The first Rootes product to use the Alpine name was the 1953-1955 Sunbeam-Talbot 90 -based t wo -seater. However, work on a new sports car began in 1956, and for it the company decided to use the floorpan of the for thcoming Hillman Audax Minx and the 1494 cc engine from the Rapier. Ken Howes devised the svelte body work, and he later recalled: 'It was looked upon as a completely new car that would be a break with the past. It was basically an intuitive design. I wanted a sports car that would be slightly ahead of the competition, one projected into the future.' The specification for this new beast would include exterior door handles and winding windows, as befitting a car aimed at the US export market.
The company initially considered naming the latest Sunbeam a Sabre, but the Rootes brothers preferred Alpine. Five prototypes – three RHD and two LHD – took part in ex tensive tests during 1958, with the launch in Cannes on 2nd July, 1959. The Motor praised how it offered 'comfor table yet nimble transpor t.' John Bolster of Autosport was equally impressed – he found it handled 'like a real sports car' and that 'for the man who does
