Description
TODAY Martin Howey Classics (Est. 26 years) offers for sale a 1958 Sunbeam Rapier Series II. This early Rapier is a mega rare model these days. Note the early style dash with the "sporting clocks" fixed above the dash, unlike the later models where they were incorporated into the main dashboard. Other bits and pieces such as the prominent rear fins, the square rear number plate and the Rapier badges on the doors are exclusive to the Series 1 and II. The white steering wheel is a particularly pleasing feature.
I have been able to piece together some of the car's background from its history file. In 1992 a Rover dealership wrote to The Sunbeam Rapier Owners Club (letter on file) asking if any members would be interested in buying the car. It had been in store with them since the late 1960s following slight damage to the bonnet. This was followed by the owner being unable to pay for it and then, after that, the owner emigrating.
Anyway, the offer was taken up and someone bought it. A great deal of resto/ recommissioning work was then done including (although not exclusively) the following:
The 1494cc engine rebored out to 1538cc
New pistons and rings
new camshaft
Main and big end shells
Timing chain
Camshaft
Head skimmed
Clutch
Braking system
Twin Zenith carbs stripped and cleaned.
The owner who did the work has been in touch with me and tells me that the mileage was 72, 000 when he did it.
He writes: "Hi I sold this rapier about 14 years ago. and maybe of interest to you I rebuilt the engine. Rebore. a brand new old stock crank. A Kent stage one camshaft. a stage one modified head (my own work) lightened flywheel. 4. 54 differential ratio. (standard was 4. 8. new clutch. New cone clutch in overdrive. Bigger alpine chokes and jets in the carbs. There was only 72000 odd on the speedo when I did this."
There is lots more too.
The mileage at the time of the Rapier emerging from storage was 51, 000 and today it stands at 81, 000. I like that. It shows the car has been used, covering 30k miles in as many years which can only be a good thing. Far better than the car being left in storage again!
I have driven her and she goes well. Overdrive on 3rd and 4th works and she feels good on the road. She appears to be solid with a pleasing interior. There are, naturally enough, some small cosmetic areas which have appeared during the car's re-emergence but this is to be expected. Overall, none of this detracts from the overall beauty of this late 1950s saloon. I believe that my asking price of £5995 is more than reasonable for such a sought after pillarless coupe.
This description is based on my opinion of the vehicle, the paperwork that comes with the car and anything I have been told about it. The vehicle is 66-years-old and this cannot be taken as a definitive statement for obvious reasons. As with most classic cars, there may be faults and quirks whilst, almost inevitably, some degree of tinkering and care will always be called for. Such are the joys of owning an antique vehicle and they must be taken within their own context and not compared to modern day cars. They are sold as old, mainly out-dated machines and come without any comeback whatsoever. They are my terms and conditions.
The phrase "classic car" is, in my opinion, quite often misunderstood. Several decades ago - let's say in the 70s - what we now refer to as classics were called "old bangers." There was vintage and veteran, but they were generally of the Edwardian era and reserved for events like the world famous London to Brighton run.
Now, some people make the mistake of thinking a classic car is a vehicle which has been restored to its former glory at great expense or is perhaps a rare survivor that has been locked away in a heated garage and never driven.
No. Call them whatever you wish, but they are old cars. Ancient cars. Relics, antique vehicles.
They come in all shapes and sizes and, more importantly, in all conditions. Warts and all. Some are in a state of poor repair needing time, love and money lavishing on them; others are projects. Quite a large percentage are in reasonable condition and can be driven. But, due to their age, they will need ongoing work and attention.
Panels and paint suffer along with engines, running gear and structure. Please do not compare them to your three-year-old BMW!
A 6k "classic" cannot, by any stretch of the imagination, be as good as the same make and model offered at 12k. Think about it. They need to be taken on board much like family pets. Be prepared for the heartache, the problems that beat you and the cost of it all. But, most importantly, be prepared for the joy that driving a classic car brings you. If you can let that over-ride everything else, then you are the right person to buy what is now widely referred to as a classic car!
I have now been established as a one-man band classic car dealer for 26 years and pride myself on my buying prowess and - due to small margins - my prices which I firmly believe are up there among the very best in the UK classic car marketplace.
I also deliver and so please ask for a quote.
Thanks, Martin. the details below
