Descrizione
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The 3A Rapier was launched by Rootes in 1961. It was was identical to the series 3 model but with various technical upgrades including a stronger crank and con-rods and larger anti-roll bar, making it a robust and popular choice for classic rallying.
This car is a 1963 3A in its original colour of Bronze with a black flash. The older style V5 shows number of previous owners, “none” although the original buff logbook shows three owners before 1970. The mileage, which is almost certainly correct is 58, 000 and the car is still registered on its Essex number, “440 NOO”. The V5 (issued 1995) shows the number as non transferable (common practice by the DVLA for cars that dropped off the system in the 1970’s). It’s possible but by no means certain that a new V5 may come back with the registration number as transferable.
In the 90’s a comprehensive restoration was started but not completed. Some underside welding was completed to a good standard and as far as we can see, no further work is required. The upper body has had plates in the bottom of the front and rear wings and passenger door. Some of these repairs require tidying (plus a few additional small ones), the rear valance is tired and there is an area at the back of the o/ s/ f inner wing which needs plating. Most of the hard work is done and much of the body is very straight. The interior trim is well preserved, with the exception of the original carpet set, the dashboard is in good order and all of the gauges are present and working.
When we collected this car it had been in dry storage since 1996 and had not run for 10 years. With a new battery fitted, fresh fuel and a clean of the points and plugs, it started first time. The engine and gearbox are good and we have freed off the brakes, mended the overdrive and fitted a new brake pipe. It is now running and driving but further re-commissioning will be required before it can be used to travel any distance. The dynamo needs an overhaul and the exhaust is tired in places and the tyres are finished but other than that, nothing of great expense. Some of the bright-work has been removed, it’s all with the car but much of it is tired.
In summary, a straightforward project that could be on the road with a couple of weekends work and improved as required. With prices of the best cars now £12k to £15k and good projects virtually impossible to find, this car offers good value for money.
