1969 Sunbeam Alpine GT

The new Alpine fastback, a closed sport tourer, will appear in the Ú.S. for 1969. Chrysler and Rootes have made a concerted product shift by creating two fastback models, unique for the Ú.S. and Canadian market.
The Alpine GT, a 94 horsepower twin-carburetor version with burled walnut interior, is aimed at the modest-luxury market. It is a stylish vehicle with good performance and fuel economy, and still offers all the creature comforts sought after by buyers of all ages.




Styling
The fastback body is highlighted by a V-shaped grille and dual headlights. A shadow-capturing break line extends from fender tip to taillight. The long hood slopes gently to a vee and the taut roof arcs smoothly to the tip of the deck. Rear and side glass combine to provide an airy 'bridge' structure. The 'C' post is vinyl covered and carries the emblem 'GT' in its center. 'Alpine' is spelled in block letters at its base.

The rear is crisply chamfered in a stub-deck effect to help accent the hood's length. The curved side glass and quarter window protect from and rear fenders. A die-cast and chromed filler cap nestles high on the left rear fender.



The engine is a smooth four-cylinder twin-carburetor 1725cc power plant, fitted with a new hydraulic vibration damper. The transmission is a four-speed manual with automatic as optional.

The interior is in burled walnut replete with instruments, gadgets and assists including tachometer, lighter, vanity mirror and clock. Headrest-high front seats in breathable Ambla vinyl coordinate with the molded carpet floor covering. A deep-dish steering wheel with soft center-hub is used.

Coupe Features
Only subtle exterior differences distinguish the Coupe from the GT. A thin sill cap molding replaces the wide GT style and the window reveal moldings are slightly narrowed. Trunk moldings are simpler. Full but simple wheel covers are used. The 'C' post is body-color with the Rootes lion in its center.

The interior features a straight-grain walnut instrument panel with round speedometer and instrument cluster. The center console is a molded polymer with two ashtrays. Embossed Ambla vinyl and molded carpeting are used. The headrest-high front seats are of the same configuration as the GT.

Welcomed Features
Flow-through ventilation -- with a fan-driven fresh air system and swiveling spot coolers - effectively deals with winter stuffiness or summer simmering.

The large-size trunk is due in part to the spare tire storage beneath the rear body in a theft-proof steel sling.

Roadability
Roadability of both models is due to its modern strut suspension, front disc brakes and wide-spaced leaf-spring rear suspension. Excellent road feel and tolerance to wind sway are the rewards of this design.

Major Options
Three-speed automatic transmission, radio and whitewalls. Only the GT carries radial ply tires as standard.

Source - Sunbeam /Chrysler

The Sunbeam Alpine was introduced in 1953 and its arrival was historic, as it was the first vehicle to bear the Sunbeam name alone since the 1920 merger of Sunbeam, Talbot, and Darracq. It was a derivative of the Sunbeam-Talbot 90 Saloon, and thus (in modern times), is often referred to as the Talbot Alpine. It was the work of Sunbeam-Talbot dealer George Hartwell in Bournemouth who was working on a rally car.

The Sunbeam Alpine was powered by a four-cylinder engine that displaced 2267cc and mated to a four-speed manual gearbox. Hydraulic drum brakes could be found in the front and rear and had a Burman variable-ratio steering setup. The Mark I and Mark III were in production from 1953 through 1955; there was no Mark II. Around 3000 examples were produced during this time and each was hand-built at Thrupp & Maberly. Most were exported to the USA as left-hand drive models. It is believed that around 200 examples still exist.

A redesigned version appeared near the close of the 1950s. It was designed by Kenneth Howes and Jeff Crompton and given a two-door roadster configuration. Production lasted until 1968 with around 70,000 examples produced.

The final version was the Series V which began in 1965 and continued until 1968. It had a larger 1725cc engine, with five main bearings and twin Zenith-Stromberg semi-downdraught carburetors. The automatic gearbox that was offered since 1964 as an option was now no longer available.

By Daniel Vaughan | Jul 2008