LOT 30

1961 Sunbeam Harrington Alpine Coupe Chassis no. B9102814

Sold for US$68,320 inc. premium

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Lot 30

1961 Sunbeam Harrington Alpine Coupe

Audrain Concours Auction|29 September 2023, 16:00 EDT|Newport, Rhode Island, International Tennis Hall of Fame

1961 Sunbeam Harrington Alpine Coupe
Chassis no. B9102814

1,725cc Inline 4-Cylinder Engine
Dual Weber Sidedraft Carburetors
93bhp
5-Speed Manual Transmission
Front Independent Suspension, Live Rear Axle
Front Disc, Rear Drum Hydraulic Brakes

*Very rare example, one of about 110 Harrington Alpines made for 1961
*Beautifully presented in attractive Light Blue over Dark Blue livery
*High quality restoration recipient
*Upgraded engine with higher displacement for improved driving experience

THE SUNBEAM HARRINGTON ALPINE

A stylish sports car designed in 1959 for the 'never had it so good' era of the late 1950s, Sunbeam's Alpine was developed from the underframe of the Hillman Husky estate, as were the luxury Sunbeam Rapier and Singer Gazelle models from the Rootes stable. The new Alpine adopted Rapier engine and transmission, although in the case of the Alpine an all-new light alloy cylinder head was used. Some 200 total Sunbeam Harrington Alpines—'grand touring' coachbuilt conversions based on the Rootes Group's Sunbeam Alpine—were built by the Hove-based firm of coachbuilders, Thomas Harrington Limited, in the early 1960s. Only about 110 were produced in 1961, making them one of the most collectible of the Alpines. The Sussex coachbuilders, Thomas Harrington Limited, had worked closely with the Rootes Group for many years as they were also main distributors, and the cars were then dispatched to them to have body modifications carried out. The Harrington Alpine featured a distinctive fiberglass fastback roof, which gave it a sleek coupe look. The cars were equipped with a variation of engines throughout the years including 1,494cc for the Series I; 1,592cc for the Series II, III and IV; and 1,725cc for the Series V. Thomas Harrington Limited's coachbuilding activities were closed following the acquisition of the Company by Rootes, mainly for its Sussex distribution outlets, in 1964.

THE CAR OFFERED

This wonderfully rare Series II Sunbeam Harrington Alpine is finished in a striking Light Blue Metallic over a Dark Blue interior, the recipient of an extensive restoration done to a very high caliber. The goal was to create one of the best Harrington Alpines available; the quality in which this restoration was executed surely validates this endeavor. During the restoration, the choice was made to vastly increase the performance of the engine and driving experience; the decision was to install a much larger 1,725cc engine from the Series V Alpine's to replace the original 1,592cc inline four that the car was originally equipped with. To improve on this, the engine had extensive work completed on the internals and cylinder head to ensure performance and longevity. Besides the beautiful aesthetic chrome work performed on the engine bay during the refurbishment, dual Weber carburetors were fitted for an additional increase in power and of course, a throaty engine sound.

The interior also received some fine work with dark blue hides stitched wonderfully combined with dark blue carpets. All interior brightwork is in excellent condition along with the lineup of Smiths gauges. The dash features a beautiful wood grain finish to match the shift knob as well as the wood-trimmed steering wheel from Moto-Lita. The trunk area also benefits from a tidy setup including spare tire compartment and an impressive, detailed tool kit, complete with case matching the interior. The car will be accompanied with miscellaneous documents as well as a bound repair manual. This Harrington Alpine has received a recent mechanical servicing and is ready to be driven and enjoyed. With the rarity of the model, seldom seen with such a comprehensive restoration, this would be a wonderful addition to the most discerning car collections. A terrific opportunity to acquire an excellent example of a British classic.

Footnotes

Please note, the documents and repair manual that come with this car are in transit.

Saleroom notices

Please note, the documents and repair manual that come with this car are in transit.

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