Ep 7. Sunbeam Alpine

Car SOS is a British TV show, dedicated to classic car restoration. In the fifth season, episode 7, they are restoring a beautiful Sunbeam Alpine.

In this episode, the team receives a letter from Sue, who wants to surprise her husband, Neil, for his 50th birthday. Neil used to have a Sunbeam Alpine, which he was very fond of, but had to sell it 25 years ago to raise funds for their growing family. Now that their children have flown the nest, Sue thinks it's the perfect time to give Neil the gift of his life.

The car in question is a 1964 Sunbeam Alpine Series IV, which has spent the past couple of decades hidden away in a garage. The team starts by pulling it out and doing a thorough inspection to assess the extent of the damage and create a plan of action.

As expected, the car has numerous issues that need to be addressed. The paint is chipped and faded, the engine is seized, and the braking system is non-existent. Moreover, the car has been modified over the years, with numerous non-original parts added, which need to be removed and replaced with original ones.

The first step in the restoration process is to strip the car down to its base components. Most of the parts, such as the engine, transmission, and suspension, need to be overhauled, if not replaced. The bodywork needs major surgery as well, which includes a full respray in a bright cherry-red color.

As always, the team faces plenty of challenges during the restoration process. The Sunbeam Alpine is a rare car, so finding original parts can be difficult and time-consuming. Additionally, the engine proves to be a particular issue, as it has rusted solid, with some parts needing to be cut off.

Despite all the obstacles, the team manages to get the little Sunbeam Alpine back on the road and looking like new. The finished car is a beauty to behold, with its sleek lines, cherry-red paint job, and restored trim. The interior has also been given a new lease of life, with a fresh seating arrangement, new carpets, and original door panels.

Once the car is completed, it's time for the big reveal. The team takes the Sunbeam Alpine to Neil's place of work, where Sue has arranged for him to come outside for a break. When they see the car, Neil is amazed, and there's not a dry eye in sight. He's blown away by the restoration, and it's evident that the car has a deep emotional significance to him.

Ultimately, the Sunbeam Alpine's restoration is more than just a car repair job. It's an emotional reunion between a man and his beloved car. The team's thorough work and attention to detail have brought life back into the car and the owner. We can't wait to see what the next episode brings.