1962 Sunbeam Harrington Le Mans
The Sunbeam Harrington Le Mans was a limited-production fastback coupé derived from the Alpine Series II, unveiled at the 1961 Earls Court Motor Show and named in recognition of a class victory at Le Mans that year. This right-hand-drive example, built in 1962, has a documented early competition history including entries in the 1962 International Scottish Rally and the 1962 RAC Rally alongside co-driver and motoring journalist Graham Gauld. After a period of obscurity, the car was revived by a subsequent owner who converted it to a 2-litre Weber-carburetted specification and refurbished the interior. It remains eligible for historic motorsport and is accompanied by two history folders and registration with the Sunbeam Harrington Le Mans marque register.
Ownership
- 2024-02-23Auction saleEstimate £35,000 – £40,000
- 2024-02-23Auction saleEstimate £35,000 – £40,000
- 2024-02-24Auction saleEstimate £35,000 – £40,000
- 2024-08-24Auction saleEstimate £25,000 – £30,000
- 1962 →Factory deliveryJohn Melvinpartial documentation
Scottish club racer who purchased the car new; used it in two rally events before selling it after repairs at his own workshop following the 1962 RAC Rally retirement.
- Date unknownUnknown Irish owner(s)none documentation
Car re-emerged in Ireland during the 1970s after an undocumented period; details of this ownership are unknown.
- Date unknownPrivate saleGeorge McWaterspartial documentation
Undertook a comprehensive mechanical and cosmetic upgrade programme, converting the car to a 2-litre Weber specification and refurbishing the interior in Biscuit with green detailing.
- Date unknownAcquisition unknownCurrent vendorpartial documentation
Commissioned a recommissioning service in September 2023 ahead of offering the car for sale; holds two history folders, the original green log book, and marque-register documentation.
Competition
- 1962-06-011962 International Scottish RallyDriver: John MelvinDNF — water ingress to electrics
Co-driven by W. Gordon Bennett; the car retired after a water splash saturated the electrical system. Melvin regarded the event primarily as a shakedown ahead of the RAC Rally.
- 1962-11-011962 RAC RallyDriver: John MelvinDNF — fuel tank damage
Co-driven by Graham Gauld after original co-driver Gordon Bennett withdrew due to a bereavement. The car suffered collapsed rear dampers from a rock strike, then sustained repeated fuel-tank splits; it ran with car number 73 and was part of an informal two-car Harrington Le Mans team alongside MEL 63.
Maintenance & restoration
- 1962RepairJohn Melvin's workshop
Damage sustained during the 1962 RAC Rally — including a split fuel tank and a flattened fuel line — was remedied at the owner's own workshop prior to the car being sold.
- 2023ServiceMech Repairs, Cheltenham
Recommissioning after a dormant period: fresh fuel and hoses, carburettors stripped and cleaned, oil and filter renewed, brakes inspected, and a rolling-road Crypton tune carried out. Invoice on file totalling £1,698.
- —Restoration
Comprehensive upgrade carried out by George McWaters: engine bored to 2 litres with twin 40DCOE Weber carburettors, alloy cylinder head converted for unleaded fuel, high-capacity alloy radiator, uprated brake callipers, adjustable rear dampers, Minilite-style alloy wheels, and a new stainless steel fuel tank. Exterior repainted from red to Forest Green. Interior re-trimmed in Biscuit leather with green piping and wool carpets, and a wood-rimmed steering wheel fitted.
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