2009 Orphan Car Show: MT Tech Editor brings out his 1967 Sunbeam Alpine

As we wandered around this year's Orphan Car Show, we ran into Motor Trend's Michigan-based technical editor Frank Markus. It turn's out Frank was displaying his own summertime toy, a 1967 Sunbeam Alpine roadster. Frank told us that he has owned this particular machine for over 20 years and it runs great. In fact, people familiar with Sunbeams are surprised when they hear it drive by. It turns out that contrary to the spirit of the Orphan Car Show, where the machines are supposed to be largely unmodified, the original Rootes Group four-cylinder has been discarded along the way. Instead, Frank's roadster is powered by a twin-cam Fiat engine that easily revs up to 6,500 rpm. Rather than being an immaculate concours restored machine, this one is a well maintained, mostly original example that shows some signs of its four decades of use but remains relatively corrosion free. Looks like a fun way to spend a sunny Sunday morning.

Photos Copyright ©2009 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.