Expert Buyer

Sunbeam Alpine

This could be just the ticket if you’re looking for classic sporting charisma on a budget PROJECT

► what’s missing?

These are quite simple cars so almost everything is available, although replicating period spec may demand patience.

► check the body

Some panels are available, but many aren’t. Most big restorations involve hundreds of hours of fabricating.

► cost it carefully

Unless you find a complete, original car and do all the work yourself, resale value is sadly unlikely to match your investment.

USABLE

► look for leaks

Neglected cars are likely to suffer from under-lubricated front trunnions (Series I-III) and leaky steering boxes.

► inspect the sills

Sills are typically the worst rot-affected areas (costing up to £2k each for professional repair) along with floorpans.

► check the engine

Alpine engines are strong, but sub-50psi cruising oil pressure (less on the Series V’s 1725cc) suggests internal wear.

GOOD

► is it tweaked?

Performance mods can lift the four-pot’s output to more than 180bhp. Make sure that you know what you’re getting!

► how solid is it?

Structural crispiness is usually not quite as bad as you might imagine, so don’t be too

forgiving if the car has a strong price tag.

► know your specs

Spotting originality takes a trained eye because spec changes were plentiful, and many well-sorted cars have cherry picked parts.

CONCOURS

► history matters

Matching numbers and unbroken histories characterise the best. Virtually no unrestored timewarps exist.

► a series issue

Later cars are a more desirable, but GTs turned into convertibles attract the biggest bids.

► cast your net

Many fine cars are in mainland Europe, so consider broadening your search if you can.