Lot 224: 1962 Sunbeam Rapier Competition Saloon

Its styling inspired by Raymond Loewy�s Studebakers, an entirely new range of cars was introduced by the Rootes Group in the mid-1950s, the first arrival with this new look being the Sunbeam Rapier. A two-door sports saloon, the latter was announced in 1955, in advance of its Hillman and Singer siblings. Whitewall tyres and a chromed waistband dividing the two-tone colour scheme were obvious transatlantic influences, while the Rapier�s pillarless bodyshell and unique wind-down rear quarter window made for the ultimate in fresh-air motoring this side of a full convertible. Styling changes, mechanical improvements, and larger and more powerful engines were introduced as the Rapier progressed through Series I to V over the next ten years.
The Rapier played an important part in Rootes� competition programme, achieving some notable successes both in circuit races and on the �rough stuff�. The car was first raced in Series I form in the 1956 Mille Miglia but rallying was its true forte, as demonstrated by an impressive tally of class wins and team awards extending into the 1960s. In 1958 Peter Harper finished 5th in the Monte and won the RAC Rally outright, while Paddy Hopkirk finished in 3rd place on the 1959 Alpine event. The Tour de France was another event in which the Rapier excelled, as exemplified by a commanding 1, 2, 3 class finish in 1962.
This well-known historic racing Rapier was twice been a Goodwood Revival participant: most notably in 2004 when, driven by Darren Manning and Simon Diffey, it finished 10th overall in the St Mary�s Trophy. �8420 LJ� possesses full FIA and FIVA papers and has been raced by the vendor on the Isle of Man and at Knockhill, and last time out secured a brace of class wins at Mallory Park in the Top Hat series (see report in Autosport, 10th October 2006). Former owners include Richard Prescott, Simon Diffey and Hall & Bradfield.
The car�s specification includes a full FIA roll cage, fire extinguishing system, high-back driver�s seat, safety harnesses, relocated battery, and Goodwood-specification engine and gearbox (originals included in sale). A comprehensive spares package comes with the car to include wheels, engines, carburettors, lights, etc. Benefiting from a recent �1,300 bodywork freshening and below-the-waist repaint, �8420 LJ� is offered with restoration invoices, current road fund licence and Swansea V5 registration document, and represents a relatively inexpensive route to participation in the Mille Miglia, Tour de France, Goodwood Revival and a host of other prestigious historic motor sport events.