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
Registration No: 8768 VF
Chassis No: B30535660DHC0
MOT: Exempt
Desirable Convertible example, fitted with overdrive
In the vendor’s private collection since 2007
Benefitting from a full cosmetic restoration in the 1990s, 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 MKIII 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 MKIIIA was announced in 1961, many improvements had been made to the car, including an increase in engine capacity to 1592cc.
More information to follow.
