Sunbeam Alpine Spider Touring

The Sunbeam Alpine Spider was not a new creation of Carrozzeria Touring, but an elaboration and “restyling” of the similar version built in England and was part of the contract block signed with the British Rootes Group, at the end of 1961. In addition to the restyling of this car, the contract included, above all, the assembly line construction of the Hilman Superminx model, (with material largely sourced from England and sheet metal stamped in Italy) and the design and construction of a new model, with Superleggera system: the Sunbeam Venezia. The restyling of the Sunbeam Alpine Spider was very simple and quick, because it consisted, practically, of the “Touring style” makeover of the two rear fins, which were very pronounced, as much as they were unsightly and anachronistic. All the remaining layout of the Sunbeam Alpine Spider with the concepts of the typical English-style spider was retained. An elegant hardtop was made and offered as an option, transforming the car into a pleasant coupe. Production ceased in mid-1964, as with the other two cars, as a result of the collapse of the Rootes Group, which also dragged Touring into a financial abyss that led to its closure at the end of 1966.