Sporty on the move in the Sunbeam Rapier
06/23/2012
The Sunbeam Rapier is hardly known (anymore) in our latitudes. It was introduced in 1967. Technically, it was based on the station wagon version of the Hillman Hunter. A 1.7-liter engine with an aluminium cylinder head developed 88 hp, which was transmitted to the rear axle via a manual four-speed gearbox (plus overdrive).
In terms of design, the Rapier appeared to be based on the Plymouth Barracuda produced in America at the time, although it was at least one size smaller.
With a top speed of over 165 km/h and less than 14 seconds for the sprint from 0 to 100 km/h, the Rapier could also be seen among other speedy coupés. Automobil Revue devoted a full-page short test to the English coupé in issue 26/1968and concluded it with the following summarizing words:
"The significantly better, albeit still orthodox, chassis compared to the previous Rapier and the air of the English class car in the interior stamp the Rootes model as a vehicle for the reserved individualist who does not need a very large rear compartment and, on the one hand, wants to own something that is not commonplace, but on the other hand does not want to stand out, neither through exceptional driving nor through clearly displayed snobbery."
The Sunbeam Rapier H120 was really sporty, with a performance-enhanced engine now delivering 108 hp, good for 175 km/h and an acceleration time of 11 seconds in the 0-100 km/h discipline. This performance was also documented externally by wider wheels, a matt black radiator grille and a spoiler integrated into the trunk lid.
The Sunbeam Sceptre saloon, which was built at the same time, was less sporty but hardly any slower; in other markets it was also offered under the name Humber Sceptre.
As always, the pictures are also available in high resolution in the Zwischengas archive .
