1960 Sunbeam Alpine Series II
1960 Sunbeam Alpine Series II
Brand
Sunbeam
Year
1960
Country
Great Britain
Generation
Sunbeam Alpine Series II
1960 Sunbeam Alpine Series II
Brand
Sunbeam
Year
1960
Country
Great Britain
Generation
Sunbeam Alpine Series II
About this car
Discover the history
The 1960 Sunbeam Alpine Series II was a significant model in the development of the Sunbeam Alpine line, produced by the Rootes Group. While the Alpine was initially launched in 1959, it underwent a number of updates in the Series II version, which lasted from 1960 to 1963. The Series II Alpine was particularly notable for its increased engine capacity and refinements that made it more competitive on both the road and in motorsport.Â
One of the key modifications for the Series II Alpine was the increase in engine size to 1,592cc, which allowed the car to produce around 80 horsepower, an improvement over the previous Series I. This allowed the car to achieve a top speed of around 98 mph, with acceleration from 0 to 60 mph in approximately 13.6 seconds. These improvements made the Series II a more viable option for racing applications, though the car’s appeal was still largely focused on the road-going market. The chassis, which was derived from the Hillman Minx and other Rootes models, was designed to be lightweight and agile, contributing to the car’s handling abilities.Â
The Sunbeam Alpine Series II became a well-regarded entry in motorsport due to its versatility. The Rootes Group supported its development as a competitive car in various races, including events such as the 1961 Le Mans 24 Hours. While the Alpine was not as powerful or renowned as some of its competitors, it quickly earned a reputation for its agility and efficiency. In 1961, a specially prepared version of the Alpine participated in the Le Mans 24 Hours, where it achieved the “Index of Efficiency” prize, an award given to the most economical car in the race. This victory in such a prestigious event helped to raise the Alpine’s profile in motorsport.Â
The car’s racing pedigree included notable participation in endurance races such as the Le Mans 24 Hours and rallies, where the lightweight nature and reliable performance of the Alpine allowed it to compete effectively against larger, more powerful competitors. The 1962 version, for instance, was one of the three Alpines entered in the Le Mans race, driven by well-known drivers of the time. Although the cars did not win outright, they made a strong showing, with one of the cars, 9201 RW, recording a notable pre-race lap time of 5 minutes 8.6 seconds—12 seconds faster than the previous year’s cars.Â
In terms of design and engineering, the Series II featured a well-balanced chassis with independent front suspension and a live rear axle, which contributed to its handling characteristics. The suspension system used coil springs at the front and semi-elliptic leaf springs at the rear, which was typical of small British sports cars of the era. The body was lightweight, designed for both performance and ease of modification in motorsport settings, and the car was equipped with standard disc brakes for improved stopping power.Â
The Sunbeam Alpine Series II remained a popular sports car throughout its production, particularly in the United States, where it found a large market. It showcased the capabilities of a small, affordable British sports car, one that could hold its own in competition while maintaining strong road-going qualities. The car’s combination of elegance and performance left a lasting legacy in both the automotive and racing worlds.Â
