Illuminating Sunbeam

Sunbeam is a fitting name for a cabriolet, isn’t it? At least, that’s what I experienced recently when I drove this Sunbeam Alpine Roadster, owned by Rajeev Joseph and restored by Sandeep Katari, on a beautiful December afternoon.

Originality wasn’t the aim in this restoration. The idea was to create a true roadster. The large wraparound windshield has been replaced by two, slick, and very small half-moon panes of glass. The large steering has been replaced by a small three-spoke wheel. The entire cabin is framed in a polished wood surround, like a true ‘barchetta.’ This is now, perhaps, more a Sunbeam ‘Spider,’ rather than a Sunbeam ‘Roadster.’

That being said, since originality wasn’t a priority, and while it is truly a beautiful example, this 1960 Sunbeam Alpine Roadster (Series 1) won’t win any prizes in a Classic Car show. The owner wanted a classic that he could drive with the least amount of fuss, and that’s what he got. Mr. Katari is quick to point out that the modifications were in accordance with the wishes of the owner.

At first glance, the car, in pure white with tasteful maroon leather upholstery, looked rather impressive. The two pieces of glass that do duty up front certainly hark back to the original Spiders, and look quite impressive, but as wind deflectors they’re not quite as useful. The ornamental value does nothing to stop the wind hitting your face, so be prepared to don either a pair of goggles (to really look the part), or at least sun glasses to keep the insects from getting into your eyes.

All the British cars of that period had large steering wheels close to your chest, and that’s true of the Alpine as well. But, that’s been done away with, and a small sporty three-spoke wheel greets you as you slip into the driver’s seat. The seats have been modified and provide reasonable cushioning. There isn’t much you can do in terms of adjustments though, and if you’re vertically challenged you’ll have a hard time when on the move.

The dashboard is nicely crafted in all wood, and houses an assortment of gauges. The speedo, rev, and amp meters are original, while the temperature and fuel gauges are aftermarket fitments. The temperature gauge does look noticeably modern though. That apart, even the multiple switch knobs that line the dashboard have been made out of wood.

It is a fun car to drive, and the driver certainly takes center stage. The lack of a windshield, and the extra cushioning of the seats, means that the driver certainly sticks out of the cockpit with its flat wooden surround.

The engine fires to life at first crank, and features that typical uneven idling that classic cars have. The exhaust note is throaty courtesy of an aftermarket free flow unit. The 1,591cc in-line four doesn’t exactly throw you back in the seat with its acceleration – rather it gradually builds up speed as you work through the gears. First gear is relatively short, but the other three gears are quite long and one can drive at rather relaxed speeds even in top gear. Even as I opened the throttle suddenly at low speed in top gear, there wasn’t even a hint of fuel starvation. The engine is fed through a single downdraught carburettor. The Series 1 was also available with a twin-carb fitment, which I can only imagine would change the nature of the car completely.



Although the speedo needle didn’t move on the day of our test, I’m sure we touched around 70 km/h on some stretches, and I felt like I could have pushed her a little more. But the moment it hits a bad patch of tarmac, the car loses its composure. The independent front, and fixed rear suspension can’t handle Indian road conditions and speed-breakers. You can enjoy this car, but you do have to be mindful of the road surface.

Unlike many other classics, the steering isn’t vague at all – there no false play whatsoever. The nose goes exactly where you point it. Power steering has spoilt us silly, and there are people who feel that it’s an ordeal to drive these old cars. But the feel good factor clearly overrules any such concerns. Mind you, while the small steering looks good, the original wheel had its benefits – since the car has a big turning radius, the small wheel makes life a little difficult in tight corners.

The ‘wind in your face’ experience is something all car lovers long for – and this more than makes up for the lack of outright speed and other creature comforts. And it is a pity that our weather and conditions give us such little time to enjoy a convertible. If the weather doesn’t get to you, the smoke from those chimneys on the move, which we call trucks, will! But, when you are able to find a nice day and a nice road, it all begins to feel quite worthwhile.

This Sunbeam may not be all original, but it looks great and will put a smile on your face. Restorations like this keep classics on the road and looking great – and that’s what’s important. Plus, the little details of this restoration deserve mention – like the nice mesh that encases the headlights, or the chromed hooks, with a leather base, that holds the bonnet in place.

As for me, I did enjoy driving the Alpine Roadster, a car in which the sunbeam illuminates everything around you – I will remember to protect my eyes next time though.