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Kenvb · 06-05-2021, 07:13 PM

i found a Sprite Alpine S in a back yard. that almost matches color of my 57 Chev. it was a UK company that was also built in Nappanee,Indiana , the spec sheet doesnt say the year. i am going to register it and they need a yr?
it has mecahnical surge brakes cables from the frt hitch operate the brakes.that still work too.

ScttBvr · 06-05-2021, 08:30 PM

Those tires might give you a good idea if they are close to original. Otherwise do some Google searches on the stove and other appliances. That would give you a good ballpark guess.

PatriciaM · 06-05-2021, 08:32 PM

I think it is from the 1970s. Is there a date at the bottom of the spec sheet, after "OEM"?

The tire size of 6:50 x 13 was used in the 1970s, before the tire nomenclature changed. Also, VINS were standardized to 17 digits in 1981, so definitely before then.

Here is an old article about the Swift Alpine, being towed at the Baja race- it may be of interest to you?
A Baja with a little extra "South of the Border" flavor

It is a beautiful color!

ScttBvr · 06-05-2021, 08:32 PM

Oh!! Check the tail lights for a year, they used to stamp them there

Kenvb · 06-05-2021, 08:59 PM

tires were changed in 01. so were taillights.
yes, saw that trailer being hauled in the race..dont think it would be in shape for camping after that.
theres quite a bit of info on internet on these that were built in the UK.but nothing on the US built ones.

Argosy · 06-06-2021, 09:29 AM

https://www.classicwinnebagos.com/fo...=13666.90;wap2

That message is from 2017, the guy had been asked to write a book about Sprite in the US, he has (had) an email address, might be worth trying to contact.

F76Marion · 06-06-2021, 11:24 AM

if all else fails, try posting this over at Tin Can Tourists. Those people love the old things. Barring that, make up a year. Who will know?

Frank

Kenvb · 06-17-2021, 05:03 PM

no one has replyed with any knowledge of these.. is supposed to be RV Museum in Indiana too that i emailed and phoned..no reply from them either.must not have been many imported to Indiana . all scrapped by now.oh well. i got a new spare rim from Fleabay and got all the 12 volt and 1 110 volt plug to work . the invertor works too. new tires. sandblasted and painted rims.repacked the brgs. chrome nuts.even the mechanical surge brakes work
removed the homemade 2x4 bunkbed.vacummed and removed some old wall paper. we wont use it just for me to pull to car shows that i stay in rather than a $200 motel.

amosnandy · 06-17-2021, 05:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kenvb

i found a Sprite Alpine S in a back yard. that almost matches color of my 57 Chev. it was a UK company that was also built in Nappanee,Indiana , the spec sheet doesnt say the year. i am going to register it and they need a yr?
it has mecahnical surge brakes cables from the frt hitch operate the brakes.that still work too.

That is a 1964. I assume you don't have a title so they are issuing a new title based on a bill of sale or something? Tell them it's a 1964. A guy from Minnesota camped in one just like it being pulled by a 1963 Buick wildcat with a weight distribution hitch.

The later ones had smooth sidewalls.

Kenvb · 08-10-2021, 05:24 PM

Amosnandy. i did get a email from son of guy that sold these in Indiana. they were first brought in in Jan 1970. mine is a 69 leftover..so i registered it as that.