A 1968 Sunbeam Alpine Series V GT

Reg No. NLY978F

Chassis No. B395016307GTOD

Green with Black interior

Odometer 89,260 miles

The original Alpine of 1953 to 1955 had not sold as well as the Rootes Group had hoped, their next attempt was much more successful. At the time of the Series I Alpine’s introduction Rootes had to compete with sports cars such as the MG MGA and Triumph TR3A which were already selling well in the USA.

The new Alpine of 1959 did away with a heavy chassis and utilised a modern underpan from the Hillman Husky II suitably strengthened by cruciform bracing with the then current running gear of the Sunbeam Rapier. The most distinctive design feature of this new model were the prominent tail fins on the rear wings and a modern wrap around windscreen together with wind up windows which were absent on their competitors cars.

The Alpine was well received by both the press and public alike, Rootes took the opportunity to improve this design on a regular basis which ended with their final series in 1965 which continued in production until early 1968.

Our car was one of the last produced and was first registered on the 1^st February 1968. Being the GT model, it is fitted with an elegant hardtop, wood finish to the dashboard and +2 configuration. The GT version was sold as an upmarket model so was never fitted with the soft-top or its mechanism although many owners over the years have retro-fitted these items. The 1725cc engine with 5 main bearings is fitted together with twin semi-downdraught Zenith carburettors and has the overdrive gearbox fitted.

This car underwent a major body restoration in 1990 involving professional repairs with new repair panels to all four inner and outer wings, sills and door bottoms, all finished with lead loading and finally repainted in 2 pack paint.

We believe that the mileage shown is correct as the many MOT certificates on file going back to the 1970’s together with those available on line up to 2015 appear to corroborate this. Clearly, this Alpine has been much cherished by its long term husband and wife owners, the car presents very well today with minimal cosmetics required to return it to mint condition.

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Condition Report

Car runs well.

We believe colour to be original; VIN plate states 86 Forest Green.

No soft top conversion.

Roof easily detachable and retachable, clips are good.

Vendor has owned for over 40 years and has an extensive folder of history. although very little from the 5 years.

No evidence of clutch replacement.

Door gaps excellent.

Chassis excellent.

Bodywork generally very good, some corrosion to rear window sill and top of offside wing.

Some crazing to perspex quarter lights.

Upholstery good, no tears or major marks.

Dashboard tarnished and faded along lower edge.

Yellow box in engine bay is part of electronic ignition.

Chrome good with minor tarnishing only, except for the rear bumper and wheel caps which have significant tarnishing.

Rubbers around windscreen with some perishing.

Condition reports must be considered as a matter of opinion and not fact.