1969 Sunbeam Alpine

Sunbeam Alpine/Rapier (Coupe), 1967-1976

The Sunbeam Alpine and Rapier models were in production from 1967 until 1976. Styled in house by Roy Axe, they are front engine, rear wheel drive coupes seating four adults.

The first model was the Rapier - which offered the twin carburettor version of Rootes's 1725cc engine under a two door body derived from the Hillman Hunter estate floorpan. With the exception of the rear valance and lights, all the panels were new - as was the interior which bore a strong resemblance to the as-yet unlaunched Aston Martin DBS. In October 1968, a more powerful version was launched - the H120, with Holbay tuned engine and twin Weber 40DCOE carbs alongside a four branch exhaust manifold and a close ratio gearbox. A year later in 1969, a single carburettor model was launched with a simplified trim and a Singer-style walnut dash, sold as the Alpine at a reduced cost similar to that of the four door Singer Vogue but targeted at a more rakish clientele. Humber saloons used the Rapier drivetrain, while the Hillman GT used the H120 engine and gearbox in a saloon shell.

The Alpine and Rapier left production in 1976, and with them went the Sunbeam name. The two names would be revived - the Alpine as a new Chrysler hatchback, and the Rapier as the top trim level for the later Talbot Alpine and Solara. A spiritual successor could be found in the Peugeot 406 Coupe - which, like the Alpine and Rapier, shared little of its internal or external appearance with the saloon upon which it was based.

In period, the Ford Capri would certainly have been a rival for the Sunbeams, though the H120 was more expensive than a 3000GT and the 2000GT was the nearest match for a standard Rapier. An Alpine looked good value against a Capri 1300GT. The Bond Equipe GT would still have attracted buyers in the earlier years, while the Morris Marina Coupe was a natural rival toward the end. For something more unusual, how about a Toyota Celica 1600ST or a Vauxhall Firenza HP?