Descrição
THE Sunbeam Rapier IIIA is a pretty rare beast and was the first model within the Rapier range to be given a 1600cc engine with twin Zenith carbs. This resulted in an output of 80bhp, no mean feat for a British sports saloon in the early sixties!
This totally delightful example, registered in June 1962, still wears her original livery of Dawn Mist of Midnight Blue. She has covered a mere 65, 000 miles in 57 years (believed correct), covering just 5, 000 of that total within the past 13 years. From that alone, you can glean the amount of gentle use she has had.
In the mid-90s, she was treated to a total strip down and full restoration. Photos are included in the car's mammoth history file. Use since then has been minimal. However, in the past year or two alone, she has been treated to the following. A new aluminium head, professionally skimmed by members of the Sunbeam Rapier Owners Club, new valves, stainless steel exhaust, twin carbs totally rebuilt, new water pump, electrics re-wired, full carpet site in contrasting light blue.
She has an MoT until October, 2020 even though she no longer requires one.
Condition-wise, she is tip-top. Body panels are exceptionally straight and totally free of any inherent. The paintwork remains in super order, to say that she was painted around 25 years ago. That said, it just goes to prove how good she must be beneath that external finish!
Her interior is just as impressive and all seats are un-damaged. The wooden dash and all sports clocks are in superb order as is the headlining.
Naturally, she is a pillarless coupe and all four windows operate correctly in order to create that open air look. Underneath, she is excellent. There is nothing to even consider in that department.
On the road, she performs as she ought to with overdrive instant on both 3rd and 4th gears. She really handles and sounds like a classic 1960s sports saloon! In my opinion, she will be as good as pretty much any out there and better than most. If it's a Rapier you are after, then I suggest you take a look at mine.
She is not a new car, nor is she a three-year-old used car. She is a piece of antique motoring history and, as such will have quirks and maybe even the odd fault. Anyway, she is what she is. These old gems - in this case 57-years-old are sold as seen. Should you buy without viewing, then she is sold on the basis of the advertisement you have read the photos, or extra photos, you have seen as well with the assistance of any answers to questions you have received from me. Treat these classics with the respect they deserve and make sure they have love, time and effort lavished on them. Even the very best need permanent on going care. Practically all will have undergone a degree of restoration work or improvement at some stage. If it's a three-year-old car dating from the 1960s that you are after, then you are out of luck. Short of acquiring a Tardis that is.
Anyway, thanks for reading. I am here to answer any questions you may have and, remember, that I also provide a delivery service. Martin the details below)
