Dinky Toys 101/107; Sunbeam Alpine

Ian Fleming wrote Dr No in 1957, the Sunbeam Alpine driven in the movie by Sean Connery as James Bond was launched in 1959. When Fleming wrote the book and had Bond driving Strangways' Alpine, this is what a Sunbeam Alpine looked like. So in movie terms, if not in book terms, this could be said to be the first James Bond car.

The Alpine was derived from the Sunbeam-Talbot 90 Saloon, and has become colloquially known as the "Talbot" Alpine. It was a two-seater sports roadster initially developed for a one-off rally car by Bournemouth Sunbeam-Talbot dealer George Hartnell. It had its beginnings as a 1952 Sunbeam-Talbot drophead coupé. Announced in March 1953 it received its name following Sunbeam-Talbot saloons successes in the Alpine Rally during the early 1950s. On its first competitive outing, the July 1953 Coupe des Alpes, the new car won the Coupe des Dames (Sheila van Damm) and, without loss of any marks, four Coupes des Alpes driven by Stirling Moss, John Fitch, G Murray-Frame and Sheila van Damm.

The Dinky was made from 1955 to 1959 in Competition Finish and 1957 to 1960 in Touring Finish.

Dinky Toys 107; Sunbeam Alpine; Competition, Blue, Cream Seats, RN26, White Driver	Dinky Toys 101; Sunbeam Alpine; Light Blue, Dark Blue Interior, Blue Hubs, Grey Driver

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Last Edit: 31/01/2021		Page Added 15/01/2021