Eric Minoff
Vice President, Head of Department - US
LOT 105
1955 Sunbeam-Talbot Alpine MkIII Roadster Coachwork by Thrupp & Maberly Chassis no. A3501351/ODLRX Engine no. A3501351/ODLRX
Sold for US$39,200 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve
Lot 105
1955 Sunbeam-Talbot Alpine MkIII Roadster
1955 Sunbeam-Talbot Alpine MkIII Roadster
Coachwork by Thrupp & Maberly
Chassis no. A3501351/ODLRX
Engine no. A3501351/ODLRX
Coachwork by Thrupp & Maberly
Chassis no. A3501351/ODLRX
Engine no. A3501351/ODLRX
2,267cc OHV Inline 4-Cylinder Engine
Stromberg Down-draft Carburetor
92bhp at 4,200 rpm
4-Speed Manual Transmission with Overdrive
Independent Front Suspension - Live Rear Axle
4-Wheel Hydraulic Drum Brakes
*Expertly restored and with over $36,000 in service receipts since 2021
*Winner at many prominent Concours d'Elegance
*Rare and desirable factory left hand drive, Mk III example
*Retains matching numbers engine and body work
THE SUNBEAM-TALBOT ALPINE
Hand-built by the old London firm of Thrupp and Maberly - coachbuilders by appointment to Queen Victoria - the Sunbeam-Talbot Alpine was produced in limited numbers. Unveiled in early 1953, its model name was chosen to celebrate the company's successes in the difficult winter-time Alpine Rallies of the early 1950s. This design achieved immediate success, winning a Coupe des Alpes trophy in the 1953 event with London theater director Shiela van Damm and navigator Anne Hall, the duo completing the event without any penalties. Famed drivers Sir Stirling Moss and John Fitch also rallied successfully in Sunbeam Talbot Alpines, and the Alpine was chosen as Cary Grant and Grace Kelly's dapper ride in the popular movie to catch a thief.
THE CAR OFFERED
This elegant and rarely seen Sunbeam-Talbot Alpine Mk III Roadster is the 255th example of just 300 produced. As a Mk III, it features the special wheel trim, more elegant dash layout, and about 15% more horsepower. The car is believed to have resided in the mild Californian climate for many decades and was retained by one single owner for approximately 40 years. The antepenultimate owner - a Southern California-based connoisseur of fine British motorcars - treated the Alpine to a comprehensive rotisserie restoration completed in 2018, retaining Auto Projects Restoration shop, supervised by Lowell Peterson. The mechanicals were handled by British Motor Service, while SoCal Upholstery trimmed the interior in fine, imported Italian leather and luxurious wool carpets, with matching canvas top and weather equipment. Post restoration, the stunning Alpine toured the Southern California show circuit, and scored top honors in many places, including Best of Show at the Newport Beach Peninsula Concours and Tustin Quail Car Show, and class wins at the Huntington Beach Concours, Laguna Beach and Enderle Car Show.
Acquired by the current owner at Bonhams|Cars Quail Auction in August of 2020, the Sunbeam-Talbot has been lovingly cared for and maintained. Receipts from service completed between 2021-2024 total over $36,800 with the brakes, transmission, coolant system, suspension, and engine all refurbished, rebuilt, or serviced. Accompanying the sale is a car cover, workshop manual, and a sterling silver engraved pendant detailed to the car. Suitable for show or simply as a weekend touring car, this Alpine is a rare British jewel certain to turn heads wherever it appears, with its stunning chestnut-colored leather interior, and elegant red exterior on the Thrupp & Maberly built Roadster coachwork.
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