Sold | 1961 Sunbeam Rapier Series IIIA Convertible

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£14,062

1961 Sunbeam Rapier Series IIIA Convertible

United Kingdom • 17 Jun 2026 • Lot 30

Vehicle Details

AI Listing Summary

This 1961 Sunbeam Rapier Series IIIA Convertible, sold at no reserve, underwent a significant cosmetic restoration in 2000 and a full engine overhaul in 2008/2009, with minimal mileage since. It comes with extensive documentation and was part of a private collection, indicating good care but also the age of the restoration work.

Condition

7

The car received a full cosmetic restoration in 2000 and a full engine overhaul in 2008/2009, with only 2,500 miles covered since. It has been in the vendor's private collection since 2007 and received a new battery and fresh service this year. While the restoration still presents well, it is from 2000, and the car is described as having been in need of extensive restoration in the 1990s, suggesting some age-related wear may be present.

/ 10

Manual

Transmission:

B30535660DHC0

Chassis No:

Odometer:

2,500 miles

8768 VF

Reg Number:

RHD/LHD:

RHD

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 inc...