Sunbeam Rapier Convertible Series IIIA

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Announced at the 1955 London Motor Show, the Sunbeam Rapier was the glamorous two-door cousin of the Hillman Minx and the Singer Gazelle, the Transatlantic styling being the work of the Raymond Loewy Association and heavily influenced by their recent, much lauded, Studebaker Hawk design.

The Rapier bodies were built by Pressed Steel, shipped to Thrupp & Maberly in north London for painting and trimming, then shipped again to the Ryton plant near Coventry where the engines, transmissions and running gear were fitted. A rather complicated way of building a car, it has to be said, but it did result in a very strong and well-made machine which quickly became popular on the international rally circuit.

By the time the Series III came out in 1959, many of the lessons learned in competition had been incorporated into the design. These included the floor mounted gear change, the 1,494cc 78bhp 'Rallymotor' engine with 8-port alloy head, twin Zenith carburettors and taut re-circulating ball steering. The interior also became more luxurious with a burr walnut dash, thicker carpets and numerous other detail improvements.

In 1961 an improved IIIA model was introduced with a more powerful and durable 84bhp 1592cc engine, a stronger clutch and beefed up suspension, this model often being referred to as the definitive Rapier with much justification.

Dating from April 1961, this Rapier Convertible has been fitted with the later 5-bearing 1725cc engine as fitted to the Series V model, the best engine of the lot with 95mph performance and eminently tunable to 125bhp and beyond. An older restoration, it is said to be in very good condition throughout with glossy deep red paintwork with a cream flash, excellent panels, solid underside and rechromed brightwork. The interior has also been retrimmed and a new maroon soft-top fitted with three positions, fully open, fully closed or half-open.

A four-speed manual model, it is also said to be very good mechanically, recently completing a 120 mile motorway journey with no problems whatsoever. Supplied with a good history file and a current MOT, this robust four-seater tourer is a really practical and usable classic that is sure to turn heads wherever it goes.