In a message dated 5/25/99 8:56:13 PM Pacific Daylight Time, imagine(at)dowco.ca
writes:
<< Hopefully I have found an Alpine in Nanamio B.C. The serial # given to
me was B3442002653 OD LHX 129. I can't find this # in my limited
information. Can Anyone fill me in on the year etc. Thanks Les Scharf
>>
An odd number, indeed.
Per the Sunbeam Alpine Club Members Handbook, the number corresponds to a
Sunbeam Rapier fastback (the four-seater Barracuda glass-back bodystyle). In
North America, the Rapier was sold as the Alpine GT, but with a different
serial number series.
The "LHX" : the "L" usually means 'left-hand drive export,' the "X" is found
on North American spec or other 'non-standard' cars. The second character is
the body style, but I don't know what "H" stands for.
The "129" is probably the color code, but doesn't show up on any color code
lists that I have thru 1970.
Did the owner describe the "Alpine" to you?
If its a fastback, the "OD" (for overdrive) means it probably originally came
(from early-'68-onward) with a J-type overdrive. Its rumored this OD, larger
and beefier than the D-type, will fit the Series Alpine bodyshell with just
minor hammering and disfigurement.
Let us know what it turns out to be.
Dick Sanders
Seattle
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