Sunbeam Rapier

Sunbeam Rapier
Overview
Manufacturer - Rootes Group
Production - 1955-76
Body and chassis
Body style - 2 door saloon / 2 door convertible / 2 door fastback coupe
Related - Hillman Minx . Singer Gazelle . Sunbeam Alpine Fastback coupé
Chronology
Predecessor - Sunbeam Mark III
Successor - none

The Sunbeam Rapier is an automobile produced by Rootes Group from 1955 until 1976, in two different generations, the "Series" cars (which underwent several revisions) and the later (1967-76) fastback shape, part of the "Arrow" range.
The first generation Rapier was the first of the "Audax" range of light cars produced by the Rootes Group, in this instance as part of their Sunbeam marque. Announced at the London Motor Show in October 1955, it preceded its Hillman Minx and Singer Gazelle counterparts which were not introduced until 1956.
A four-seat, two-door hardtop coupé - designated Series I with the introduction of the Series II in 1958 - it was different from the Sunbeam Mark III, the car it would eventually replace. Although designed "in house" by the Rootes Group, it was inspired, via the Raymond Loewy design organisation, by the new-generation Studebaker coupés of 1953.

Sunbeam Rapier IIIA convertible

Series I

Sunbeam Rapier I
Overview
Production - 1955-58 (7477 produced)
Body and chassis
Body style - 2 door saloon
Powertrain
Engine - 1,390 cc OHV I4
Dimensions
Wheelbase - 96 in (2,400 mm)
Length - 160 in (4,100 mm)
Width - 60 in (1,500 mm)
Height - 57 in (1,400 mm)

The styling of the Series I Rapier was undertaken by the design firm of Raymond Loewy Associates and showed a great deal of influence of Raymond Loewy's 1953 Studebaker Starliner and subsequent Hawk (itself an acclaimed design). Announced in October 1955 for the Motor Show and available in a range of two-tone colour schemes typical of the period, it had a steering column gear change, leather trim and a Laycock de Normanville overdrive as standard fittings. Vinyl trim was an option in the UK and standard in certain export territories. Rapier bodies were built by Pressed Steel, shipped to Thrupp & Maberly in north London where they were painted and trimmed, then shipped again to the Rootes assembly plant at Ryton-on-Dunsmore near Coventry where the engines, transmission and running gear were fitted. This complex situation persisted until late 1963 when the Series IV was introduced.
The Rapier's 1,390 cc (85 cu in) engine was essentially the same as that fitted to the Hillman Minx but with a raised compression ratio (8:1 instead of 7:1), a Zenith DIF 36 carburettor and revised inlet and exhaust manifolds. In this form it developed 62.5 bhp (47 kW) at 5000 rpm. A column change, 4-speed transmission with overdrive on third and top was included in the price as a standard feature.
From October 1956, directly as a result of experience gained in international rallying by Rootes' competition department, the Rapier was fitted with the updated R67 engine on which the Stromberg carburettor was replaced by twin Zenith 36 WIP carburettors on a new inlet manifold. This engine produced 67.5 bhp (50 kW) at 5000 rpm, the effect of which was to reduce the Rapier's 0-60 mph (97 km/h) time by almost 1 second and increase its top speed by 3 mph (5 km/h).
British magazine The Motor tested a Series I twin carburettor saloon in 1957, recording a top speed of 85.7 mph (138 km/h) and acceleration from 0-60 mph (97 km/h) in 20.9 seconds and a fuel consumption of 30.5 miles per imperial gallon (9.3 L/100 km; 25.4 mpg-US). The test car cost £1043 including taxes of £348.
In competition, a Rapier driven by Peter Harper finished in fifth place in the 1958 Monte Carlo Rally.
In total, 7,477 units were produced of this initial version of the Sunbeam Rapier. It was discontinued in 1958 on the introduction of the Series II.

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