1961 Sunbeam Alpine Fastback Coupe

Thomas Harrington Ltd. proudly traces its history, as a Motor Coach Builder and Automotive Engineers, to the late 1800s. In the 1950s, they pioneered the production of fiberglass components such as hardtops for existing cars such as Triumph TR4 and Sunbeam Alpine. The Harringtons also owned a Rootes dealership. A byproduct of this relationship is the conversion of the Alpine body into a closed coupe, with an eye towards use in racing.

The Rootes Groupe of England produced the Sunbeam Alpine model. In 1961, after extensive modifications, it became the 'Harrington Alpine.' As with most race-inspired touring cars, each car is built to order, with the buyer's choice of three engines provided by race engine specialist George Hartwell. Limited production continued through 1963. Harrington stopped all coach building activity in 1965.

The example shown sports the 1.6-liter, Stage III, 4-cylinder engine. It is one of 17 remaining from a production of 110 and one of three residing in the United States. The car typifies the best of British thinking, specifically Lord Rootes, Thomas Harrington & George Hartwell, the industry luminaries who collaborated to make this performance and styling statement.