Beschrijving
SUNBEAM Rapier fastbacks are a right sight indeed these days. Modelled on the Plymouth Barracuda, it was a radical change by The Rootes Group. Powered by their tried and tested 1725cc twin carb engine, it was a pillarless coupe with immense styling. Look at that sports dash for starters. Anyway, she seems really sound and drives well. I can only tell you what I know. The driver's seat base is worn to the middle section and the overdrive switch on the column is not engaging. In my experience, this is nearly always a solenoid problem. She is very straight, a real pretty example and handles well on the road. The front wings are GRP but, to be fair, I did not know that for the first few weeks and I have been using her. Clearly, they are quality examples. She comes with a decent history file too. Anyway, that's about it.
I have just had an hour long chat with a guy who owned it twice. 06/ 07 and then 2013 - 2016.
His email address will be passed onto the next owner.
When he bought it back in 2013 he spent over 12k.
* Stripped all the way down. New floors, inner and outer sills, rear arches etc all fabricated. New quality wings which I mention
Prop shaft and rear axle out for fabricating also so that no rot was left
Re-sprayed. New chassis rails from back axle to rear valance (new)
Top class second hand bonnet and driver's door.
Engine was fine and so left alone.
Overdrive was "lazy" when he had it and so he agrees it's the solenoid.
New clutch (complete).
£450 long life exhaust.
Classic cars are the motoring equivalent of antiques and, as such, will tend to need ongoing love and care. Please don't compare a car like this Rapier - approaching 50-years-old - to your one-year-old BMW. It is a collectors' item, a car for the enthusiast. I can also assist with delivery and so please ask for a quote. Martin. the details below.
