In Brief:

• Finished in period appropriate Moonstone Blue with contrasting white roof
• Age appropriate presentation, with light patina and attractive period appearance
• Appealing example of the rarest Audax generation Rapiers
• An attractive opportunity for recommissioning

Auctioneer's Notes:

Finished in Moonstone Blue with a contrasting white roof, the paintwork is age-appropriate, showing light patina, minor marks and some localised deterioration. This 1966 Sunbeam Rapier Series V is an appealing example of the rarest of the Audax-generation Rapiers. The paintwork is age-appropriate and the car retains an attractive period appearance. The Vendor advises that the recorded mileage is believed to be correct, supported in part by an MOT certificate from 1970 showing 10,507 miles. The car is being offered for sale due to the Vendor's personal circumstances preventing the further improvements originally intended.

Maintenance & Condition:

The Vendor reports that the Rapier starts and drives, with good oil pressure, although advises that it should be thoroughly checked over before being put back into regular use. A new battery has recently been fitted and the electrical system has been converted to an alternator.

The history file records maintenance and restorative work over many years, with invoices dating back to 1987. Documented work includes attention to the clutch, welding and paintwork, cylinder head repairs and corrosion repairs to the rear wing. Together, the paperwork demonstrates a long history of expenditure and upkeep, while leaving scope for the next owner to continue improving the car as desired.

History:

A particularly notable feature of this Rapier is the depth of its accompanying documentation. The file contains an old green registration document dating from 1966 together with more than 30 historic MOT certificates, with records extending back to the car's early years. The surviving paperwork provides valuable evidence of its long-term history and supports the Vendor's belief that the displayed mileage is genuine.

The car has previously been described as having been supplied new in Sheffield in February 1966, finished in light blue with a white roof and a complementary light blue interior. Its extensive collection of historic documentation, including early registration records and decades of MOT certificates and invoices, gives this example a particularly interesting provenance.

The Model:

Introduced in 1965, the Series V represented the final development of the original Audax-bodied Sunbeam Rapier. Although visually similar to the preceding Series IV, its most significant improvement was the adoption of the larger 1,725cc four-cylinder engine with a five-main-bearing crankshaft, producing approximately 91bhp.

The Rapier combined sporting styling with a well-appointed four-seat interior and had developed a strong competition reputation through Rootes' involvement in international rallying. With just 3,759 Series V examples produced between 1965 and 1967, it was the least numerous of the Audax-generation Rapiers and is consequently one of the more unusual surviving variants today.

Sale Insight:

With its attractive Moonstone Blue and white colour scheme, believed low mileage and unusually comprehensive collection of historic MOT certificates and supporting paperwork, this Series V has plenty to interest the Rootes enthusiast. Its rarity adds further appeal, while its running and driving condition provides a useful basis from which the next custodian can carry out the recommissioning and cosmetic improvement they consider appropriate.

Estimate:
No Reserve