Tony's 1954 Sunbeam Talbot Alpine

Purchased way back in 1990, this rare early Sunbeam Alpine now resides in Houston Texas . Subject to an extensive restoration to its current stunning condition with original parts sourced in the UK by Bob from American Auto Barn Ltd who also sourced and totally rebuilt the rare 2.25L engine and gearbox

As found (left), this rare Alpine was one originally exported new to the USA back in the early 1950's - it's now one of just a handfull left.Back in the early 50's, these Alpines were highly successful Rally cars in the hands of Stirling Moss and Sheila Van Damm and one even starred alongside Cary Grant and Grace Kelley in the movie 'To Catch a Thief'

Researching the numbers of this particular car revealed it had been originally Alpine Mist metallic, rather than the dark blue it had been found in.

When found the car needed complete restoration. The body had to be completely stripped , rust repaired & repainted, with all new parts. No expense was spared - everything that could be renewed or replaced was sourced from the UK where it couldn't be found locally, with many new old stock parts being sourced through Colin Mumbray of the Sunbeam Talbot Alpine Register.  Bob managed to locate a complete Sunbeam saloon as a donor for many parts including the engine and gearbox, the original having long been crudely replaced with an old Volvo engine.

The engine was totally stripped and rebuilt by Bob with all new parts - every last nut & bolt was renewed before being crated and airfreighted out to Texas. The cylinder heads, intake & exhaust were ported and gas flowed while he was at it - once it arrived in Houston and was installed in the car it fired up and ran first go!

The car is due to be shipped out to California where it is hoped to take part in the Pebble Beach Classic Car show later this year.

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