The Arrow Rapier, or Fastback, as it came to be known was launched in October 1967. It was a four-seat coupé based on the chassis of the Hillman Hunter Estate. Although the Rapier used the tail lamps and rear valance from the Hunter Estate, the rest of its superstructure was unique.
As befitting a car with sporting pretensions, the Rapier used Rootes' twin carburettor 1725cc engine, with an aluminium cylinder head and high lift camshaft. The Rapier was instantly recognisable by its four headlamps. Closer inspection revealed reclining front seats, comprehensive instrumentation, standard Laycock de Normanville overdrive on 3rd and 4th gears and fully retractable side windows, giving a pillarless window view to the sides for all occupants.
Declared manufactured in 1969, this car was exported to France new, where it lived the majority of its life before being bought back to the UK in 2021. Showing an indicated 17,678k kms on the speedo, the documented history including its original service book with stamps up to 1972, suggest this figure is more likely 117,678k kms, which converts to 73k miles, still low mileage for a 55 year old car.
The lovely Glade Green metallic paintwork is wonderfully offset by the tan interior, to make a very appealing colour combination. As part of the pre-sale preparation, the paintwork, engine bay and interior were professionally detailed and the underside subject to a comprehensive restoration and preservation treatment. Mechanically the car drives well, with a surprising amount of low down torque, which coupled with a precise gear change, provides for easy driving in modern day traffic with overdrive providing additional flexibility for relaxed cruising at higher speeds.
Sunbeam Rapier Fastbacks rarely come to the market and always provide a guaranteed draw at any classic car show, due to their striking good looks. As such, this example represents an excellent opportunity for someone looking for a standout, but affordable classic car that is easy to maintain and supported by both a strong and welcoming community of enthusiasts as well as a comprehensive spares supply.
Presented in Glade Green metallic, we think this colour really compliments the sleek design and sporty lines of the Rapier Fastback, especially when all the windows are dropped for the full “pillarless coupé” look.
As a 1969 car, this would have been built in the Ryton plant, before manufacturing was moved to Linwood in Scotland in November of 1970. To many enthusiasts, the earlier “Ryton” built cars were of a higher quality than the later cars.
This car certainly shows uniform panel gaps all round and very good paintwork, which was treated to a sympathetic detailing and high end wax finish, as part of the pre-sales preparation. As to be expected for a 55 year old car which had not undergone a recent restoration, it does of course exhibit minor paint imperfections in the form of patina rather than corrosion.
As with the paintwork, all brightwork, glass and all rubber seals are also in good condition, but again with some signs of patina.
As can be seen from the photos, the tan perforated vinyl interior and matching carpets are in superb condition given the age of the car and certainly are good evidence, as to how well the car has been looked after in its past.
Inside, the Rapier Fastback was equipped with a full complement of seven instruments behind a three-spoke steering wheel. This comprised a speedometer and tachometer flanked by four smaller gauges for fuel, water temperature, oil pressure and ammeter, and a large clock in the centre of the dashboard. The handbrake was positioned on the outboard side of the driver’s seat, maintaining a Rootes tradition in this regard.
All instruments work as they should do, bar the rev counter and the clock. The lights, heater and windscreen wipers all function as they should and the car is fitted with front seat belts.
The cabin is a wonderful place to be, easily big enough to accommodate 5 adults and light and airy due to plenty of glass and thin side pillars. In addition, in “pillarless mode” it makes a sunny day drive a wonderful experience for both driver and passengers alike.
The car has been fitted with a “period look” modern FM/MW radio.
The Rapier Fastback uses the Rootes four-cylinder, five-bearing 1,725 cc engine with an aluminium head, high lift camshaft from the upmarket Humber Sceptre and fitted with twin 150CD Stromberg carburettors. This was a tried and tested engine which was tilted slightly to the right to enable a lower bonnet line. Known for their reliability, these engines are also easy to maintain.
As part of the pre-sales preparation, a coolant flush was carried out and refilled with fresh anti-freeze with the correct corrosion inhibitors to best protect the alloy head and the carburettors tuned.
The transmission is free of any undue noises and gear selection has a positive and slick operating feel to it. The overdrive in 3rd and 4th gear comes in and disengages on demand, when selected by the steering column mounted stalk. The overdrive effectively makes the 4 speed car a 6 speed car, making for a more flexible and relaxed driving experience, especially at motorway speeds.
In addition, the invoice history shows the car was fitted with new shock absorbers front and rear in 2020 at an indicated 12,180k kms.
The car sits on its original 13in painted steel wheels with distinctive chrome and black radial finned wheel trims. All tyres including the spare are fitted with Uniroyal Rallye 380 tyres in the correct OEM specification of 175/80 R13 and all date stamped 2020.
Front discs and rear drums are in good condition and operate as they should.
This car has undergone a thorough restoration and preservation process as part of its pre-sales preparation. As a result, it is now probably better protected than when it left the factory back in 1969. The photos of the underside clearly show just how clean this example is, despite being 55 years old.
The restoration process involved a meticulous cleaning of the underside, followed by wire brushing of all mechanical components to eliminate any surface corrosion. These components were then subject to a rust conversion treatment. To ensure long-lasting protection, multiple layers of clear DINITROL underbody anti-corrosion wax were applied to all mechanical parts. Inner sills and chassis rails were treated to Dinitrol’s cavity wax. In addition, a coloured Dinitrol underbody corrosion prevention treatment was applied to the original underseal, sills, floor pans, inner chassis members, and bumper hangers. Lastly, the wheel arches were coated with Dinitrol's specialized stone guarding treatment.
All of these measures contribute to exceptional rust prevention and corrosion protection for this car, going forwards.
The documented history folder, contains the UK registration document and clear Total Vehicle Check dated 26/05/2024.
The file also contains a mixture of both French and English maintenance and parts invoices.
Additionally, there is a certificate from the Rootes Archive Centre Trust, containing the build and other information from the Factory Records for the vehicle, against its VIN Code.
The history file also contains the car’s original service book, stamped up until 1972, a dealer’s brochure in French and a number of issues of the Sunbeam Rapier Owner’s club magazine.
The history file also contains all relevant import documentation from 2021, when it came back to the UK.
Finally, the car comes with 2 sets of keys.
Whilst every effort has been taken to ensure accuracy of the vehicle descriptions and information, some inaccuracies may occur. It is important that you do not rely on this information but check with Montpellier Motor Cars Limited about any items which may affect your decision to buy this vehicle, as well as examine the vehicle and check the accuracy of the information before purchasing any vehicle. We cannot accept any liability arising from any errors in the data provided.
Whilst every effort is made to represent details accurately on our Web Site, variations or errors may occur and so the information contained herewith does not constitute an offer for sale of any particular vehicle, accessory or specification.
