1958 Sunbeam Rapier

The Sunbeam Rapier Series II, Series III and Series IIIa are four-seater coupes and convertibles produced between 1958 and 1963.

The Sunbeam Rapier Series II shared the independent front coil and wishbone suspension with semi-elliptic leaf springs and a live axle at the rear and back drum brakes of the Series I. Major changes included a 1.5-litre S4 OHV engine, larger front brakes, the 4-speed transmission now controlled by a floor-mounted gear lever, recirculating ball steering plus a convertible option to augment the standard two-door coupe body.

The Series II Rapier debuted in February 1958 and looked considerably different from its predecessor. The Detroit style radiator grille was replaced by more ‘traditional’ frontal treatment, which helped to balance more pronounced tailfins. The new engine meant for an improved top speed of 91mph with 0-60 in just over 20 seconds. Leather trim and overdrive were now on the extras list and the prices ranged from £1,043 17s for the coupe to £1,103 17s for the convertible. ‘A great advance on its predecessor and this rally-bred version should become a very popular car with discerning drivers’ praised Motor Sport magazine.

The Series II was replaced by the Series III Rapier in September 1959, which could be distinguished from the earlier model by its oblong rear number plate valance and modified front side grilles. Inside, there was a new walnut veneered fascia and much-improved seating while enthusiasts noted the front disc brakes and that the engine had an increased compression ratio together with a new camshaft and eight port aluminium cylinder head. 0-60 was now a 16.5-second sprint and the top speed was 93mph. The coupe was priced at £986 and the drophead cost £1,042 7s 6d. The chaps at Motor Sport were so impressed by the Series III as to suggest ‘If you can't afford a Mercedes, buy a Sunbeam!’

In April 1961 the Series III was facelifted as the Series IIIa, with a 1.6-litre engine, improved front anti-roll bar, and an improved clutch. The top speed was 90mph and 0-60 was 19.3 seconds, with the hardtop priced at £852 8s 9d and the convertible £900 15s 6d.

The Series IIIa convertible was discontinued in April 1963 while Sunbeam replaced the coupe with the Series IV Rapier in October 1963.

Peter Harper’s Series II was the outright winner of the 1958 RAC rally and Rapiers were the highest placed British car in the Monte Carlo Rallies of 1958, 1959 and 1960. In 1961 Sunbeam Rapiers were first in their class in the East Africa and Monte Carlo rallies and so Rootes adverts for the Series III featured Jack Brabham advising potential owners that ‘it pays to buy a winner!’.

The Series II was powered by a 1,494cc S4 OHV engine while the Series III and IIIa had a 1,592cc S4 OHV unit. The transmission on all versions was a 4-speed unit with no synchromesh on bottom gear and optional Laycock-de-Normanville overdrive.

The charms of the Sunbeam rapier Series II and III are many and various; they are usable all year round (especially in hardtop form), entertaining to drive and mechanically robust. The Series IIIa is slower than the Series III but its engine is regarded by many owners as more robust and offering more torque.

Problems facing any would-be Rapier owner include alloy heads that are prone to suffering from gasket problems, water damage on the convertible versions and worn synchromesh on the transmission.

The Rapier in Series II, III, and IIIa forms displays how the Rootes Group progressively established the Sunbeam as a model in its own right, as opposed to a modified Hillman Minx, with a strong rally pedigree and coachwork that practically defines the word ‘jaunty’.

Rivals to the Sunbeam Rapier included the MG Magnette ZB and Magnette Mk. III/Mk. IV, the Vauxhall FB VX 4/90, the Ford Consul Capri, the Riley One Point Five and the Triumph Vitesse 6.