1958 Sunbeam Rapier

Description

Interesting Series II Rapier that looks to have had some work to the engine to increase capacity to 1538cc

Dating from April 1958, this handsome Series II Sunbeam Rapier is finished in Blue over Black with polished hubcaps and shiny brightwork.

Under the bonnet, we find the typical 1494cc OHV four-cylinder petrol engine which developed 73Bhp, an increase in capacity and power over the Series I with recirculating ball steering (over worm and screw of the S1) and larger front brakes.

However, a hand written note on file suggests the engine was re-bored to 1538cc with new pistons and rings, fitted with a new old stock crank shaft, new main and big end shells, timing chain , re-profiled cam shaft from Kent cams with new cam followers.  This note however, is undated and there are no bills to support it.

Inside, we find a grey interior piped blue with blue carpets and matching grey door cards which look to present well.  The exterior looks to show signs of a previous re-paint (we believe in c.2016) with some localized micro blistering in places as seen in the images, whilst the car started and ran as it should whilst we moved it around on site.

The history file includes the V5C showing seven former keepers,  a brace of workshop manuals, hand written notes from two previous owners as to the car’s history and a few sundry bills including a replacement battery and fuel pump in April 2024.

A nice opportunity to acquire an increasingly rare Series II Rapier that looks to have had an interesting engine upgrade.

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