The Sunbeam “Alpine” name actually goes back to the 50s when the name used on a series of cars intended mostly for rally. The name as we know it today has its origins in 1956 when Kenneth Howes and Jeff Crompton were tasked with doing a complete redesign of the original car, targeted primarily at the U.S. market.
The Alpines enjoyed a fairly successful run, being produced from 1959 (Series I) through 1969 (Series V) when production ended with Chrysler’s acquisition of the Rootes Group. Sunbeams enjoyed a fair amount of competition success in SCCA racing. Vince Tamburo won the G-Production National Championship in 1960 using the 1494cc Series I Alpine. In 1961 Don Sesslar took 2nd in the F-Production National Championship followed by a 3rd in the Championship in 1962. For 1963 the Alpine was moved into E-Production facing stiff competition from a class dominated by the Porsche 356. Sesslar tied in points for the national championship while Norman Lamb won the Southwest Division Championship in his Alpine. A championship for Don Sesslar finally was achieved in 1964 with 5 wins (the SCCA totaled the 5 top finishes for the year). Dan Carmichael won the Central Division Championship in 1964 and ’65. Carmichael continued to race the Alpine until 1967, when he finished 2nd at the American Road Race of Champions.
The Sports Car Art Sunbeam Alpine Series 3 limited edtion fine art prints are available in all of the standard factory exterior and interior color trims and come with standard steel wheels, no radio, and bias-ply blackwall tires. You may choose to personalize your prints by adding:
- Wire wheels
- Panasport-style wheels
- White Wall tires
- Radial Tires (black only)
- Exterior mirrors
- Radio
- Right hand drive
- Luggage rack
- Wood rimmed steering wheel
All limited edition illustrations are printed on acid-free, archival quality paper using pigmented inks. Each print is numbered and sign and includes a Certificate of Authenticity.
