Sold | 1966 Sunbeam Rapier Series V

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£2,700

1966 Sunbeam Rapier Series V

United Kingdom • 29 Jul 2026 • Lot 27

Vehicle Details

AI Listing Summary

This rare Series 5 Sunbeam Rapier, with a documented low mileage of approx. 56,000 miles, is presented in Moonstone Blue. While mechanically updated with a new battery and alternator, it suffers from a significant braking system failure, making it inoperative except for the handbrake.

Condition

4

The car is described as structurally sound and eminently usable, with a recent new battery and alternator. However, a critical issue with the braking system (apart from the handbrake) being inoperative significantly impacts its condition, requiring substantial reconditioning for safety and roadworthiness. The description also suggests potential purchasers carry out 'the usual checks', indicating it's not in perfect running order.

/ 10

Transmission:

Manual

Chassis No:

B325000551HHO

Odometer:

56,000 miles

Reg Number:

KWE 690D

RHD/LHD:

RHD

Understood to have covered c.56,000 miles from new (old MOTs on file date back to 1970 at 10,507 miles)Rare and desirable ‘Series 5’ variant with the larger 1725cc OHV four-cylinder engineRecent new battery and replacement alternatorDue to be driven to the salePLEASE NOTE: This vehicle has developed an issue with the braking system Announced at the 1955 London Motor Show, the Sunbeam Rapier was the first of a new range of Rootes cars (codenamed ‘Audax’) that subsequently included the Hillman Minx and Singer Gazelle.

A complete departure from its Sunbeam MKIII predecessor, the newcomer was a modern-looking, two-door, four-seater Coupe which came with overdrive as standard.

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 ...