The Alpine entered production in 1959, fitted with a 1494cc 4 cylinder engine with alloy head and twin Zenith carburettors. Major selling points were the 'Trans-Atlantic' styling especially the American-style tail-fins, and the traditional Sunbeam fit and finish, including luxury items (for the era) like wind-up windows and a folding convertible top. 11,904 cars were built before the Series II came along in 1960. The Series II had a larger engine of 1592cc, and included small refinements to the car. 19,956 examples of this model were built. The last of the 'finned' Alpines was the Series 3, introduced in 1963. It was a transitional model, incorporating many of the features of the later models, but retaining the early body style. New items included an adjustable steering column, 3-way adjustable seats, a much roomier boot, and the addition of a 'GT' version which sold alongside the existing 'ST'. The GT had no convertible top, but came standard with a removable hardtop and more luxurious interior trim, including a wood dash and carpets instead of the standard rubber floor mats. The Series 3 model was sold for 11 months, during which 5,863 cars were built.
In 1964 the Series IV was introduced, with a new body style which included much smaller rear fins and a new one-bar grille, and an optional automatic gearbox. An all-synchro gearbox was introduced during the model run of 12,406 cars. The last of this series of cars was introduced in 1965 with a new 1725cc engine. By this time Chrysler was buying the parent company, Rootes, so some of the later cars had a small Chrysler 'Pentastar' badge added to the front mudguard. The metal covers over the stowed convertible top on earlier models were replaced by a more conventional vinyl cover for this model. 19122 Series V Alpines were built before production ceased in 1968.
There is a whole web site devoted to the Alpine at www.sunbeamalpine.org