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Sunbeam Rapier Series IIIA

1963 · 14,861 miles · Manual · Pearl Grey

£8,995

Listed today at Yorkshire Classic Car Centre, Goole. Last checked today.

Key facts

Year: 1963
Mileage: 14,861 miles
Gearbox: Manual
Engine: 1,592cc four-cylinder
Fuel: Petrol
Drive: RWD
Body: Coupe
Colour: Pearl Grey
Doors: 2
Generation: Series IIIA (1961–1963)

About this car

The Sunbeam Rapier was the Rootes Group's stylish four-seat coupe, and the Series IIIA of 1963 is a later car in the line, powered by the 1,592cc petrol four. This one has a manual gearbox with synchromesh on all gears and working overdrive, which helps relaxed cruising.

It is finished in Pearl Grey with contrasting Pippin Red side flashes and a matching interior, a period-appropriate two-tone scheme. The odometer shows 14,861 miles. The car has been used for weddings, appeared in a film, gone to shows and made several trips to France.

The history file is substantial: invoices, MOT certificates, old tax discs, older-style V5 documents, correspondence between previous owners and a Roots Archive Centre Trust Certificate. A former keeper's written account covers recent work including servicing, tyres, bodywork, springs and bushes. The current V5 lists the car as historic, so it is exempt from tax and MOT.

Written by Vertar from Yorkshire Classic Car Centre’s listing. Check the details with the dealer before you buy.

Performance

The maker’s official figures for this model, not measurements of this car (Rootes Group published specification: 1592cc OHV four, 80.25 bhp gross. No confident factory figures for weight, top speed or 0-60 (period figures are magazine road tests), so these are null.).

Power: 80 bhp
Engine: 1,592 cc, 4 cylinders
Engine position: Front-engined
Induction: Naturally aspirated