In a message dated 3/5/01 6:26:14 PM Pacific Standard Time,
the_blues@worldnet.att.net writes:
<< Speaking of Alpines and "doner" production cars, why did Rootes stop
production of the Alpine? >>
As others have posted, the end of the Audax line could of had something to do
with it but, according to Graham Robson, in his "Complete Story" book, it was
a business decision based on the Alpine's 'performance.'
Page 143:
"Following the final Chrysler takeover, a group of us motoring writers
met the new Rootes/Chrysler chief executive, Gilbert Hunt. In the middle of
an affable with him, I mentioned the Alpine, commented that its marketing
seemed to be running down, but suggested that at least it must have made some
money for Rootes in the past?
"Hunt, a businessman rather than an enthusiast, looked at me, raised an
eyebrow, pursed his lips, and made one short, and rather chilling comment:
'Not according to the figures I see, it hasn't.'
"I knew then...the Alpine's days were numbered."
Dick Sanders
Seattle
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