Random # 25: Sunbeam Alpine

This Sunbeam Alpine was spotted outside one of Hobart's better Italian eateries, Maldini, in Hobart's historic Salamanca Place.  It appears to be an earlier version - possibly a Series I, II or III - although UMPH isn't sure.  

The main clue would seem to be around the car's rear which, in this case, is a lot more angular than the later Series IV - the version on which Sunbeam's V8-powered Tiger appears to have been based (IIIs and IVs were both produced during 1964, which is when the Tiger was introduced).  The stylistic treatment seen with this vehicle's rear and around the tail lights is more reminiscent of tail fins, whereas the later Alpines and Tigers featured a squarer look.  

The late cricket legend and Channel 9 commentator Richie Benaud owned and drove a 1963 Alpine but unfortunately crashed and seriously damaged it in 2013.  Secret agent James Bond, played by Sean Connery in the 1962 movie Dr No, also drove one, as did then actress and later Monacan royalty Grace Kelly in Alfred Hitchcock's To Catch a Thief.  

Not sure if this photo is arty or distractingly busy.  Either way, it's what happens sometimes when you try to photograph through a window.

Sunbeam seem to have captured the secret agent market, as ace-spy, enemy of KAOS and fashion icon Maxwell Smart drove a red Tiger during Series 1 of Get Smart.  A Tiger and 99 for a girlfriend.  That man had it all! 

Neither Alpines or Tigers are common in southern Tasmania.  However, Hobart's White brothers successfully campaigned a Tiger prepared by local racing identity Brent Willing in early Targa Tasmania events, but UMPH doesn't know what has happened to the car or where it is now. 

UMPH's other woman: Barbara Feldon as 99 (internet image).

U M P H

(uppermiddlepetrolhead.blogspot.com.au .)

iPhone images.