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£18,480

1959 Sunbeam Rapier Competition Coupé

United Kingdom • 18 Apr 2021 • Lot 155

Vehicle Details

AI Listing Summary

This 1959 Sunbeam Rapier Series II Coupe was fully restored in 2019 and has been actively participating in historic rallies, including eight Historic Monte Carlo Rallies. It features a Rallymaster engine with 73 bhp, larger front brakes, and a recirculating ball steering box. The car is reported to be in very good order, with a fine interior and an excellent electrical system. Recent additions include rally-specific equipment like new spare tires, a Brantz trip meter, and rear seats for regularity.

Condition

7

The car was fully restored in 2019 and has been used in rallies since. The bodywork, running gear, interior, and electrical system are all reported to be in very good or fine order. The engine starts and runs well. Recent additions include new spare tires, a battery cover, covered internal brake bias, rear seats for regularity, and a compliant Brantz trip meter. The car is supplied with a very good history file. This indicates a well-maintained car with minor imperfections, suggesting a rating of 7.

/ 10

[Transmission]

Transmission:

A3812721

Chassis No:

Odometer:

94,697 miles

439 GOW

Reg Number:

RHD/LHD:

RHD

The Sunbeam Rapier Series II was announced on 6th February 1958, available in hardtop and convertible formats.

Rootes arranged for nine of the new cars to be in Monte Carlo for the press to try at the end of the 1958 Monte Carlo Rally.

An improvement in the Series II was its more powerful engine, referred to as the Rallymaster, which had an increased capacity of 1,494 cc combined with a higher compression ratio and larger inlet and exhaust valves to raise the power to 73 bhp.

Autocar quoted the top speed as 91 mph with a 0-60 mph time of 20.2 seconds.

As a direct result of competition experience, the Series II was also fitted with larger front brakes and a recirculating ball steering box instead of the worm and nut box of the Series I.

When new, the Sunbeam Rapier posted notable rallying results, supported by the Rootes Competition Department.

And, more than half a century later, Rapiers are still notching up successful results in the ever-popular classic rallying movement.

This...