of automotive history.

Conclusion

The 1962 Sunbeam Alpine stands as a testament to British automotive craftsmanship during an era when driving was as much about passion as it was about transportation. With its graceful design, engaging performance, and storied past, it continues to captivate collectors and driving purists alike. As we look back on this charming roadster, we are reminded that some cars offer more than just a means to travel—they provide an experience that endures long after their engines have cooled.

1962 Sunbeam Alpine Accessory Floor Mat - 12"X17"-AC 30Accessory Floor Mat - made of high quality black rubber with molded original emblem. Also designed to be sewn into new carpets. 12"X17", Each

1962 Sunbeam Alpine Gas Filler Grommet. 1-1/2" I.D., 2-3/4" O.D. Each-GF 28Gas Filler Grommet. 1-1/2" I.D., 2-3/4" O.D. Each

1962 Sunbeam Alpine Headlight Ring Seal. 8-3/8" O.D., 6-1/4" I.D. Pair-HR 4Headlight Ring Seal. 8-3/8" O.D., 6-1/4" I.D. Pair

1962 Sunbeam Alpine Trunk Hinge Pads. 1-3/8" wide X 7-1/8" long-MP 10-ATrunk Hinge Pads. 1-3/8" wide X 7-1/8" long. 4-Piece Set R&L

1962 Sunbeam Alpine Windshield Wiper Transmission Pad-MP 10-BWindshield Wiper Transmission Pad. 1-1/8" wide X 1-5/8" long. Each

1962 Sunbeam Alpine Top Hold-down Pad. 2-1/2" wide X 1-1/2" long. Each-MP 10-DTop Hold-down Pad. 2-1/2" wide X 1-1/2" long. Each

1962 Sunbeam Alpine Spring Shackle Rubber Insulators-RP 125Spring Shackle Rubber Insulators. 1" wide X 6-3/4" long each. 12-Piece Set