12th May, 2019 11:30 GMT/BST

Motor Cars, Motorcycles & Automobilia

 
Lot 277
 

277

Sunbeam Rapier Registration Number: GHN 631D First Registered: 01-01-1966 Mileage: 94366...

Sunbeam Rapier 
Registration Number: GHN 631D
First Registered: 01-01-1966
Mileage: 94367
Engine Size: 1725cc
Colour: Red 
Engine Number: B325000214
Chassis Number: BB250002140DHS0
V5C present
 

Announced at the London Motor Show of 1955, the Sunbeam Rapier was the first of a new range of Rootes cars that was to include the Hillman Minx and the Singer Gazelle. A complete departure from the Sunbeam MKIII it replaced, it was a modern-looking two-door, four-seater Coupe with such standard equipment as leather trim and overdrive. 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. Over its twenty-one year reign, the model progressed through five series, the swansong being the Series V derivative introduced in 1965. Though visually almost identical to its predecessor, it was notable for its larger, five-bearing engine of 1725cc capacity. Just 3,759 Series Vs were built, making it the rarest of all versions of the model.
This example on offer is presented in original 'Pippin' red and has been the subject of a light restoration. The interior can only be described as delightful with recently recovered seats in correct Blenheim Black vinyl. Dash and instrumentation are correct with all dials appearing to work well, complete with period radio .
The engine has been professionally restored using a replacement engine block, re-bored with new Hepolite pistons fitted, camshaft bearings, crankshaft bearings, timing chain, cam followers and core plugs.
The transmission benefits from new centre clutch plate, master and slave cylinder, full oil seal kit and half shaft oil seal kit.
The brake system has had a complete overhaul including wheel cylinders, shoes and servo assembly.
A fine example of this rare sixties two door coupe in fabulous condition internally and externally and with its powerful 1725cc engine with overdrive performs better than most cars of its era and was subsequently used successfully Europe wide in motorsport events proving itself as an extremely competitive and robust competition entry.

Buyer's premium of 10% (+VAT) applies to this lot

Sold for £9,200
Estimated at £8,000 - £9,000


 

. Recent restoration including paintwork to a good standard. Re trimmed seats in very good order. Interior clean. Comprehensive mechanical restoration and upgrades (see related paperwork). Tyres and wheels in good order. Starts and drives well.

 


We are happy to provide Condition Reports to prospective buyers, but would welcome your request as soon as possible, preferably at least 48 hours before the Day of Sale. We cannot guarantee a reply to any requests made within 48 hours of the start of the auction. The absence of a Condition Report from a lot does not mean that the lot is in perfect condition. A Condition Report is an honest expression of our opinion, not a statement of fact and is provided as a service to the seller. All lots are available on public view ahead of an auction and we encourage prospective buyers to inspect an item in person where possible. Our Condition Reports are not prepared by professional conservators, restorers, or engineers, and are prepared with the naked eye unless otherwise stated.

Regarding Pictures, Prints and Works on Paper, works are not examined out of the frame, unless specifically stated. Tennants Auctioneers do not cover damage to gilded wood or plaster picture frames, or to picture frame glass whilst the item is in our possession.

We accept no liability for the opinions expressed in any Condition Report.

Auction: Motor Cars, Motorcycles & Automobilia, 12th May, 2019

Motor Cars, Motorcycles & Automobilia

View all lots in this sale

Sell one like this

If you've got a similar item to sell, complete the valuation form below and one of our experts will get in touch. 

YOUR DETAILS

ITEM DETAILS

Upload images

Drag and drop .jpg images here to upload, or click here to select images.


CONFIRM & SUBMIT