Hemmings Find of the Day – 1961 Sunbeam Harrington

Published by Mike on September 24, 2013

There’s more than one way to get a factory hot rod Sunbeam Alpine. While the American way is to stuff a big V-8 into it, a la the Tiger, the British way is rather more exemplified by this 1961 Sunbeam Harrington for sale on Hemmings.com, a fastback and finned version with a Hartwell performance-tuned four-cylinder engine. While it looks stock (and gorgeous, thanks to a full restoration), it sports a five-speed transmission for increased driveability. From the seller’s description:

If this is not the best Sunbeam Harrington in the world, I would be surprised. Completely restored right down to every nut and bolt; it is incredible. Our asking price of $76,000 is near one half of what has been spent on this car. Done right, done well, this Sunbeam is READY. The only deviation from stock is a 5 speed transmission stealthed in.
Harringtons are a limited production car. Harrington Limited did the coachwork on the Sunbeam Alpine and Hartwell did three levels of performance upgrades. This car has level 3 performance upgrade and it moves right along. The two dual choke Weber carburetors are well tuned and the engine has a distinct sound. The suspension is firm, but has great ride quality. The interior has yards and yards of premium leather and the finest wood working we have seen. The 5 speed transmission makes this a great highway car. The sheetmetal is very very straight and the paintwork is perfection.