Matakohe’s Kauri Museum often attracts vintage and veteran car clubs and on a recent Sunday afternoon a glowing array of Sunbeams and related brands brightened up the car park outside the Memorial Hall.
These lovingly restored cars, lined up in the photo, are being preserved by the Auckland branch of the New Zealand Sunbeam Car Club.
Club President, John Barley, stands nearest to the camera beside his wife Susanne and the red Sunbeam Alpine. On the far left is a Sunbeam Rapier and further right are more Alpines, another Rapier and an older red 1930’s Talbot convertible.
When interviewed, John explained that most of these brands ended up in the Rootes stable and there was a time when they were a common sight on New Zealand roads.
The Alpines apparently have American design connections. It was intended to make them more attractive to American buyers who wanted a smaller version of the larger American sports cars from Ford etc.
This can certainly be seen in their stylish fins when they are viewed from the rear. If you have a Sunbeam in your garage or want to know more about them, you can contact Don Wakefield at 09 439 7992 or email john@barley.co.nz.
