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2013 Shannons Melbourne Winter Classic Auction
Lot
15

1969 Sunbeam Rapier Fastback Coupe

$15,000

Sold

Specifications

Engine 4 cylinder, 1724cc
Gearbox 4 speed Manual with Overdrive
Body Work Fastback Coupe
Colour White
Interior Blue
Trim Vinyl
Wheels Alloy
Brakes Disc/Drum

Description

This lot is no longer available

First announced at the London Motor Show in 1955 the Sunbeam Rapier was the first of a new range of small cars announced by the Rootes Group. Designed initially as a four-seat, two-door coupe the first series was produced until 1958 with a 1.4-litre four-cylinder engine. The Series II was given a larger, 1.5-litre engine which was again upgraded to a 1.6-litre unit for 1961's 'Series IIIA'. For 1967 the Rapier was substantially restyled, adopting the Rootes 'Arrow' look. The resultant Fastback coupe was a far more modern, sporting design and was powered by a 1725cc straight-four with twin Stromberg carburettors. In this form, it produced 88bhp (net). A four-speed with overdrive manual transmission was standard; an auto was also available. The style was far more successful than previous iterations, with 46,204 built (including the lower-spec Sunbeam Alpine) from 1967-1976.