1965 Sunbeam Alpine – Series V |

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1965 Sunbeam Alpine – Series V

This vehicle has now been sold - click ‘Register Similar’ below to get notified when we consign a similar vehicle.

Sold Price

£6,000

Mileage~86,578 on clock
TransmissionManual
Engine1.7-litre
LocationPlymouth

SOLD

1965 Sunbeam Alpine – Series V

I WANT ONE

Introduction

Jacob Boodrie

Professional Consigner

Utterly charming, with dashing good looks and making it as a Bond car in Dr. No - the classic Sunbeam Alpine.

Launched by the Rootes Group in 1959, the Sunbeam Alpine was aimed squarely at the North American market, seeking to capitalise on the success of other British marques such as Triumph and MG. The model evolved through five “Series” before production ended in 1968, with just under 70,000 units built.

By all accounts, the Series V was the finest of the line, featuring the 1,725cc five-bearing version of the Minx/Rapier engine. Producing around 92bhp, it was capable of a genuine 100 mph. Surely one of the prettiest British sports cars of the 1960s, the Alpine enjoyed numerous TV and film appearances – most notably as James Bond’s car in Dr. No.

This particular example is the desirable Series V and offered fresh-to-market from ~16 years of ownership with the current vendor, it underwent a full restoration between 1993 and 1996, including a replacement shell sourced from the US and a engine rebuild.

This listing was written from information supplied by Jacob after meeting Malcolm the owner, and having visited and photographed the vehicle.

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Secure Auctions

We verify all our sellers and buyers to keep our community safe whilst also providing the highest levels of website security.

Full Transparency

8 out of 10 people that buy cars via our service don’t feel the need to visit due to the transparency and thoroughness of our listings.

Vehicle Delivery

We're there every step of your buying journey and will even arrange pick-up and delivery of your new vehicle.

Meet the owner

I’ve always fancied owning an Alpine – they look fantastic, are a joy to drive, and never fail to raise a smile.

Malcolm has thoroughly enjoyed owning this Sunbeam Alpine for the past ~16 years. It has been kept in his dry garage and reserved exclusively for sunny weekend drives – a fact clearly reflected in its condition.

Malcolm had intended to keep the car and enjoy it throughout his retirement, but with a classic Lancia also in the garage, he has reluctantly decided to part with the Alpine to free up funds for his next project. Malcolm will be available to answer any questions about the car in the comments below.

Malcolm

Vehicle Owner

Malcolm saved £1,080* when they
sold their Sunbeam with us.

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EXTERIOR VIDEO

Exterior

With smooth, flowing lines, a purposeful stance, and elegant curves, the Sunbeam Alpine is a true British classic.

Wheels and Tyres

The genuine Mini Lite wheels look good on this example and give the car a sporty appeal. During our visit, the wheels appear well cared for, with some very slight signs of age round the edges.

The wheels are fitted with Goodyear Vector tyres 175/70R13, and these also appear to be in good condition, with a good amount of tread remaining, Malcolm reports these being fitted around 1995 and we did notice some signs of cracking in the sidewalls of the two front tyres.

Bodywork

The bodywork of this Sunbeam Alpine looks in fair to good condition, with all the panel gaps around the car appearing to align well. During our visit, we noticed a large dent in the offside door a few minor dents on the front wings, and a large dent/scratch on the nearside front wing.

We've provided more detailed observations through our high-resolution images and videos. Please take the time to look through all the media files for a detailed view of what’s on offer and to assess the condition of the car for yourselves.

Paint

Finished in Signal Red, the paint is applied with even coverage and colour across each panel. While we did notice the occasional very small and minor chipping round the bonnet, you'll have to get close to notice these and also around some of the larger dents.

Once again, we've captured high-resolution images and videos of the car for you to assess the condition of the bodywork for yourselves.

Glass and Trim

The glass on this example looks great and is in line with its age. During our visit, we didn't notice any chips, cracks, or discolouration. The window seals also look good and align with the overall condition of the car.

The chrome bumpers, door handles, and window surrounds are all in good condition as well. You can see in the exterior photos that the convertible top is in great condition with no tears or rips.

Malcolm rarely drives the car with the top up, as he drives the car only in dry weather.

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INTERIOR VIDEO

Interior

The cabin is light, airy, and packed full with style and functionality.

Seats and Carpets

The black leather seats with white piping have held their shape very well over the years, as you would expect with cherished and careful ownership.

A similar story is told with the door cards and black carpets.

For a detailed view of the cabin, please take a look at the extensive media.

Dashboard

The dashboard is covered in the typical '60s wood burl finish and presents seven dials in front of the driver.

The dashboard in this Alpine shows no signs of any major damage or scuffs, and with no warning lights displayed.

The odometer showed a reading of ~86,578 miles during our visit.

Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

A wood wrapped Sunbeam steering wheel is fitted. The steering wheel is in good condition and the black leather gear stick looks good too.

For a closer look, check out the image gallery to see the detail.

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'ON THE ROAD' VIDEO

Mechanics

Its eager 1,725cc straight-four engine, fitted with twin Stromberg carburettors, gave the Series V a factory-quoted top speed of 100 mph.

Engine and Gearbox

On the day of our visit, we started the car from cold, and it performed well on the road - the engine pulled nicely, idled smoothly, and ran without fault.

Malcolm reports that the car starts from cold with no issues and drives well with its smooth manual four-speed gearbox powering the rear wheels.

Take a look at the mechanical video to see the car starting from cold, driving around, and for a closer look underneath and the engine bay.

Malcolm reports a very minor oil leak once the car has had a good run.

Suspension and Brakes

The suspension appears to be in good condition, providing a smooth journey on the sweeping Devonshire roads.

During our short drive in the car, it felt just as you'd expect for a roadster from this era, coming to a stop without a fuss too.

The Drive

On our brief drive with Malcolm, the car performed well, delivering a fantastic rasp from the exhaust. The engine pulled strongly, oil pressure was healthy, and braking felt even and assured. Gear changes were precise and positive. Malcolm clearly enjoys taking this charming Alpine out on sunny days.

We didn’t notice any unusual noises coming from the engine or suspension either.

Be sure to check out the On the Road video to share in the experience.

Electrics and Other

We didn’t test all the electrics during our visit, but Malcolm reports that, to his knowledge, all of the electrics are functional and operational, aligning with the overall condition of the car.

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History and Paperwork

Arguably the best of the Alpines variants, this Series V is ready to be enjoyed and it returns to market after ~16 years,.

This Sunbeam Alpine, being a final-series ‘Series V’, it’s a particularly desirable example, and it retains plenty of originality.

Take a look at the history and paperwork section to view past MOT certificates, service records, and parts receipts detailing the care this Alpine has received throughout its life. As a historic vehicle, the Series V is now MOT exempt.

We’ve done all our usual seller checks including photo ID, V5 and also actioned a history check on the vehicle - this is a professional check operated by HPI that will highlight if the car has been previously stolen, recorded as being in an accident, or have any outstanding finance - note, this does not include a mileage history check.

We've summarised our own view on the car based on information gained from the seller in the listing above, however, and as you can see, we go to great lengths to photograph and video the car in hi-resolution detail - this has been done for you to make your own assessment from the comfort of your sofa. So please sit back, have a cuppa and take your time to review everything on this listing in order to make your own assessment on the vehicle's condition. Viewings are also welcomed with all our listings, so please get in touch with us to arrange a suitable time - we just need to speak to you first and receive a valid photo ID before confirming.

If there's anything you're unsure about, no matter how small, then please first ask the owner in the comments area below before placing your bid/s, as bids can't be retracted and form a binding contract if you win the car - just like a traditional auction house.

Service History

Date	Type	Mileage
02.07.2020	MOT	86,532
10.06.2019	MOT	86,522
22.06.2018	MOT	86,503
27.06.2017	MOT	86,459
18.06.2016	MOT	86,414
27.06.2015	MOT	86,369
18.06.2014	MOT	86,336
25.06.2013	MOT	86,307
20.06.2012	MOT	86,254
14.06.2011	MOT	86,205
17.06.2010	MOT	86,112
06.07.2009	MOT	85,987
01.05.2008	MOT	85,939
19.10.2002	MOT	85,459

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Key Details

ModelAlpine Series V
TransmissionManual 4-Speed
Reg. Date13.12.1965
CC1724
Mileage~86,578 on clock
ColourSignal Red
Interior ColourBlack
Interior TrimLeather
Chassis #B395001354HR0
Engine #L30.598313580
MOTNo. Expired 2021
MOT ExemptYes
Road Tax ExemptYes
HPi ClearYes - All Clear
Former Keepers5
Tyre TreadGood
Tyre BrandGoodyear
LHD or RHDRHD
VisitedYes
Sale TypePrivate
Owned~16 years
Key FeatureOwnership
Vehicle RegistrationGYP 77C
Driver’s SideRight
Fuel TypePetrol
Body Type2+2 Roadster
Auction ID3045

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Vehicle Sold

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I WANT ONE

Ask Questions

Seller : MalcolmS Sale Date 21.08.2025

Post a comment or ask the owner a question about the car.

3 Comments

Pug

4 months ago

Last MOT 2020?
You say this car was restored before you purchased it.
So it was not your project.
You say the Lancia you now own is your next project.
So for 16 years this car has had little attention?
Kind regards Bernie

MalcolmS

Seller

Pug

4 months ago

Hi – I bought it in 2009 – he bought it from the restorer
I decided in 2021 to register it as Historic Vehicle so MOT exempt as I have maintained it myself over the years & replaced items as required & have receipts

Pug

MalcolmS

4 months ago

Thanks,kind regards bernie

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Vehicle Location

Plymouth

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