Description
H&H Classic Auction @Pavilion Gardens | Buxton, Derbyshire
27th Nov, 2024 13:00
1965 Sunbeam Rapier Series V
No Reserve
Registration No: DVU 709C
Chassis No: the details below
MOT: Exempt
Long-term family ownership since 1993
Successful 'club rally car' with awards on file
Desirable Series V model
Fitted with performance upgrades
Announced at the London Motor Show of 1955, the Sunbeam Rapier was the first of a new range of Rootes cars that was to include the Hillman Minx and the Singer Gazelle. A complete departure from the Sunbeam MKIII it replaced, it was a modern-looking two-door, four-seater Coupe with such standard equipment as leather trim and overdrive. The bodies were built by Pressed Steel, shipped to Thrupp & Maberly in London for painting and trimming, and then moved to the Rootes plant at Ryton-on-Dunsmore for final assembly. Though initially a little underpowered, the Rapier had inherently excellent handling and was quickly adopted for rallying. Indeed, the launch of the Series II version took place at the end of the 1958 Monte Carlo Rally in which Peter Harper's Works Rapier had finished fifth overall. Over its twenty-one year reign, the model progressed through five series, the swansong being the Series V derivative introduced in 1965. Though visually almost identical to its predecessor, it was notable for its larger, five-bearing engine of 1725cc capacity. Just 3, 759 Series Vs were built, making it the rarest of all versions of the model.
‘DVU 709C’ is a Desirable Series V 1725cc Rapier, originally registered in Manchester and finished in Autumn Gold with a contrasting Black interior. In current ownership since 1993 and subsequently prepared to be used as a ‘club rally car,’ being extensively campaigned by the vendor and his wife since, with many successes (evidenced in history file). Subject of restoration works over the years, including an engine rebuild, bodywork restoration and bare metal repaint, it’s been fitted with sensible ‘performance‘ upgrades including a Weber carburettor, brake servo, Kenlowe fan, roll cage, Lotus Cortina 5 1/ 2J steel wheels etc, in addition to ‘Halda’ timing equipment. The paperwork file includes a number of ‘rally’ awards, original Rootes warranty card and dealer’s handbook. The vendor describes ‘DVU 709C’ as ‘in good running order’ and says that he hopes the new owner will have as much enjoyment for years to come as both he and his wife have had over the last 30 years!
