The Alpine was a stylish British, two seat, open sports car produced under the Sunbeam marquee by the Rootes Group from 1963 until 1968.
Our Classic of the Month is a Series V Sunbeam Alpine, dating from 1966, and, has been restored not once, not twice, but, three times, and like a phoenix, has literally risen from ashes!
This Alpine was purchased by its current owners Alan and Val Holmes more than 20 years ago in a restored condition. They imported the car from the UK in 2009 and for several years enjoyed “open topped touring” in the beautiful Cypriot countryside. However Alan was always looking to improve the car and was never entirely happy with the condition of the chassis and bodywork. He entrusted the car to a local garage but whilst the re-spray was satisfactory the welding left a lot to be desired. However, he managed to find a competent English welder, so, Alan stripped the trim from one side of the car, fabricated the replacement panels, and, the welder set to work in Alan`s garage.
All went well until Alan noticed that a bit more welding would not come a miss under the other side of the car and asked him to weld that as well. Alan repaired to the kitchen for a well earn cuppa, only to be alerted by a neighbour to the smoke and flames coming from the garage. The welder was safely extracted and the fire was quickly extinguished. Unfortunately damage to the car was extensive, particularly to the paintwork and interior, but in Alan`s opinion was not terminal, (moral of this part of the story is that things get hot when you weld so strip out all the trim).
Alan did not despair. He rolled up his sleeves and set about restoring the car for the second time. Twelve months later the Alpine was once again back on the road, better than ever, and resplendent in its original Royal Blue paint.
Our story now moves forward until 2021. Alan is enjoying another drive in the Alpine when a modern SUV crosses into his lane and extensively re-models his car. Fortunately no one was injured, but the Insurance Company took no time at all to declare the car as an “uneconomic repair”. Now, most people would have, at this point, walked away from the Alpine, but not Alan and Val. They agreed the claim with the insurance company and shipped the car back to the UK where Alan and one of his friends set about bringing the car back to life again, (for the third time)!
We are pleased to advise that the car is now back on the Cypriot road. So, if you see a Royal Blue sport car being driven around Paphos give Alan and Val a wave, in celebration of the resurrection of this beautiful Sunbeam Alpine and the determination and skill of its owners.
You can meet this and other interesting classic vehicles at any PCVC meetings and events. For details check our Facebook page or our website, (www.paphosclassicvehicleclub.com) or telephone 97760997.
