1964 Sunbeam Alpine Series IV

This Sunbeam Alpine was first registered in 1964 and is equipped with a 1600cc engine. It has clocked 119,000 miles since that time. The car comes with an extensive folder of paperwork that dates back to 1964 and extensively documents all the work completed by previous owners in that time. 

Fully restored in 2018 and 2019, the Sunbeam has covered only a few thousand miles since its completion. The restoration process was extensive with the paint being removed from the shell and any defective metal panels removed and new panels replaced by a professional. Panels that were replaced include doors skins, front valance, headlamp wings, both the driver and passenger side, sills and rear quarter panels, on both sides. Inner sections were treated with antirust coatings. The large majority of the chrome work around the car was replaced with the exception of the front and rear bumper cowlings. 

At the same time, the engine and gearbox were both removed and rebuilt. The engine was rebuilt using the original block and by the same professionals that completed the bodywork. This included a rebored cylinders, skimmed head, new camshaft, oil pump, water pump, new pistons, piston rings and bearings, new valves and guides, timing chain, new crankshaft and new clutch and flywheel….just to name a few parts. 

The gearbox was also overhauled with the diff receiving new seals and half shaft seals. The brake system was also subject to a refresh with the brake and clutch master cylinders being renewed as well as the brake servo. 

As you walk around this Sunbeam Alpine, it becomes very clear that a lot of time, attention and care has been taken to ensure that this car is presented at its absolute best. Crafted beautifully and complimenting the lines of the bodywork, it’s easy to see why these cars have amassed a cult following. 

The Old English White paintwork looks great in the sunlight and has an incredibly deep and glossy shine. It looks nothing short of fantastic, especially when paired with the elegant curvaceous body lines and contrasting chrome accents placed meticulously around the vehicle. Even better is that we noticed very few paint imperfections.

Another thing we noticed whilst photographing the Sunbeam is how well the panels align. This is no coincidence and is due to the fact that the car was restored in 2018 and underwent a full respray. The doors open and close as they should and the bigger panels such as the bonnet and boot shut without a fuss.

The front end is free from stone chips that we could see and looks superb. The chrome cowling that surrounds the front bumper and rear bumper is ever so slightly tarnished but it’s still bright and lustrous, with minimal to no pitting to report. These items are reported to be original, whereas a lot of the other chrome work on the Sunbeam has been re-chromed and therefore presents in exceptional condition with no imperfections to report.

The headlights and rear light lenses are clear and bright with no signs of fading from sunlight or old age. Something that is common particularly common on these older vehicles, but we must say these items are looking very good indeed. 

Equally the model designation badges look excellent and one would assume that given their positioning on the vehicle these are the first to fall victim to imperfections. This couldn’t be further from the truth as these look virtually brand new. 

The convertible roof is not original and was replaced in 2019. The Sunbeam now benefits from a canvas roof that retracts without any issues and is watertight, to our knowledge. The rear window is free from any splits or cracks and the canvas material throughout has no holes, rips or tears that we saw. The windows align well with the roof and ensure the vehicle stays as water tight as possible. 

The Sunbeam sits on 13" Minilite wheels and these look fantastic. They’re not the most unique wheel on the market but their simplistic design is one that cannot be sniffed at. They also enhance the Sunbeam's sporty presence. In addition to the Minilite wheels, new tyres have been fitted to all four corners no more than 500 miles ago.

The overall external condition of this Sunbeam Alpine is stunning and we would also go as far to say near showroom or even concours. As far as flaws go, there really is nothing to note that we saw. When the Sunbeam is not being used, it is stored in a garage where it is tucked away from the harsh weather, preserving its delicate bodywork, protected from dust and detritus by a car cover. The vendor informs us that the vehicle is only used in optimum conditions and nothing that is sub par. 

The interior continues the same theme as the exterior, in terms of condition. The door cards, present excellently with the leather free from any degrading that we noticed. The upholstery is still tight and looks fantastic and has a lovely matte sheen to it. Opening the door to the Sunbeam and jumping into it is somewhat of a experience as you’re instantly taken back to a much simpler time, with less electronics and your focus shifted solely to the driving experience. An analogue and effortless design, that has aged excellently, like any great sports car should.

The front seats are presented in red with black piping outlining the edges. We saw no signs of cracks or marks on either the drivers or passenger seats. This extends to the cushions and bolsters. The rear bench looks to be in good condition with no imperfections that we saw. Carpet throughout the vehicle looks plush and fluffy with no reports of damage or them going threadbare to report.

The instruments and dials within the cockpit are as you would expect from a car of this era. 

Switches and knobs mounted on the dashboard control various things such as the wipers and choke control. The switch knobs and dials show some signs of patina but we feel this adds character to the Sunbeam, that is otherwise immaculate. 

The Walnut dashboard has been replaced at some point in time and as expected is free from any scratches. We did notice a small tear on the left hand side of the dashboard but nothing that causes any major concern. 

Overall, the interior is what we would describe as inviting. The relaxed driving position and minimalist cabin calls for you to turn the key and enjoy the sights and sounds of the journey you’re about to embark on. 

Given that these cars are of this era are notorious for corrosion, you will be pleased to hear that we saw no signs of that. It would appear that the car has been undersealed and all elements that are exposed to the ground have been painted or coated in a protective layer of underseal or similar, protecting it from road grime for many years to come. 

The engine and gearbox were completely rebuilt in 2018 and 2019 and because of this the car runs and drives as it should. The engine turns on the key without any fuss and gearbox selects gears effortlessly, with no crunching or grinding. The vendor reports that the car drives superbly and it is an absolute pleasure to drive. 

Accompanying the vehicle, is the V5C plus an extensive folder which includes photographs documenting the restoration and engine rebuild as well as parts supply invoices for various items such as tyres, service items, replacement carbs and so on. The original Sunbeam workshop manual is included too. 

This 1964 Sunbeam Alpine Series IV offers an enjoyable and analogue driving experience. Whilst it may not have been the most powerful sports car of its era, it has been praised for its well-balanced handling and responsive steering. It’s lightweight and compact design makes it nimble and fun to drive, which is absolutely ideal for touring or spirited drives on winding British B roads. 

This particular example has had no expense spared, ensuring that it is not only mechanically sound to drive on the road but also benefits from a completely refreshed engine, gearbox and body panels. This Sunbeam is ready to be enjoyed by its new owner. We estimate that it will sell for £11,000-£15,000.

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this lot is located in Chelmondiston, Suffolk. Viewings are strictly by appointment.  To make a booking, please use the Contact Seller button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, and read our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.