Moss Motors, Ltd

Hello all:  I'm contemplating the acquisition of a Sunbeam Alpine.  Can anyone tell me about what to expect in terms of performance (as say compared to my 1275 midget that has been upgrading with a fast road cam, .4 pistons, lightened flywheel ect.).  Also, is there any major issues that I should be aware of in terms of the viability of a restoration.  Sorry, other than telling you it is not a Tiger I cannot tell you the exact model.

 Thanks to all who reply.

The alpine was more closely related to the MGB than the Midget so expect about the same type of performance as a stock MGB. Parts shouldn't be too hard to find, but from what I've seen they do seem to be more expensive than comparable MG items. The steering probably won't feel quite as precise, the Alpine uses a worm and sector box instead of a rack and pinion as the MGs do, but still they were respecable sports cars. I've seen comparison articles in Classic and Sports Car and Alpines seem to be pretty well regarded there.

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'73 Midget (V6)
'59 MGA (I6) under construction
'73 Lotus Europa
'52 MG TD kit car body project.
'98 Jag XK8

"There is a fine line between a hobby and mental illness"

Don't contemplate just DO! I have had a love affair of these cars for years and know them well.  In their hey day they were highly regarded just under marketed and sold.  The engines in the latter Alpines had a bit more to them but the engine itself (as in all the models) had much more to give.  Bill's post is accurate as to the steering and performance.  ROOTES Group undervalued these cars.  It was the privateers that saw and got potential from them.  If you have taken this on you will reap the rewards.  They are unique in design, styling, and appearance.  Enjoy.

"Classic Motorsports" magazine just finished up a series of articles on a ground-up restoration of a Sunbeam Tiger.  They ran into some problems, so those articles might be of interest for you.