The Sunbeam Rapier

Mk.11 Sports Saloon

The “Rapier” commenced life in 1956 as a small saloon (1390 c.c.) with above average performance but with the introduction in 1958 of a larger 1 ½ litre twin carburettor “Rallymaster” engine with floor mounted gear change, the performance was considerably enhanced.  The car, in expert hands proved itself well in international rallies in the late 1950`s and early 1960`s, yet its appeal was not primarily aimed at the competitive or sporting driver but the general motorist who required greater power with four seats and easy handling.

The more powerful engine coupled with higher axle ratios shifted the performance further up the speed range with top gear acceleration improved from the 30/50 range right up to 80 m.p.h. A driver making use of the gear-box can still produce lively performance and unlike the earlier model, the Mark 11 was offered with Laycock Overdrive as an optional extra (£63.15.0d. including purchase tax), operating on both third and top gears.  The addition of overdrive improved still further the excellent performance of the car and also gave economic use of fuel, very important for anyone considering purchase of a classic car for use in the modern world of high fuel costs.

Repositioning the gear leaver from the steering column to the floor was a definite improvement which gave more positive feel when changing gear.   Most 4 speed column gear changes suffer from a spongy feel due to numerous joints and this does not improve with age!

The “Rapier” was offered in two models, the Sports Saloon with wide opening two door and “step-down” floor which gave easy access to all seals.   The curved front screed and wrap around rear window gave good all round visibility and having no door pillars to the roof and with all the windows wound down, it was almost an open car!

The other offering was a “Rapier” Convertible, this was an entirely new model giving the comfort of a saloon with the exhilaration of an open car.  Fitted with a three position hood, when in the closed position you have a draught-proof saloon, the half open position leaves the roof raised over the rear seats and when fully open, you have a car of sporting appearance.

Fuel economy of this model depends very much on the way the car is driven.  Driven hard brings the accelerator pump into use and consumption will be in the region of 25 miles per gallon, however at a steady 50 m.p.h. with light use of the throttle you can expect the car to return almost 40 miles per gallon.

Optional extras in 1958 were a Fresh Air Interior Heater, Radiomobile or Ecko car Radio, Clock, Windscreen Washers, Revolution Counter, White Wall Tyres, Reversing lamp and Fog lamp.

In 1958 the price ex-words for the saloon was £695.00 or £735 for the convertible. To this had to be added purchase tax which brought the total price up to £1,43. 17.0d. and £1,103.17.0d. respectively.

There is a Club devoted to the make and those of you interested could do no better than contact “The Sunbeam Rapier Owners Club”, C/o P. Meech at 12 Greenacres, Downton, Salisbury SP5 3NG, telephone 01725 511140.