However, proven suspension tweaks can make an Alpine not only out-handle the MG, but the V8 Sunbeam Tiger as well, according to marque specialists. Restoration projects can be had for a grand, although whether they are worth saving instead of using as a valuable spares source, considering their perceived value in the classic market, is another matter. Rootes introduced the "Arrow" range in 1966, and by 1968 the saloons and estates (such as the Hillman Hunter) had been joined by a Sunbeam Rapier Fastback coupé model. The Alpine was produced in four subsequent revisions until 1968.

- Roll-up window rear edge angular The stock temperature sending unit can be made to fit using a commonly available adapter. The downside is that there are layers of sills and inner sills to contend with. Die Alpine-Modelle Mark I und Mark III (einen Mark II gab es nie) waren handgefertigt, wie das zwischen 1953 und 1955 angebotene Cabriolet, das bei dem unabhängigen Karosseriehersteller Thrupp & Maberly in 3000 Exemplaren entstand. By anyone’s measure, the Mustang II was the least attractive and wimpiest Mustang ever. [13], The Series III was produced in two versions: [8] The running gear came mainly from the Sunbeam Rapier, but with front disc brakes replacing the saloon car's drums. See more ideas about Sunbeam, Classic cars, Alpine.

These motors developed a reputed 97.5 bhp at 4,500 rpm, mainly by raising the compression ratio to 8.0:1 and incorporating a special induction manifold with a twin choke Solex 40 P.I.I carburettor. Repair sections and new hand-made panels are freely available - but at a cost - while certain chromework (bumpers and boot hinges) are either virtually unobtainable or very expensive. Stock Alpines came with a two-row radiator, which in warmer climates provides inadequate cooling capacity. Some also reckon that the 1600 SII model is the nicest and sweetest performer, although, because Rootes mucked about with different carburettor and engine tune permutations depending upon model, you need to know precisely what you are buying and whether it’s still original. In other words, it won’t take much digging to find one with a donor engine at your local junkyard. Erstmals waren zwei Ausführungen im Angebot: der bekannte, nunmehr als Alpine Tourer bezeichnete Roadster und daneben eine Version mit fest montiertem Hardtop, die die Bezeichnung Alpine GT erhielt. In 1969, a cheaper, slightly slower and more economical version of the Rapier (still sold as a sporty model) was badged as the new Sunbeam Alpine. Overdrive (check it kicks in speedily and smoothly – usually it’s only a switch fault) is very desirable, just like on an MGB. Sunbeam had produced a car called the Alpine in the early 1950s but it was more of a personal car than a sports car. - Later “flat” rear window hard top Ken Howes contributed some 80 per cent of the overall design work, he had worked at Ford before joining Rootes. The Ford 2.8 liter V6 for the conversion comes from the so called Mustang II, which was produced from 1974 to 1978, and from the German Ford Capri, which was produced from ’74 to’77. As seen at the March 2016 Cars and Coffee show in Austin TX USA. Natural or synthetic. Der neue Alpine war ein kompakter zweisitziger Roadster mit einer attraktiven Karosserie, die aus manchem Blickwinkel wie ein verkleinerter Ford Thunderbird aussah. The car made extensive use of components from other Rootes Group vehicles and was built on a modified floorpan from the Hillman Husky estate car. Body and trim parts okay but nothing like an MGB... Comfy cabin, only period rubber matting is unavailable, . Chassis and body excellent, a few chips on the paintwork, interior requires some TLC. The least expensive transmission you can use is the Borg Warner 4 speed that originally came with the Mustang II. Stock Tigers came with 2.88 gear ratio, but Joe strongly recommends changing this to a more optimal 3.31 ($200-$300). Bear in mind that metal type frames and tops do rot out. Values are on the rise and while they aren’t up to MGB levels yet, top cars have smashed through the five figures barrier, reaching up to £17,000 (that’s average Tiger money, by the way). Imagine an Alpine with performance that will blow the doors off a stock Tiger and embarrass more than a few modified ones: 300+ reliable horses, 0-60 in 5 seconds, and under 12 seconds in the quarter mile, all with the more balanced handling of an Alpine. That’s the beauty of this conversion and of Joe’s kit. Daneben wurde der Sunbeam Alpine gelegentlich auch im Rallyesport und bei Clubrennen eingesetzt. The 1592 cc engine was de-tuned in the GT for smoothness. Doing less than 1000 miles a year and … There were far fewer Capris imported, so you’ll be less likely to find one. If you’re handy with a welder, Joe can instruct you how to fabricate a center link using tie rod ends from a Ford Fiesta, or he can have one made up for you for $125 complete (in addition to the basic kit cost). A giant leap up the food chain is the Ford electronic ignition system originally supplied with the Mustang II. If you’re going to do most of the work yourself, a basic conversion will run around $2000.