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Initially, while inspecting the car for purchase, the only information I could find was a cigar box full of receipts for an older series Alpine, which was confusing. Later in the week, I had time to unpack the boxes of parts. At the bottom of one box was a piece of cardboard which covered a set of documents. These turned out to be mechanic's notes describing the preparation of the car for Daytona as well as letters from Dan Carmichael.

I then came across a photo of the Sports Car Forum Series I Alpine in Richard Langworth's Book, Tiger Alpine, Rapier, and it mentioned that Don had won the National championship and Dan had also done very well, winning the Central Division Championship. The photo showed what may have been a Series I or II Alpine, I would later confirm that is was a Series I but it definitely was not my car. On the other hand, there were some distinct similarities between the photos and my car. At this point I was still under the impression that a Series I or II big fin car won the National Championship in 1964. I thought that the car that I found might have been the second team car.

Still unsure that this was a Sports Car Forum team car, I called Don Sesslar and asked if he could remember the car. He did and we were able to compare notes and details. Don was very helpful. I suspect he was as excited as I was when we started to realize this was not only the car he raced, but the car he won the championship in. Most of the details matched, with the exception of the roll bar. Sports Car Forum cars always had extremely squared off roll bars.

Then I called Dan Carmichael, he said he had driven many Sunbeams and couldn't remember much about the car. He did shed some light on the activities of Sports Car Forum. I thought it would be best if I mailed him a set of photos for Dan to review. I was very surprised when he called me back a few days later. He believed it to be his car but wasn't positive. Ironically, I mention that I couldn't see any markings of #74 left but could make out the faint outline of #35. This turned out to be the old number Dan used to race under.

Both Dan and Don had wonderful things to say about the Alpine and its performance on the track. Even though it was refined in terms of race preparation, it was almost a stock Alpine. The suspension had very little modification. Don seems to feel that the car may have been running stock springs. The notes mentioned that the rear leaf springs had been de-arched.

 

1968

Dan had taken over the maintenance and preparation to race the Series IV in 1967. By 1968 it appears from these cards that he was looking to sell the race car. These cards are postmarked March and April of 68. By May 1968, I believe the car was in the hands of the new owner. I have doubts that this car was even raced after the sale in 1968. Today, the engine appears to have suffered from a broken valve retainer.

The letters from Dan Carmichael which started my search for the history of this car. The car is still shod with the Goodyears and I have the spares listed. Even the boxes of valves has one missing as the letter describes.

	An unusual tie with the Hollywood Sports Car team: Doane Spencer, of Hollywood Sports Cars, made rear-ends for the Sunbeam . He would machine a Studebaker differential to fit the Sunbeam housing. Then Studebaker axles would be cut to fit. In the Daytona notes it mentions Plymouth axles with a 4.86 ring gear.
	Various notes and DANA spare parts lead me to believe there may be a Dana Model 23, possibly the Studebaker setup, in this car . It will be exciting to pull the rear axle. BTW, this was a $300+ option in 1964/65. Remember the car new was only $2399.

Images from April, 2000- please click for enlargements
	The Series IV shortly after being picked up. 30 years of dirt built up. Even though it was grungy I felt that it would clean up very well with some effort.
	Rear view of the Series IV. There are many paint chips on the front apron, rockers and fender flairs. I continue to wonder could have this been the way the car last appeared in its final race.
	The details of the windshield and mirrors resemble the early Series I car. It was the photo of the Series I that also convinced me to pursue the search for the history.
	Original stickers found on the firewall. Oilzum and a Wachholz Precision Balancing logo. The brown goo on the firewall was from something that was spilled on the car while in storage for 30 years. Careful cleaning may save these. At least I have extra Wacholz Balancing stickers. I will have to be very careful with the Oilzum sticker.
	Although the outside of the car is still dirty in this image, the interior looks great after being cleaned up. The seats are fantastic...they should be. I bet the car has less than 5000 miles....
	My 4 year old dreaming of his own car... someday

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