"This do-it-yourself Workshop Manual has been specially written for the owner who wishes to maintain his car in first class condition and to carry out his own servicing and repairs."from the introduction of Sunbeam Rapier, Alpine 1955-65 Autobook by Kenneth Ball, published 1970 Autopress Limited.
This is a repair manual for the Sunbeam Rapier and Sunbeam Alpine, somewhat obscure British cars. I had always loved the Sunbeam Alpine, it is a simple 4 cylinder sports car developed to compete with the no frills MG and Triumphs in the 1960s. Also, Roots Group (the parent company of Sunbeam) launched the Sunbeam Tiger, the car that Maxwell Smart drove in Get Smart (remember?). Well, I picked up this amazing manual (I don't have an Alpine yet) at a swap meet in the summer, the cover is brown vinyl - attractive and easy to clean - and the illustrations are beautiful (hand drawn, of course), the exploded views are detailed, informative and easy to follow. I drive a 1969 BMW 2002 as my only car, and I do work on it frequently (watch for upcoming posts), so having a good workshop manual is key. As a designer, I find these info graphics seductive. I wonder how I can use this in my work some day?