Beschreibung
The 70’s……it wasn’t all bad…!
Remember the classic 70’s pillarless coupe, the Sunbeam Rapier H120............
The Chrysler America (Roy Axe) styled fastback Sunbeam Rapier was introduced by Rootes (Chrysler UK) in October 1967 as a replacement for the 1955-1967 `Series Rapier. This was Britain's take on the Plymouth Barracuda - and Rootes' Ford Capri rival during the Seventies.
The fastback Rapier range was based on the Hillman Hunter floorpan, suspension and drivetrain. It was powered by Rootes 1725cc four cylinder engine with twin Stromberg 150CD carburettors and an alloy head. It was available with either a Borg-Warner automatic or a manual gearbox with Laycock de Normanville overdrive.
A high performance Holbay Engineering tuned version called the “Rapier H120”, was unveiled in October 1968. The "H" stood for Holbay and this limited edition model featured a redesigned cylinder head, twin Weber 40DCOE carburetors, close ratio gearbox, revised rear axle and lowered suspension. The H120 was easily identifiable by its Rostyle wheels and integral bootlid spoiler.
This car is a highly original 1972 example of the H120, having been off the road in storage since 1990 it has recently undergone the following restoration work to bring it back to life - Rust in floor pan, inner and outer sills and front panel removed and replaced with new metal. Full respray including engine bay and door shuts, new stainless steel door sill finishers and 3 new H120 badges fitted. The underside of car was cleaned and then undersealed front to back. Also fitted were new front brake discs, pads, wheel bearings, rear wheel cylinder, clutch plate and clutch release bearing. The head gasket was replaced and the Holbay engine then received a full service and tune. Original headlamps (x4) were replaced with new halogen units, all electrical switches and components are in working order. The rare cream-colour vinyl interior has been carefully cleaned and refitted together with a new carpet set.
The car retains the original close ratio gearbox (with overdrive on 3rd and 4th) and now runs on period-correct 70’s “Minilite style” alloy wheels with new radial tyres giving excellent ride and road holding.
To summarise, this H120 consists almost entirely of its original (although refurbished) components, it is a nice, tidy and drivable (tax free) 70’s icon. Included with the car is the original Owners Handbook including some early service history, the original Chrysler UK marketing brochure announcing the Fastback Sunbeam range including the H120.
Please get in touch is you’d like to own this rare and appreciating piece of 70’s automotive history.
