Sunbeam

The Sunbeam Rapier was launched in 1955 as a sporty four-seat coupé and became the first model of Rootes’ new Audax family. Its styling, influenced by Raymond Loewy’s Studebakers, combined British proportions with American details. The original 1,390 cc four-cylinder produced 62.5 hp, later increased to 67.5 hp. The Series II of 1958 gained a 1,494 cc engine, tailfins and floor shift, while the Series III brought improved styling, disc brakes and 78 hp. From 1961 the Series IIIA used a stronger 1,592 cc engine. The Series IV followed in 1963 with modernised front styling and 84 hp. Finally, the Series V of 1965 received a 1,725 cc five-bearing engine producing 91 hp. Production of this original Rapier generation ended in 1967.

A completely new Sunbeam Rapier arrived in 1967 as part of Rootes’ Arrow range. The four-seat pillarless fastback coupé used the Hillman Hunter Estate chassis but had largely unique bodywork styled by Roy Axe. Its 1,725 cc four-cylinder with twin Stromberg carburettors produced 88 hp, with overdrive standard and automatic transmission optional. In 1968 the sporting H120 joined the range, using a Holbay-tuned 1,725 cc engine with twin Weber carburettors and 108 hp. The Rapier remained in production until 1976.