Image of 1959 Sunbeam Alpine, sourced from www.hemmings.com , Image Link.

1959 Sunbeam Alpine: A British Roadster with a Sporting Pedigree

The 1959 Sunbeam Alpine emerges not merely as a car but as a symbol of post-war British motoring elegance. Born from the roots of the Sunbeam-Talbot company, this vehicle was designed to capture the hearts of driving enthusiasts with its blend of performance and style. Its inception was timely, coinciding with an era when open-top sports cars were becoming emblems of freedom and joy. A notable moment in the Alpine's history is its role in the first James Bond film, "Dr. No," where it showcased its charm and spirited performance.

Design and Innovation

With its sleek lines and eye-catching profile, the 1959 Sunbeam Alpine was a head-turner. The bodywork exuded a sense of motion even at a standstill, with its long hood and short rear deck hinting at its sporting intentions. Inside, occupants were greeted by a cockpit that prioritized driver engagement, featuring a three-spoke steering wheel and gauges strategically placed for optimal visibility. The use of high-quality leather and chrome accents spoke to the car's premium aspirations.

Technologically, the Alpine was ahead of many contemporaries, offering features like wind-up windows and an optional hardtop for improved comfort and versatility. Color options ranged from vibrant reds to subtle blues, with Moonstone White being a popular choice that accentuated the car's curves. The roadster body style was iconic, though an optional removable hardtop added practicality for less forgiving climates.

Historical Significance

The 1959 Sunbeam Alpine made an indelible mark on automotive history with its blend of affordability, performance, and style. It stood out for offering genuine sports car thrills without the hefty price tag associated with exotic marques. Its influence is seen in the design language of subsequent roadsters that sought to capture the same balance of form and function.

Performance and Handling

Underneath the bonnet lay a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine capable of propelling the Alpine to a top speed near 100 mph—a respectable figure for its time. The sprint from 0-60 mph could be achieved in just over 13 seconds. On winding roads, the Alpine's handling was nimble, with responsive steering that communicated the road's nuances to the driver. The symphony of mechanical sounds from the engine bay added to an immersive driving experience that was both visceral and engaging.

Ownership Experience

The Sunbeam Alpine was versatile enough to serve as a daily driver or weekend showpiece. Its mechanical simplicity meant that maintenance could often be performed by owners themselves, contributing to a sense of reliability and connection with the machine. However, as with many classic cars, finding parts today can be challenging.

Fun Facts

A little-known fact about the 1959 Sunbeam Alpine is that it was also raced competitively in rallies with considerable success. Celebrity ownerships have included notable figures such as Grace Kelly. While some critics might have pointed out its modest power output compared to some rivals, its balance and design more than compensated for raw speed.

Collector's Information

In today's market, a well-preserved 1959 Sunbeam Alpine can fetch anywhere from $20,000 to $50,000 depending on condition and provenance. Production numbers were relatively limited compared to mass-market vehicles, adding to their rarity. Over time, Alpines have generally appreciated in value as interest in classic roadsters continues to grow among collectors.

Conclusion

The 1959 Sunbeam Alpine stands as a testament to British automotive craftsmanship during an era when driving pleasure was paramount. Its combination of style, performance, and heritage cements its place in classic car lore. For those lucky enough to own one today, it represents not just a vehicle but a piece of motoring history—a joyous expression of freedom on four wheels.

1959 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

1959 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

1959 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

1959 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

1959 Sunbeam Alpine Windshield Wiper Transmission Pad-MP 10-BWindshield Wiper Transmission Pad. 1-1/8" wide X 1-5/8" long. Each

1959 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

1959 Sunbeam Alpine Spring Shackle Rubber Insulators-RP 125Spring Shackle Rubber Insulators. 1" wide X 6-3/4" long each. 12-Piece Set