Sunbeam Rapier Coupe H120

The excellent ‘Arrow’ range of Rootes products made their appearance in 1967 and provided the platform for their popular range of mid-sized cars.

Using a robust and reliable 1725cc 5-bearing engine, the new Singer, Hillman, Humber and Sunbeam derivatives could be had with an overdrive which gave excellent long legged performance and decent economy.

As part of the line-up, Sunbeam continued their Rapier concept, a two door coupe which in the case of this late model H120 used the Hunter Estate floorpan. Initially made at the Ryton plant near Coventry, production moved to Linwood in Scotland in 1969, Government inducements no doubt providing the incentive.

The Rapier came in several versions, the top of the range H120 being fitted with a proper Holbay Racing tuned engine. Its 1725ccs were persuaded to give 108bhp thanks to a special head, high lift cam, twin DCOE 40 Weber carburettors and tuned headers. The gearbox was given close ratios and a heavy duty overdrive was fitted, whilst the final drive ratio was also lengthened.

Externally it gained ‘Rostyle’ wheels, side stripes and a nifty integrated boot spoiler, making this a particularly attractive package of which sadly very few have survived.

This example, which comes with an old style V5, has been in it's current ownership for over 30 years. It runs and drives, but will clearly need attention to the bodywork before it can be recommissioned for the road. That said, the vendor has coated the underside with oil which has prevented the worst from happening, whilst the under bonnet area and inner wings look remarkably sound.

This cool looking car, with styling reputed to have been influenced by the Plymouth Barracuda, now needs a new home to give it the love it deserves.