Placerville, California is a lovely little hamlet tucked away in the beautiful foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains. Placerville is home to a vibrant population of classic vehicle enthusiasts and is also the site of a genuine automotive treasure: a 1965 Sunbeam Alpine IV.

Car enthusiasts all over the world have fallen head over heels for this fast British roadster. One Alpine IV in particular stands out in Placerville; its owner, Michael Hastings, takes great pride in it and takes great pains to keep it in pristine condition.

“I’ve always been captivated by the Alpine’s classic good looks and exhilarating handling,” Hastings remarks, running his fingers along the chrome-accented body of the car. “When I stumbled upon this ’65 model a few years back, I knew I had to add it to my collection.”

A real tribute to the artistry of Sunbeam’s engineers is Hastings’ Alpine IV. A 1.7-liter inline four-cylinder engine producing 93 horsepower is housed beneath the tall, sculpted bonnet. The Alpine IV’s four-speed manual gearbox takes drivers on a journey through time, to the heyday of British sports cars.

“The way this car handles the winding roads around Placerville is simply exhilarating,” says Hastings. “The nimble chassis, the responsive steering, and the satisfying feedback from the suspension – it’s a driving experience that’s hard to replicate in modern vehicles.”

The Sunbeam Alpine IV has stunning good looks to go along with its outstanding performance. At every turn, admiring looks are directed towards the car’s sleek profile and its unique hardtop that resembles a dorsal fin. Hastings has taken great care to preserve the car’s original British Racing Green paint, making sure it looks as good as new.

“Placerville is the perfect backdrop for this car,” says Hastings. “The town’s historic charm and the surrounding countryside provide the ideal setting to showcase the Alpine’s timeless beauty.”

It does seem as though time has halted when one sees the 1965 Sunbeam Alpine IV driving through Placerville. Just seeing the car brings back fond memories of a bygone age when driving was more of an art form than a practical necessity.

The 1965 Sunbeam Alpine IV is a treasured relic of the automotive past for Hastings and other Placerville antique car aficionados. Its enduring allure and unmatched driving experience never fail to captivate and inspire.