Description
Kelham Hall | Newark, Nottinghamshire
Viewing: Tues 16th June from 12pm
Auction: Wed 17th June from 9am
Location: Main Street, Newark, Nottinghamshire NG23 5QX
1961 Sunbeam Rapier Series IIIA Convertible
No Reserve
Lot details
Registration No: 8768 VF
Chassis No: B30535660DHC0
MOT: Exempt
Desirable Convertible example, fitted with overdrive
In the vendor’s private collection since 2007
Received a full cosmetic restoration in 2000, which still presents well
Full engine overhaul completed in 2008/ 2009, with just some 2, 500 miles covered since
Announced at the London Motor Show of 1955, the Sunbeam Rapier was the first of a new range of Rootes cars that was soon to include the Hillman Minx and Singer Gazelle. A complete departure from the Sunbeam Mk. III it replaced, it was a modern-looking two-door, four-seat saloon. Standard equipment included leather trim and overdrive, and the cars were finished in a selection of attractive two-tone colour schemes. The bodies were built by Pressed Steel, shipped to Thrupp & Maberly in London for painting and trimming, and then moved to the Rootes plant at Ryton-on-Dunsmore for final assembly. Though initially a little underpowered, the Rapier had inherently excellent handling and was quickly adopted for rallying. Indeed, the launch of the Series II version took place at the end of the 1958 Monte Carlo Rally in which Peter Harper's Works Rapier had finished fifth overall. By the time the Series IIIA was announced in 1961, many improvements had been made to the car, including an increase in engine capacity to 1, 592cc.
Desirably fitted with overdrive, this Rapier was in need of extensive restoration by the 1990s, especially to the bodywork and interior. The work was entrusted to Bryan Withington of Withington Restorations, and in 2000, thousands of pounds were spent bringing the car up to its present standard. Many panels were replaced, a new hood was fitted, the chrome was replated and the tired interior was reupholstered. Limited mechanical work was performed and the electrics received considerable attention.
The previous owner acquired the Sunbeam in 2005, and in 2007 it was bought by our vendor for his private collection. In 2008, the engine was stripped for a comprehensive overhaul. This included a rebore, new pistons and more, and was completed in 2009. Since then, it has covered just 2, 500 miles, experiencing light use on local outings. The odometer has been reset at some stage, as old MOT certificates place the mileage at 84, 925 miles in 1996. The Sunbeam has received a new battery and fresh service this year, and is sold with much paperwork including copious restoration notes, the vendor’s purchase receipt, MOTs and invoices back to the 1970s, and original period literature including the owner’s handbook, workshop manual and sales material.
