The “Series” Sunbeam Alpine

Series I

  • B9000000 – B9011592
  • Total Built 11,904
  • 1494cc Rootes engine with Aluminum cylinder head
  • 4 speed gear box with optional electric overdrive
  • Standard 3.89:1 rear end (4.22:1 with OD)
  • Factory Colors – Moonstone, Embassy Black, Carnival Red, Glen Green, Thistle Grey

The Series I Alpine was introduced in October of 1959. This would become the “Forward Look” for the Rootes Group line of automobiles by sporting tail fins in order to target the American Market. Lacking in performance with its 1494cc motor, the Series I still received a warm reception and 11,904 vehicles were built by October of 1960. There are several ways to visually identify a Series I. The first way is to look and see if the first three characters of the eight digit serial number begin with B90. You can also identify a Series I by the chrome roll up window posts. At the leading edge of each door is a chrome post that helps guide the side window. These are composed from pot metal and stand about three inches high. There are several exclusive Series I parts worth mentioning, such as the side opening centre console. This would later be changed to a rear hinge version. Early Series I’s also had a steering wheel with a much larger diameter and the convertible top doors used a spring loaded pin to lock them into place. You will also find that series I’s have very small pedals. The Series I should have a silver-grey painted dash with the standard Alpine gauge configuration and no map light above the cubby box. Optional extras for the Series I included wire wheels, white wall tires, hard top, tonneau cover, and sun visors.

Series II

  • B9100000 – B9119956
  • Total Built 19,956
  • 1592cc Rootes engine with Aluminum cylinder head
  • 4 speed gear box with optional electric overdrive
  • Standard 3.89:1 rear end (4.22:1 with OD)
  • Factory Colors – Moonstone, Embassy Black, Carnival Red, Seacrest Green, Lake Blue, Wedgewood Blue

Visually the Series I and the Series II might look the same, but after a close inspection you will find that they are two very different Alpines. Can you tell the difference? The Series II Alpine arrived in October of 1960. Sporting an all new 1592cc motor, the Series II proved to have the performance that the Alpine had been lacking. There was a total of 19,956 produced by February 1963. The Series II saw many changes during its production. The most obvious came in the latest Series II’s that were produced in 1963. The hinges were changed to allow the bonnet to fully open. This caused the bonnet prop rod to be moved to the right side of the engine compartment. This is one of three different prop rod locations found on Series II Alpines. A Series II can be identified by the B91 prefix of the serial number. A visual inspection will reveal that the side window posts have been redesigned. These are now made from steel and extend to the top of the windscreen. The later Series II’s also changed from steel wheels with small holes to wheels with larger holes. These new wheels were painted white instead of body color as before. Exactly when this change took place I’m not sure. Other additions to the Series II were a smaller diameter steering wheel, wider rear springs, redesigned top storage doors, and the addition of “cant-rails” to stiffen the edge of the convertible top around the side windows. A rain gutter was also added to the inside of the door tops.

Series 3

  • B9200000 – B9205864
  • Total Built 5863
  • 1592cc Rootes engine with Aluminum cylinder head
  • 4 speed gear box with optional electric overdrive
  • Standard 3.89:1 rear end (Both OD and non-OD)
  • Factory Colors – Moonstone, Embassy Black, Carnival Red, Wedgewood Blue, Autumn Gold Metallic, Quartz Blue Metallic, Light Green Metallic
  • GT & ST Models

Many new changes were introduced with the new Series 3 Alpine. Not only was the trunk modified and the fuel tank split into two tanks mounted in each rear wing, but the windshield design was changed as well. Two different models were also now available to Rootes buyers. Newly introduced were the GT (Grand Turismo), and ST (Sports Tourer) variations. Series 3’s can be identified by the B92 serial number prefix, as well as the tall fins and large open trunk. Series 3’s are also the only finned Alpines to have the triangular shaped windows on the leading edge of the doors. With a production number of only 5863 units, this makes the Series 3 the most desirable of the Series Alpines to collectors today. There are many unique features on the Series 3 that can only be found on this model. The bonnet badge, now a chrome boss with plastic insert is one such item. This same badge can also be found on other late model Rootes vehicles, including the ’69 Alpine fastback. The Series 3 is also the only Alpine to keep a 3.89:1 rear end ratio for both overdrive and standard 4-speed transmissions, as well as a close ratio gear box. Not only did the Series 3 Alpine introduce the GT style interior with wood dash and steering wheel, but it also gave us a newly styled hard top, adjustable steering column and adjustable Microcell seats. I like to call the 1963 Series 3 the “transition year” for the Alpine.

Series IV

  • B9400000 – B94104470
  • Total Built 12,406
  • 1592cc Rootes engine with Aluminum cylinder head
  • 4 speed gear box with optional electric overdrive
  • Standard 3.89:1 rear end (4.22:1 with OD)
  • Factory Colors – Moonstone, Embassy Black, Carnival Red, Wedgewood Blue, Midnight Blue, Balmoral Grey, Forest Green, Arctic White, Mediterranean Blue
  • GT & ST Models

The Series IV was introduced in January of 1964. Identification by serial number can be revealed by the B94 prefix. The 7 number ID was changed to 8 in September of 1964. Production saw 12,406 units by September of 1965. The Series IV continued to use the 1592cc engine along with the single twin choke Solex carburetor. Still available in both GT and ST variations, the Series IV became the Alpine to see the most visually drastic changes. The first and most obvious change would be the removal of the fins. Now a more squared off rear end sporting newly designed tail lights. The front indicator lights were also changed to a two bulb unit with an amber turn signal and a clear parking lamp. Other exterior changes include: New bumper over riders, hinged gas cap, single bar grille with Rootes medallion, Series IV badge motif located under the Alpine scripts and on the right hand side of the boot lid. Midway through Series IV production, there would be a change to the Series IV serial number and an extra digit would be added. These have become known today as Series IVa’s and begin with chassis number B94100000. The Series IVa also marked a change in transmission from a non-synchronized gear box to a fully synchronized unit. The Borg Warner type 35 automatic transmission was also available on both the Series IV and Series IV a platforms. They can be identified by a B.W. stamped after the Serial number. It’s not known how many of these Automatics were produced and they are quite uncommon to find today.

Series V

  • B395000000 – B395019122
  • Total Built
  • 1724cc Rootes engine with Aluminum cylinder head
  • 4 speed gear box with optional electric overdrive
  • Standard 3.89:1 rear end (4.22:1 with OD) LRX models had 4.22:1 standard on all models.
  • Factory Colors – Midnight Blue, Embassy Black, Carnival Red, Forest Green, Arctic White, Mediterranean Blue, Oxford Blue, Comodore Blue, Holly Green, Polar White, Orchid Green, Signal Red, Terquoise Blue Metallic, Gunmetal Metallic
  • GT & ST Models

Production began in September of 1965 and ceased in January of 1968. Series Vs have a 9 digit serial number and can be identified by the B395 prefix. The 1592cc motor that was so successful in the earlier models is now replaced with the 1724cc motor fitted with twin Stromberg carburetors and a 35 Amp alternator. The addition of the alternator meant that the Alpine would now be NEGATIVE ground. The most obvious changes to the exterior of the Series V would be the removal of the “Sunbeam” letters on the front of the vehicle. It should be noted that the Series V didn’t have a bonnet badge either. A Chrysler pentistar was now placed on the lower right hand fender of each car and the fender badge reads 1725. Still equipped with rubber floor mats and not full carpeting, the Series V no longer had seats with contrasting piping to the body color. The hard metal convertible top boot has also been replaced with a soft vinyl cover that snaps neatly into place to cover the top when in the down position. Some interesting changes near the end of Series V’s production include the addition of non-peaked headlight rims (after B395017900) and bumper mounted rear license plate lights. The Series V was also still available in GT and ST form, however, the ST would be the only version available to U.S. buyers.

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