Earlier, I had posted a request for recommended shops for body restoration
of my Series II Alpine. Thanks to all who responded to my inquiry!
This Alpine, however, will be a rather unusual "restoration" project. I
bought the car about 2 years ago in its present (fair) condition for $1600.
I have since removed all internal combustion components. The 1.6 L
engine, though tired (low oil press, noisy) still ran well at the time of
removal. Is anyone looking for a rebuildable early engine (complete except
flywheel) ? I'll practically give it away to someone who will put it to
good use. Now for the interesting part, which no doubt will draw both
support and derision :-)
The car will become an ELECTRIC Sunbeam, using an Advanced DC XP-1227
(experimental) series wound electric motor, coupled to the stock 4-speed
gearbox. The motor is rated 108 hp / 180 lb-ft peak, though I'll probably
(current) limit it to 100 hp ((at)3500 RPM) / 150 lb-ft ((at) 0-3500 RPM) The
motor will be powered by a string of 16 twelve volt deep cycle batteries
(sealed, probably Hawker Genesis G70 if I can afford it; otherwise flooded
Trojan 30XHS). An electronic controller will provide smooth speed control.
Performance estimates are as follow: Maximum speed: 91 MPH; 0-60 MPH in
10 seconds; Range in normal driving: 50-80 miles. Weight will be about
2700-2800 lb (suspension upgrade required); recharge time is dependent on
batteries, charger, and charger input voltage (120 or 240 V) -- anywhere
from 1.5 to 10 hrs.
Since the conversion will put on weight, it is important that the car be
structurally sound to begin with -- hence the need for quality restorative
work. Some may consider this act a sacrilege, but I see it as rescuing an
aging Alpine --- as we know, one of the great (but underappreciated)
British classics -- from the "crusher", and giving it a new lease on life
well into the 21st Century. And, then again, even Rootes didn't balk at the
idea of "swapping" power plants -- hence the Sunbeam Tiger... I'll
probably have to dig deep to complete this project, which explains the
minimal progress thus far :-), but now I think it's time to have a go...
Best regards to all my fellow British Car enthusiasts,
David M Rose
P.S. My 1961 Series II is Carnival Red w/black interior & aluminum
hardtop, has (I think) 136 000 miles, and looks good from a distance, but
has considerable rust in the lower body...
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