Descrição
EVER since childhood, the Sunbeam Rapier has remained one of my favourite makes and models. And that's going back more decades than I care to remember!
Their sleek, pillarless Trans-Atlantic styling with those stunning rear fins simply jumped out at me. And that oh so cool styling still does it today. And here's a super example in light blue with navy blue roof and side flash.
This is a rare Series II model, the first of the Rapiers to be adorned with those fins. The Series 1 had flat rollover rear wing tops. She is the 1500cc model but doesn't half fly along. I thoroughly enjoyed my drive out today. And then I was treated to another pleasant surprise. She stops. Yes, that's right. She has brakes and since they are servo assisted, you damned well get to realise it pretty quickly. A lovely, bonny little 4-seater sports saloon. Converted from column to floor change and what I would describe as being a real "driver's car!" There is an overdrive switch fitted to the right hand side of the steering column and, by the look of it, I would say it is original. She would not switch into overdrive on my trip out today but more often than not, the problem is simply a solenoid fault. A 1959 Series II, registered here in the UK three years ago and thus my guess is that she was a South African car. Always a huge plus in my book. Hot, dry climate which would explain her solidity and of course RHD.
I have been trading in classic cars on a full-time basis for 25 years now. My descriptions are based on my own opinions and I do try as hard as I can not to be led by the heart as I have been obsessed with "older cars" ever since I was old enough to know what a motor car was! Please don't come and spend an hour hitting them and making the mistake of comparing the vehicle's condition to the one-year-old Audi you arrived in. They are antiques on wheels with stories to tell. They represent a part of social and economic history from the last Century. They need to be given good homes where time and love can be lavished on them. I do not restore them or spend countless hours polishing them. I consider myself to be one of the UK's foremost finders of eclectic classic cars and hence my pricing knocks many of my competitors into a cocked hat. Well, maybe a trilby would suit my little world better.
My cars are sold as old, mainly out-dated machines and are sold without any comeback whatsoever. Please don't ring a week down the line and tell me that the rev counter isn't working or that your friend had a look and found a hole somewhere. Their age dictates that work will always be ongoing. If you are not prepared for that, then don't buy a classic car. This example is 64-years-old! They are my terms and conditions.
Please bear all this in mind, and enjoy your classic car. I can also assist with delivery and so please ask for a quote.
