Today, Dr Mayf (aka, Larry Mayfield) of Pahrump, NV drove his Sunbeam (shall we say…”modified”) Series V Alpine to a speed of 204.912 mph on the Bonneville Salt Flats, NV.

During the World of Speed event, September 16, 2010 he finally beat the 203.792 mph speed that Sir Henry Segrave ran in 1927. Sir Henry’s record, in his wire wheel, chain driven Sunbeam, was set on the sands of Daytona Beach.

Larry/DrMayf has been working for this day since he bought a rust bucket Alpine from a neighbor when he was working in Huntsville, AL in late summer of 1997. Needless to say he and his lovely wife/best friend/crew chief/co-owner/and many other titles and hats, Cathy are ecstatic.

I must add, he was only running to pass the 1927 Land Speed Record and become the World’s Fastest Sunbeam, and he’s done it!!!

Congratulations!

His website: http://www.mayfco.com/msports.htm
His email: drmayf@mayfco.com
A nice background article by Ed Eslinger

Spotted at Woodstock, 2009

This photo was clipped from the evening news on the 40th anniversary of Woodstock.
What a story could be told about this adventure.
I would sure like to locate the owner of this car.

According to John Grunsfeld, the astronaut on the Hubble telescope repair, owning an Alpine qualifies one as an important life experience for astronauts. Check out segment this recording of Car Talk. The reference is at 5:50seconds. [ed note: I think the original broadcast of this show was on June 6, 2009]

Here’s the link to the rest of the converstations with and about John Grunsfeld and the Magliozzis.

Just the calendar. Nothin’ else.

Month: January February March April May June July August September October November December Year: 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 2033 2034 2035 2036 2037 2038 2039 2040 2041
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Category Key Other Car Events Sunbeam Events

Bring a Sunbeam Here

May 15-16, 2009

The Carlisle Import Kit/Replicar Nationals 2009 is our destination but it’s the camaraderie of the club that is remembered throughout the year!

We will once again kick off the BASH with a visit to Allenberry Resort & Playhouse on Friday evening May 15th. Enjoy dinner (along with Allenberry’s famous sticky buns!) and the comedy, “Steel Magnolia’s”. We hope you can join in on the fun!

Dinner at the playhouse is $51 for each adult.

We will have a tent on the Fairgrounds show field Saturday the 16th which will serve as our hospitality site with donuts and coffee for the early risers and lunch served between 11:30 and 1:30.

Lunch is $8 for each adult. Children under 12 are free.

A tentative excursion to the US Army Heritage & Education Center in Carlisle is being planned for the afternoon. The Heritage Center’s “Living Heritage Day” features reenactments along with exhibits inside and outside the center.

We will wrap up our day with a scenic tour through countryside with a stop for dinner (meal at your own expense).

Please join us for a great weekend with your fellow Sunbeamers!

More info on the Carlisle show is available here

If you have any questions, please contact Carl or Vonda Moon at (717) 600-2021 or at crmoon@comcast.net

Download the flier here with info on sending your payment.

SUNI V – Rapid City, South Dakota, June 21-27, 2009

Download the registration form here

“The headquarters hotel for SUNI V is located at 2111 N Lacrosse St. at Exit 59 off of U S interstate 90 in Rapid City. For those of you with a GPS in your car plug in that address.

The Ramkota Hotel has 267 very spacious rooms with a Western theme decor including 30 two room suites and 3 Jacuzzi Suites. The hotel has one of the Black Hills largest indoor swimming pools plus a spacious indoor water park. The hotel features the Award winning Minerva’s Restaurant and bar. Some of the amenities the hotel has to offer are: Fitness room, business center, in room coffee, tea iron and full size board, hair dryer, movies, voice mail and FREE high speed internet in all guest rooms. Safe deposit boxes are available at the front desk.

Parking

There is ample parking for our Sunbeams, trailers and tow vehicles. For those souvenirs or forgotten items Rushmore Mall is within walking distance.  In addition to Minerva’s restaurant there is TGI Fridays, Denny’s Boston’s, Outback Steak House, Red Lobster, Fuddruckers and Olive Gardens all within walking distance.

Hotel

Reservations are made under SUNI V room block at $104 plus 8% room and $2 occupancy tax. Two room suites add $30. The SUNI V block of rooms includes a continental breakfast each morning.

For hotel reservations call  605-343-8550. For a virtual tour of the hotel go to www.rapidcity/ramkota.com

Download the registration form for the SUNI event here

All Rootes Show and Concours D’Elegance

TE/AE invites owners to display their Rootes vehicles in the All Rootes Show for everyone to enjoy and experience. For those who wish to present their cars to the scrutiny of a judging process, we invite you to participate in the Concours d’Elegance.

The All Rootes Show

All Rootes vehicles are special. Therefore we will provide a windscreen placard for the owner to list some characteristics about the car and its usage. Examples include: original owner; miles driven to the United, per year, since new and since the last United; awards won; unique features or uses; years owned. Even though vehicles on the show field are not formally judged, they are eligible to be selected by popular vote as the most desirable Alpine, Tiger or Rare Rootes vehicle at the Sunbeam United or as the Diamond-in-the-Rough by those in attendance. Enjoy and share your experience with others.

The Concours D’Elegance

While it is recognized that the largest quantity of Rootes vehicles preserved are Alpines and Tigers, TE/AE strives for the uniform recognition of ALL Rootes vehicles. Two distinct classes have been established: Stock for those owners whose intent is for their vehicles to represent the appearance and functional characteristics as produced at the factory and personalized for those owners whose intent is to enhance factory appearance and function (performance).

Class Descriptions

Stock

This class recognizes those vehicles that are intended to represent an “as manufactured” condition. Vehicles in this class were produced by Rootes manufacturing or an authorized coachwork company for sale to the retail public for use on public roads. Excludes Rootes race prepared and promotional vehicles.

Personalized

Vehicles in this class incorporate modern quality and engineering enhancements to the original appearance and functional items. Changes are typically considered as upgrades to factory offered appearance and functional items. Includes non-factory prepared race prepared vehicles.

Vehicle Categories

• Stock Alpine -1959 through 1968 roadsters
• Stock Tiger -1964 through 1967 roadsters
• Personalized Alpine – 1959 through 1968 roadsters
• Personalized Tiger – 1964 through 1967 roadsters
• Rare Rootes, Stock -For all Rootes vehicles other than 1959 through 1968 Alpine and Tigers. Includes Sedans, Roadsters, Estate wagons, Utility, Caravans, etc., Rootes authorized or factory prepared race and promotional vehicles and custom coachwork vehicles.
• Premiere Rootes – For vehicles that have won first place in their class in any national Sunbeam Marque club event during the previous thirty-six months. This category is intended to set a higher standard for concours presentation and as such will be a Judges vote based on a comparison of vehicles present with consideration given to the class and category the vehicle represents.

Guidelines for Determining Classification

To help you determine if your vehicle should be considered Stock or Personalized, identify modifications below that have been incorporated. These are guidelines. Not rules. It is in your best interest to place the vehicle in the class where it will be compared to other vehicles for similar characteristics. Please contact the Concours d’Elegance chairperson if you are uncertain.

1. Custom paint, different than factory code # (excludes “hue” differences)
2. Non-factory or non-LAT wheels
3. Non-stock appearing interior, upholstery, rugs
4. Chrome and trim changes
5. Custom steering wheel
6. Deletions of significant trim (i.e. bumper over-riders, grille bars, badges, etc.)
7. Non-stock appearing dashboard or crash pad
8. Non-LAT scoop or louvers
9. Non-factory lighting accessories
10. External engine performance modifications (non-LAT bolt-ons)
11. Engine compartment alterations (cooling louvers, etc.)
12. Roll bars
13. Obvious suspension modifications
14. Trunk modifications (Fuel cells, etc.)
15. Radical exhaust or side pipes
16. Different type engine (e.g. rotary, Toyota, V6, non-small block Ford V8)
17. Non-dealer installed tape players, radios, accessories, etc.

Showing Instructions

Questions on classifications must be settled prior to judging. Consult the Concours d’Elegance Chairperson if assistance is desired in determining classification. Contact information on registration form.

Your car will be judged as presented on the field and you should be present to open the doors, hood and trunk and to start your engine when asked or provide permission before judging starts for your car to be judged unattended.

Ashtrays and glove box should be empty and clean. Console may contain functional items such as registration, sunglasses, etc. The car’s (hard or soft) top must be on/up to receive full judging credit.

Any car found to be misclassified by its owner(s) will be significantly downgraded in the evaluation. Classification decisions of the Chairman of the Concours d’Elegance are final.

Judging Criteria

The major categories in which the each car will be judged are listed below. The points associated with each category and specific judging criteria vary by the judging class and are listed on the associated Judging Criteria Sheets.

• Exterior
• Chassis
• Engine Compartment
• Interior
• Trunk
• Function Test

Teams of judges will do the judging, each team scoring one or more particular classifications (exterior, chassis, etc.). In addition to the judges, advisors will be appointed to provide classification/expertise as necessary. Resource information available from acceptable recognized Marque experts will be used to train judges and settle conflicts. The Concours Chairman will resolve conflicts. An appeal may be submitted in writing to the TE/AE Board of Directors.

Stock Classes

Stock appearance should represent the original patina of the car as manufactured. The desired finish and texture of the paint, chrome, interior, engine compartment, trunk, chassis and other elements shall be as originally manufactured. This includes paint with some “orange peel”, grinding and polishing marks under chrome plating, original wiring harnesses and terminals, etc. High luster show quality paint and chrome is a deviation from stock appearance. Attempts to replace original equipment as closely as possible, such as upholstery and paint colors are acceptable and encouraged. Modifications and miscellaneous additions will tend to reduce total points in this class. Replacement service items will not be considered as modifications. For example, spark plugs and wires, distributor cap, coolant hoses and clamps, filters, bolts, etc. However, when scores are close or tied, vehicles with the most features (hardware, trim, etc.) accurately replicating factory conditions will achieve the higher score. These stock criteria are aimed at recognizing those cars/owners who strive for a true stock condition.

Personalized Classes

Personalized appearance represents visual and mechanical engineering changes to original interior, exterior, trunk, electrics, etc. that improve overall appearance and/or performance but retain the original design appearance and functional upgrades of existing factory features. Non-standard paint, top and interior colors are acceptable. Included in this class are vehicles with radical, non-typical, changes that depart from original visual and mechanical design. Examples include sheet metal alterations, different engine types (V-6, rotary, Toyota, non-small block V8, Alpines with a V-8), engine blowers, turbo chargers, fuel Injection, etc.), replacement or enhancement of the Sunbeam suspension with another type, non-stock engine position, non-stock drive-line, frame or body alterations for racing, elimination or replacement of a combination of original interior/exterior items with non-Sunbeam related items (different seats, dash, bumpers, gauges, fuel cells, roll cages).

Rare Rootes

Rare Rootes judging will be based on a comparison of vehicles present in class (Stock or Personalized) with consideration given to the class the vehicle represents. Vehicles campaigned solely in national or international sanctioned race organization events are candidates for this class. Vehicle results are compared to those in the Rare Rootes class to determine the class winner.

Premiere Rootes

Premiere Rootes judging will be by a Judge’s vote. Judges will base their assessments on a comparison of vehicles present in class (Stock or Personalized) with consideration given to the class the vehicle represents.

Award Presentations

Awards will be presented in the following vehicle categories:

Judged Concours d’Elegance (trophies awarded)

• Stock Alpine (1st, 2nd, 3rd)
• Stock Tiger (1st, 2nd, 3rd)
• Personalized Alpine (1st, 2nd, 3rd)
• Personalized Tiger (1st, 2nd, 3rd)
• Rare Rootes (Award(s) for all Rootes vehicles (Non-Alpine/Tiger) combined (1st, 2nd, 3rd).
• Premiere Rootes (Judges Vote) (1st, 2nd, 3rd)

Popular Vote (For Vehicles in All Rootes Show and Concours d’Elegance)

The Popular Vote categories are open to vehicles in the All Rootes Show and the Concours d’Elegance. Individuals registered for the event will receive a ballot with which they can vote for their favorite cars. Vote for the most desirable vehicle in each category below from all vehicles entered in the Concours d’Elegance, including Premier, Personalized, Stock Class and the All Rootes Show.

• Most Desirable Alpine (Chosen from all 1959 through 1968 Alpine roadsters)
• Most Desirable Tiger (Chosen from all 1964 through 1967 Tiger roadsters)
• Most Desirable Rare Rootes Vehicle (Chosen from all Rare Rootes Class vehicles)
• Diamond-in-the-Rough (Any Rootes vehicle)
• The Most Desirable ROOTES vehicle (Any Rootes vehicle)

Popular Vote Guidelines

Most Desirable
Your choice of the vehicle in each category that you would like to own.

Most Desirable ROOTES
Your choice of each of the vehicle from all categories, that in your opinion, best represents the marque in appearance and condition.

Diamond-in-the-Rough
This class rewards the one car that is the most esthetically challenged vehicle which the owner has demonstratively and enthusiastically shown to be their “Personal Pride” by overcoming obstacles of sneering, jeering, and lack of apparent vehicle mechanical integrity and comfort. It is un-restored or unfinished, it is rough, it may even be ugly, but it has that operational and visual patina and quality that sets it apart from the others.

Long Distance Award
This award is given to the Rootes vehicle that was driven longest distance to the United. The winner will be determined by the mileage noted on the windscreen placard of the vehicles in the Rootes Show or the Concours d’Elegance.

Additional Resources

West Coast autocross and classifications and rules

West Coast Tigers United Workbook

updated 6/21/05

as reported by Stu Brennan
TigersUnited

Jim Morrison’s Tiger won the “Best of Show” trophy at British Car Day, at
The Museum of Transportation in Brookline, MA. That Jim’s Tiger is one of
the finest around, no one will argue. It carries the shiniest black paint
you can imagine, and looks fairly original from a distance. But, open the
hood…….

There were about 100 cars entered, about half the normal turnout due to poor
weather forecasts (Rain was predicted but stayed away). This was a popular
vote concours, with the entrants voting for their favorites in each marque
class, plus the overall champion. The attendance may have been down, but
the quality of entries was as high as usual. We had everything from
pristine Rolls Royces to racy Lotuses (Loti?), to “better than factory”
MG’s, to a Bond three wheeler (Where does the mower deck attach?).

There are two significant things to note in Jim’s victory. First, the other
owners recognized the Sunbeam marque, which has never had more than a
handful of cars present in the 13 year history event (only two this year).
Second, a highly modified car won, over many excellent restorations, from
whose ranks most past winners emerged. Jim’s dual quad setup would never be
mistaken for “factory”. Is this the beginning of a trend? Has this been
noticed elsewhere?

Anyway, congratulations to Jim on his fine victory!

Jim Anderson
Published in Rootes Review August 2008

There’s been some misinformation floating around about the trademark issue and this may clear some things up.

The name “Sunbeam Alpine” for automotive and associated products (such as T-shirts, caps, etc) was denied in May to Michael Hughes (not Holmes) of Duluth, GA and Carson City, NV.

He still has applications pending for the names “Sunbeam Tiger” and “Sunbeam” but Frank Mooney, the trademark attorney (Tiger and Alpine owner, a member of TE/AE) has filed opposition to both applications and the cases are now pending. The fees for the opposition motions are being paid by various Sunbeam clubs, but Frank is working for love.

Our opposition is based on the history going back to the original sales of the cars in this country and publication in club newsletters.

Under trademark law, the names in contention are only for automotive and associated purposes (see above), so Sunbeam kitchen appliances and Sunbeam bakeries are not affected and they are not involved. In the same way, Delta kitchen faucets are trademarked but that doesn’t affect Delta Airlines.

[Ed. note: Fred Baum] Thanks for the update, Jim. Please continue to inform us of changes in this very critical matter.