Rootes' Sunbeam Alpine Series I-V (1959-1968) cars were styled with the American market in mind, according to
this Wikipedia entry. Styling was credited to Raymond Loewy's firm.
The first three series featured modest tail fins, an American cliché during the late 1950s when the design was made. Series IV, launched 1964, had the fins shaved down to bring the design into line with the newer times. The result was an improved looking car.
I think Series IV and V Sunbeam Alpine styling was attractive, but not distinctive -- unlike that of the 1953-1955 Marks I and III that I wrote anbout
here.
I used the term "roadster" in the title of the present post to refer to Alpines as they appeared minus any rigid tops. Technically, a roadster does not have the roll-up windows found on the cars shown below.
Unless noted, photos are of cars listed for sale.
Gallery
A 1960-vintage Series I Alpine, Shannon's auction photo. The grille is a simple design with thin, horizontal bars. The windshield is slightly wrapped in the manner of mid-1950s Chrysler cars.
Side view of a 1963 Series III Alpine showing the modest upsweep of the tail fin. This distracts from the overall design in part due to the resulting large flat area on the rear side of the car.
1963 Series III model's rear styling. From this viewpoint the fins also detract from the car's appearance.
Now for finless Alpines. This is a 1966 Series V. The grille and bumper guards have been redesigned.
Same car, side view. I suppose the aft fender area might be seen as tail fins because the ends rise above the trunk lid. I reject that thought because the fenderline curves very slight downwards abaft of the rear wheel opening. A much improved, nice, tidy design.
Higher side view of a 1965 Series IV Alpine.
Same car from the right rear quarter. The gasoline cap would have looked less obtrusive if it were moved down a short distance.
Mecum auction photo of a 1966 Series V Alpine. Much better looking than what we saw in the rear view of a Series III car.
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