Rootes Group, or Rootes Motors Limited was a BritIsh automobile manufacturer who produced the Sunbeam Alpine between 1953 to 1955, and then 1959 to 1968.
The Sunbeam Alpine is a two-seater sports drophead coupe initially designed and developed for a one-off rally car by Bournemouth Sunbeam-Talbot dealer George Hartnell.
In March 1953 the Alpine received its name following Sunbeam-Talobts saloons successes in the Alpine rally during the 50s.
Its very first competitive outing was at the Coupe des Alpes, where the Sunbeam Alpine won the Coupes des Dames and without loss of any marks.
The most notable international racing success achieved by the Sunbeam Alpine would be at Le Man, where the automobile won the thermal Index of Efficiency in 1961.
American automotive event, Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) was another competitive success to add to the list for the Alpine.
In 1963 USA racing driver, Don Sesslar, took second place in the F-Production National Championship driving an Alpine.
There was stiff competition the Alpine had to face going head to head with a class dominated Porsche 356.
Following this year in 1964, Sesslar took home five wins achieved throughout the year at SCCA.
For years after that, many renowned racing drivers, Dan Carmichael, Bernard Unett and Fredy Dixon all won several championships driving the one and only Sunbeam Alpine.
