I would much rather read about the experiences of other Alpine owners
than recant my own.
I bought my first Alpine in 1989 while in college in the San Francisco
area. I had just unloaded a mid-eighties Detroit lemon and knew if I did
not buy another car soon, I'd been taking the bus until graduation. I found
a '64 Series III GT and there was no need to look any further. At the time
I thought $900 was a decent price for a car that had been parked for 3
years and had the head and 2 pistons removed. SOLD.... Having no
prior knowledge of auto mechanics I immediately began dismantling the
entire car. I had delusions of a "complete rebuild". Hah !!!... Well, 2
years, a couple grand ($$$), and many valuable lessons later, the Alpine
was road worthy. I was lucky enough that the University I attended
supplied bus passes with tuition. I've been tinkering with this car this
ever since.
I now live in New Orleans, a great place for winter driving but not so
great in summer. I have no softtop and a leaky windscreen. No worries,
there's always an overpass or carport available to wait out the daily 15
minute thunderstorms. I work as a Biologist in the numerous wetlands of
south Louisiana. Great job, but it doesn't support my habit.
I'm now 27 and obviously not any wiser because last month I bought
another project car. I call this my "bastardized" or "stepchild" Sunbeam.
Some joker down here pieced together a '64 Series IV with sheet metal
screws and duck tape, dropped in a Toyota motor, then got a deal from
Earl Schieb on paint. Now for the icing on the cake: he riveted Tiger
emblems all over it. I know some snob Tiger owners in Northern
California who would require CPR if they caught a glimpse of this baby.
The plan is to keep the step child together, and someday undertake that
"complete restoration" on the Series III GT. Like the fellow from
Wisconsin, I love to talk Sunbeam so if any owners find themselves in
the area drop a line. email: johnc(at)dnr.state.la.us
John Carriere
'64 Series III GT oxy red
'64 Series IV Earl Schieb red
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