The Story Behind Grace Kelly’s 1953 Sunbeam Alpine in ‘To Catch a Thief’

Grace Kelly’s character in Alfred Hitchcock’s 1955 film ‘To Catch a Thief’ drove a first-generation Sunbeam Alpine roadster, manufactured by England’s Sunbeam-Talbot Company from 1953 to 1955. Selecting the right car for the film was a challenge. Hitchcock considered various vehicles, including a Jaguar and Mercedes 190SL, but they were deemed either too powerful or bulky for the character of a refined, wealthy socialite. The American Ford Thunderbird was also rejected for its lack of European charm. The perfect choice emerged when Hitchcock’s wife, Alma, spotted an advertisement for the new Alpine roadster. Its sleek design and stylish appeal made it ideal for the film. The most memorable scene features a high-speed chase along the Moyenne Corniche road above Monaco—the same area where Grace Kelly tragically passed away in a car accident in 1982. The whereabouts of the original film car remain unknown, and a 2006 episode of History Detectives debunked claims of its existence after a VIN comparison. In 2012, Prince Albert II of Monaco acquired a restored replica for his car collection to honor his mother’s legacy, preserving a piece of cinematic history tied to Grace Kelly’s iconic image.