Sunbeam produced some of Britain’s most characterful sporting cars. The badge covered everything from refined 1950s saloons to the Alpine roadster, V8 Tiger, Rapier Fastback and Imp-based Stiletto. This hub brings together detailed UK histories, specifications and practical buying guides for the most interesting surviving models.
The focus is on cars that were genuinely available to British buyers. Talbot Sunbeam hatchbacks—including the Ti and Lotus—remain in the separate Talbot hub to avoid duplication.
Sunbeam Alpine Fastback
The practical Arrow-based coupé that shared its shape with the Rapier but used a simpler single-carburettor specification.
Sunbeam Alpine Mk I & Mk III
The original 1953–55 Alpine: a 2.3-litre, rally-bred roadster derived from the Sunbeam-Talbot 90.
Sunbeam Alpine Series I–V
The elegant 1959–68 roadster, from finned Series I to the usable 1,725cc Series V, with a complete UK buying guide.
Harrington Alpine & Le Mans
The coachbuilt fastback Alpines, including the Le Mans, Series C and exceptionally rare Series D.
Sunbeam Rapier Fastback & H120
Rootes’ pillarless grand tourer and its Holbay-developed, twin-Weber H120 flagship.
Sunbeam Rapier Series I–V
Rootes’ original Audax sporting coupé and convertible, from 1.4-litre Series I to 1.7-litre Series V.
Sunbeam Stiletto
The rare Imp-based fastback with sporting twin-carburettor engine, four headlamps and distinctive luxury trim.
Sunbeam-Talbot Ten & 2-Litre
Elegant pre-war and early post-war sports saloons, dropheads and tourers from Rootes’ prestige marque.
Sunbeam-Talbot 90 & Sunbeam Mk III
Elegant post-war saloons and dropheads with rally pedigree, traditional engineering and strong period character.
Sunbeam Tiger Mk I & Mk II
The Alpine-bodied V8 assembled by Jensen, including authenticity checks for the scarce 4.7-litre Mk II.
Buying a classic Sunbeam in the UK
Structural corrosion is the common thread across the range. Club verification is particularly important for high-value Tigers and H120s, while complete trim and glass can matter more than mechanical condition on a Stiletto or Rapier. Start with the best shell and provenance you can find.
