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Description
The Sunbeam Rapier was intended as a sporty little runabout. With its two-tone hardtop body and more chrome than its cousin, the Hillman Minx, it had an American look. For a short period, tuned Sunbeam Rapiers were even used in rally competitions.
This Sunbeam Rapier was sold new in Sweden in 1958. The car has had four registered owners. The first owner is unknown, but in 1977 it was bought by Mr. Eliasson in Långsele. He kept the car until 2008, when it went to an enthusiast in Umeå. After some time, the new owner decided to restore the car. In 2015 the restoration was completed, with the entire body repaired and a full respray. In 2017 new tires were fitted. The car passed inspection in 2017 with only one remark – a missing warning triangle. Under veteran car regulations, the inspection remains valid indefinitely.
The current owner acquired the car in 2022 from a neighbor who was moving and no longer had space. The car is now being sold due to reduced interest. The odometer shows 17,950 km, which means it has likely rolled over once, making the true mileage 117,950 km. Spare wheel and jack are missing. The instruction manual, accessories brochure, and some other documentation are included.
Free history (8)
Technical data
Condition
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Mechanical condition
Originally equipped with a 1.5-liter inline four-cylinder engine with a stated output of 73 hp. Replaced by the previous owner with a 1.7-liter engine, with slightly more horsepower. Four-speed gearbox with non-synchronized first gear. Also equipped with overdrive, not tested.
The brakes were rebuilt in 2015, including new brake lines. The original fuel pump has been replaced with an aftermarket electric pump. Starts and runs normally. Driven very little in recent years. -
Interior condition
Well-kept interior. We believe the seats have the original upholstery, but the door panels may have been replaced. The rubber floor mat is a later universal type. The paint on the dashboard shows some wear. See photos. The rev counter and cabin fan are not working, so some electrical inspection is needed. The trunk is missing a floor mat.
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Exterior condition
The body appears to be in normal good condition with even gaps at doors and panels. Repainted in 2015 and the paint still looks good. Stored in a heated garage since the restoration in 2015. Some scratches on the top of the left front fender – see photo. Chrome and trim are in good usable condition. The underside was rustproofed after the restoration. On closer inspection, some weld seams can be seen underneath where panels were replaced, but nothing that affects function.
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General condition
Charming little English car looking for a new home. A real gem that needs some exercise, as it has mostly been stored in a heated garage since 2015. Best enjoyed on smaller roads, away from the stressful highways.
MOT (tech. insp.)
Ursprungsbesiktning: 1958-01-01 (regbes)
Datum i trafik första gången: 1958-01-01
Senast godkända besiktning: 2017-05-30
Besiktningsbefriad: Ja
Skattebefriad: Ja
Körförbud: Nej
Antal ägare: 4
Facts about the model
Rootes carried out strict rationalizations among its brands and was a pioneer in badge engineering. During the 1950s the brand identities within the group faded, and the only things that distinguished the cars were grille designs and equipment details.
Sunbeam was Rootes’ sporty brand and was only offered as two-door models, either coupe or convertible. The first generation Rapier was essentially a sportier two-door version of the Hillman Minx.
In 1967, Rootes became a wholly owned subsidiary of Chrysler Europe. For many years Chrysler Europe struggled with profitability. One reason was that Chrysler’s English cars failed to appeal to customers and sold poorly. With little money left for product development, Chrysler tried to turn the trend by cutting back the model range and discontinuing Rootes brands one by one. Instead, the British plants were tasked with assembling Simca cars.
In 1977, Chrysler Europe’s struggle for survival ended in bankruptcy, and the operations were taken over by the Peugeot Group (PSA).
Location and viewing Information
For viewing the vehicle, contact the inspector/case manager:
Mathias Casserlund
mathias.casserlund@bilwebauctions.se
Pick up
NOTE! Payment (deposit to our account) must be made within 5 days and before collection.
Auction information
Distance sales
- This car has not been photographed or tested by Bilweb Auctions. The information above is based on the seller's information.
General information about the condition of the vehicles .
- At this auction, many vehicles have been included in car collections and have been stored (mothballed) for a long time. For this reason, they are described from a collector's perspective and may need technical reviews and maintenance service - oil, battery replacement, new tires, brake review, etc. - before they can be used. .
- During the auction days information about a vehicle may be updated up to the day before the auction ends. When you bid at the end of the auction period - and also if you have made an earlier bid - we therefore ask you to read the descriptions carefully, in case something has been changed due to new information.
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