Finding interesting classic cars with important history is not easy. For that reason, I was extremely lucky to come across this fantastic Sunbeam Alpine Series 1. This car was delivered on 07/01/1960 new in Sweden to Rune Bücklund, an experienced rally driver. He entered the car that same month in the Rallye Monte Carlo, assisted by his friend and navigator Nils Falk. They started in Oslo, and won their class straight away, and became heroes in Sweden and abroad instantly. Nowadays, it is unbelievable that an almost standard road car with only 85 bhp could win the Rallye Monte Carlo, but in the sixties it wasn't so much about horsepower but mainly about driving skills and reliability.
The car has always been registered in Sweden, and had several owners after Rune Bücklund. This is all documented in the history file, together with period pictures of their Monte Carlo exploit. There are even some movies of the past on a couple of VHS cassettes. 20 years ago, the car was completely restored, but with as much as possible of the original bits used. The engine is still the original one but overhauled, and the complete interior is still exactly the same as it was in 1960. Even the period Halda Speedpilot and Haldex Tripmaster are still fitted. The car still proudly wears the winning "111" starting number, and looks like it is ready for another trip to Monaco.
This humble sportscar is a very important Sunbeam, and probably the first of the Alpines which was succesfull in competition. In later years, some Lister prepared Alpines were entered in the Le Mans 24h races as well. This kind of car will be accepted in any historical event, and is a candidate for the Goodwood Festival of Speed or any important Concours d'Elegance. The person who will purchase this car does not only buy a very nice Sunbeam Alpine, but also a piece of motorsport history.