Sunbeam Alpine on Top Gear in the UK

[vanhool1]

Earlier this year, having just completed the restoration of my Series 2 Alpine, we were requested by the Top Gear producers to attend a production for the new series. It was filmed in the old TVR factory in Blackpool and included a number of classic British Sports cars. The purpose was a feature of the demise of our industry along with the usual challenges given to the presenters.
I am not sure which programme it will be on but the series starts Sunday 27th June @ 2000. Also at the filming was a nice MK2 Tiger. My car was reg 229 XUX now in the hands of a new owner as with all our cars once completed we pass on for someone else to enjoy. Think about 8 Alpine's and 2 Tigers fully restored to date with 2 Tiger's now work in progress and 4 Alpine's. Any one interested in our restorations over the years or general please feel free to e-mail. Richard

[Andrew]

Hello Richard:

Thanks for the note, Top Gear is a great show. I will be sure to check it out.

Andrew

[Callasports]

Top Gear - for the win! Please post some pics of the Alpine that was featured - and whatever you have time to tell about the restoration.

[socorob]

great show, i was hoping one day they would have some sunbeams on. We cant get the full version in the states unless we download it from the finalgear website or torrents. The ones that come on bbc america here are 1-2 years behind and they cut 20 minutes or so out of each episode to add in the commercials yall dont have there. So our luck the sunbeams will be in the part that gets cut. Im not condoning downloading torrents, but....

[alpine_64]

They dont actually feature the sunbeams, they show them in the ex-TVR factory with a series of other british cars that have passed away, AC, TVR, austin healey etc..




photos by tony tomaselli

[vanhool1]

Truth is i'm not sure what will be featured. When filming took place everyone was asked to leave the factory but think will be an overview of all vehicles present if nothing else. Any publicity to help the marque and get more people interested in Rootes vehicles can only be a good thing. The picture shows me in the background polishing.

Richard

[Callasports]

Great looking Alpine! I would imagine that others on here can identify the little orange car behind you, but I can't. What is it?

[alpine_64]

Originally Posted by Callasports

Great looking Alpine! I would imagine that others on here can identify the little orange car behind you, but I can't. What is it?

Its a Ginetta.. in the 60's and 70's they used hillman imp engines in the G15's and in the G21's the holbay 1725 and rootes OD box

[vanhool1]

Date Now Confirmed As The 1st August 2010 In Uk On Top Gear

[socorob]

Awesome. I can't wait to see it. Anyone interested go to www.Justin.tv on Sunday 2 pm central, and search for top gear. Some generous person across the ponds streams it to there about every weekend. Can be a bit jerky if you don't have a decent Internet connection. This weeks episode was great. Tom cruise got on 2 wheels in the siarpc and almost flipped. He set the fastest time. Usually Americans don't drive so fast on the track. I guess the whole curve thing were not especially good at.