SUNBEAM RAPIER FASTBACK 1968 MOT

I will be at the Bristol Classic car / restoration show this Saturday ( 2nd ) and am planning on taking this car ( hopefully parking it in the VIP viewing area ).  

If you would like to view it there please contact me. Otherwise viewings in Ashburton. Devon are welcome.

Here I have for sale my 1968 Sunbeam Rapier fastback (George) which I bought 4 years ago.   The previous owner had owned it from nearly new and had garaged it for 20 years without use.   

The Rapier uses the Rootes four cylinder. 5 bearing 1725 cc engine. which was tilted slightly to the right to enable a lower bonnet line.   This gives the car a sleek look and as it is pillar less coupe it is a really eye catching car which is how I ended up buying it.   I went out looking for something else entirely but the sleek lines and retro look was enough to change my mind and I am so pleased I did as wherever I go I am asked about the car. its heritage and people comment on what a great looking car it is.

It has a current MOT and is tax exempt. It was registered in 1968 and has done approximately 47. 0 miles from new. Until I changed jobs it was my daily drive and I have to say I loved driving it.  Its even been used as a wedding car twice.  

The overdrive means it will easily sit at 70mph and keep up with modern cars.  The only reason I am looking to sell is we have recently moved house and I just don't have the time to enjoy it anymore so I would prefer it went to a new home where it will be enjoyed instead of sitting in my garage.

On buying the car was recommissioned as follows:

~ the engine was serviced with all hoses replaced incase of deterioration

~ new stainless steal exhaust system costing £380 and had the double tail end recreated

~ a new clutch fitted

~ I removed the interior. cleaned the seats and sprayed the seat runners before replacing the carpet with new including jute soundproofing costing £240

~ new brake cylinders and shoes

~ new tyres all round

~ small amount of welding to floor pan (The rest of the car was checked and fine)

~ brake servo replaced

~ reconditioned carburettors

Having used this as my daily drive I am able to confirm that the manual gearbox and overdrive are in excellent working order and it runs on unleaded fuel with an additive.

Electrics are all fine with all the lights etc in working order and even the original radio is still working.

All the glass is good and everything opens as it should including the quarter lights.   When you have the windows down it really comes into its own with the pillar less coupe look grabbing attention and working better than any modern air conditioning!!

The chrome is also solid and shines up a treat and adds to the retro look.   

The wheels have been sandblasted and painted white to show off the hubcaps and there is a spare wheel with jack etc. All the tyres are good.

All the locks are in working order.

Regarding the interior. which is in excellent condition and a classy teal colour which sets off the white paintwork a treat. there is no cracking on the rear parcel shelf or front dash or headlining and is all original.  The only thing I need to do is repair a slight split to the driver's seat by the hand brake due to the fact it naturally rubs.  You can only see if when you look down the side of the seat.

If you are looking for concourse this is not the car for you but if you are looking for a excellent. solid. original car you can enjoy every day or just for shows its perfect.  The paintwork is original and is very good considering its 45 years old! It has a couple of bits that could be improved-around the headlights and the bottom of the passenger front wing and door bottoms for example but they are still solid and I think shows the honesty of the car.

Grab yourself a bit of British history-happy to let anyone view or ask if you require photos of any particular bit-just message me an email address. Thanks!

Found this from a couple of years ago : http://classic-carshow. com/image-info/392/photo/Bristol_Classic_carshow_1968_Sunbeam_Rapier. jpg

Also published at eBay.co.uk

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