Sunbeam Rapier fastback
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Automotive |
| Founded | 1949 |
| Headquarters | Ryton-on-Dunsmore , United Kingdom |
| Products | Automobiles, including Sunbeam Rapier |
The Sunbeam Rapier was manufactured by the Rootes Group from 1955 until 1976, spanning two distinct generations: the initial "Series" models and the subsequent fastback design produced between 1967 and 1976, which formed part of the "Arrow" lineup.
The debut generation of the Rapier introduced Rootes' "Audax" series of compact vehicles under the Sunbeam brand. It was unveiled at the London Motor Show in October 1955, preceding its Hillman Minx and Singer Gazelle siblings that appeared in 1956.
This model was a two-door, four-seat hardtop coupé, known as Series I until it was succeeded by Series II in 1958. It marked a departure from the Sunbeam Mark III it replaced. Although designed internally, it drew styling cues from Raymond Loewy’s 1953 Studebaker coupés, blending modern aesthetics with Rootes’ mechanical expertise.
Series I
The Series I, influenced by Raymond Loewy Associates and inspired by Loewy's Studebaker Starliner and Hawk models, launched featuring distinctive two-tone paintwork. It came equipped with a steering column gear selector, Kangaroo leather upholstery, and standard Laycock de Normanville overdrive. Vinyl trim was an optional feature domestically and standard in some export versions. The body shells were produced by Pressed Steel, then painted and finished by Thrupp & Maberly before final assembly took place at Rootes’ Ryton-on-Dunsmore facility—a multi-step manufacturing process maintained until the introduction of Series IV in 1963.
The engine was a 1,390 cc unit similar to that in the Hillman Minx but tuned with a higher compression ratio of 8:1 compared to 7:1, fitted with a Zenith DIF 36 carburettor and redesigned manifolds to generate 62.5 bhp at 5000 rpm. A four-speed manual transmission operated via a column shifter with overdrive available on third and fourth gears came as standard.
Starting October 1956, lessons from Rootes’ motorsport ventures led to an upgraded R67 engine featuring twin Zenith 36 WIP carburettors mounted on a new manifold, increasing power output to 67.5 bhp at 5000 rpm. This enhancement improved acceleration and raised the maximum speed by around 3 mph.
In a 1957 test by The Motor magazine of a twin-carburettor Series I saloon, the vehicle achieved a top speed of 85.7 mph, accelerated from zero to 60 mph in 20.9 seconds, and recorded fuel efficiency of 30.5 mpg (imperial). The price was £1043 including £348 tax.
In competitive motorsport, Peter Harper piloted a Rapier to fifth position in the 1958 Monte Carlo Rally.
Production totaled 7,477 units of Series I before it was phased out in 1958 upon introduction of Series II.
Series II
Manufactured between 1958 and 1959 with a total output of 15,151 units, the Sunbeam Rapier Series II was offered both as a hardtop coupé and as a convertible. At the 1958 Monte Carlo Rally, Rootes presented nine cars for press appraisal.
The Series II reinstated the classic Sunbeam grille design—now shortened and widened—with horizontal grilles flanking it on either side. The previous two-tone lower body paint scheme gave way to an expansive full-length stripe matching the roof color, accompanied by more prominent rear wing fins.
Inside, the gear lever moved from the steering column to a floor-mounted position, reflecting rally car designs. To cut costs, leather seating was replaced with vinyl upholstery, and overdrive was no longer standard but offered as an optional feature.
Under the hood, this version housed the Rallymaster engine enlarged to 1,494 cc with an increased compression ratio of 8.5:1 and larger valves, producing 73 bhp at 5,200 rpm. Performance metrics included a top speed of approximately 91 mph and acceleration from zero to sixty mph in about 20.2 seconds. Handling improvements included larger front brakes and adoption of a recirculating ball steering mechanism based on racing experience.
Series II production concluded in 1959 when it was succeeded by Series III.
Series III
Launched in September 1959, the Series III incorporated a series of subtle yet cumulative exterior modifications: the side grilles featured an additional horizontal bar, the boot lid was redesigned with an elongated recess for the number plate, and the side flash became narrower and was positioned lower, with the Rapier script relocated towards its rear. The windscreen pillars were slimmed down, and the scuttle line was lowered, resulting in a 20% increase in windscreen surface area.
The interior underwent a refresh with new seats and door panels upholstered in single-tone vinyl accented by contrasting piping. Standard deep-pile carpeting replaced the previous rubber mats. The steering wheel and controls were updated to black plastic, while the dashboard received a burr walnut veneer finish topped by padded crash rolls housing black-faced British Jaeger gauges.
From a mechanical standpoint, the Series III shared its underpinnings with the Sunbeam Alpine sports car. It retained the 1,494 cc engine but introduced an eight-port aluminum cylinder head, raised compression ratio, redesigned valves, and a sportier camshaft. The twin Zenith carburettors were retained but mounted on a water-heated inlet manifold. These enhancements boosted output to 78 bhp at 5,400 rpm.
Transmission improvements included taller ratios for second, third, and top gears along with reduced gear lever travel for faster shifting. The addition of front disc brakes and a wider front track enhanced braking performance and overall stability.
A 1960 test of the saloon equipped with overdrive recorded a maximum speed of 91.7 mph, acceleration from 0 to 60 mph in 16.6 seconds, fuel economy of 29.5 mpg (imperial), and a price tag of £1,045 including taxes.
Before being succeeded by the Series IIIA in April 1961, production totaled 15,368 units.
Series IIIA
Introduced in 1961, the Series IIIA incorporated the Series II Sunbeam Alpine's 1592 cc overhead valve engine. While externally and internally resembling the Series III, this iteration emphasized enhanced durability. The engine capacity was increased alongside a reinforced crankshaft and larger diameter connecting rod bearings, which necessitated adjustments to connecting rods and gudgeon pins. Upgraded oil and water pumps were also included. Power output rose from 78 bhp to 80.25 bhp at 5,100 rpm, while torque increased from 84 lb-ft at 3,500 rpm to 88.2 lb-ft at 3,900 rpm.
Additional enhancements featured a larger front anti-roll bar to improve handling stability, a redesigned clutch bell housing with nine pressure springs replacing six, and an updated air cleaner assembly. A fresh-air heater was added as standard equipment. These refinements subtly differentiated the Series IIIA from its predecessor while renewing its appeal in showrooms.
Despite a slightly reduced top speed of 90 mph compared to the Series III and slower acceleration to 60 mph in 19.3 seconds, engine robustness was significantly improved.
Production of convertibles ceased by mid-1963; however, hardtop models continued until October 1963 when the Series IV was introduced. Total production of the Series IIIA reached 17,354 units.
Series IV
By late 1963, Rootes planned to phase out the Rapier as motorsport efforts shifted toward the Hillman Imp and Sunbeam Tiger models. Although a new Series IV Rapier had been designed and prototyped, it was ultimately replaced by the Mark I Humber Sceptre. Instead of continuing as a sports coupé, the existing Series IIIA Rapier was reconfigured into a touring saloon.
Exterior updates included fitting 13-inch wheels consistent with Rootes’ light car lineup and replacing stainless steel trims with corporate hub caps. The front end featured a lowered bonnet and revised wings equipped with alloy side grilles and amber turn indicators. The Sunbeam grille adopted a lower and squarer shape with a convex profile. New headlamp rims sourced from chromed Sunbeam Alpine components and updated bumpers aligned styling with other Light Car models. Side window frames were removed for an open appearance, while "Series IV" badges were added to front wings and boot lid.
Inside, the dashboard’s walnut veneer was redesigned to incorporate an integrated glove box along with storage shelves. Controls such as heater switches and ashtray were relocated to a console ahead of the gear lever. Driver comfort was enhanced through an adjustable steering column and newly designed front seats offering improved fore-aft movement and backrest adjustment.
The front suspension received significant upgrades: half king pins were replaced by sealed-for-life ball joints; other joints were sealed or fitted with rubber bushes to eliminate grease points. Gear ratios were adjusted for smaller wheels; front brake discs were downsized; a brake servo was added; suspension settings were softened for improved ride comfort. A new diaphragm clutch coupled with an updated master cylinder enhanced clutch operation.
The unchanged 1592 cc engine replaced its twin Zenith carburettors with a single twin-choke Solex 32PAIA carburettor for easier maintenance, increasing output to 84 bhp and torque to 91 lb-ft at 3,500 rpm.
In October 1964, Rootes introduced an all-synchromesh gearbox across its light car range including the Series IV Rapier alongside implementing a computerized chassis numbering system.
A road test conducted in 1964 recorded a top speed of 91 mph and acceleration from zero to sixty mph in seventeen seconds.
Production of the Series IV concluded in 1965 after manufacturing 9,700 units.
Series V
Before the introduction of the Fastback Rapier, Rootes unveiled the Series V model in September 1965. Visually, it remained identical to its Series IV predecessor except for the addition of "1725" emblems, signifying an upgraded 1,725 cc OHV inline-four engine featuring a redesigned crankshaft with five main bearings to enhance durability and smooth operation. This powerplant delivered 91 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and underwent further refinement in later models.
Other notable modifications included a shift from positive to negative earth electrical systems, replacing the dynamo with an alternator, and fitting a twin-pipe exhaust system to improve engine airflow. These enhancements elevated the vehicle's maximum speed to 95 mph and reduced acceleration time from 0 to 60 mph to 14.1 seconds. Despite these improvements, production was limited to only 3,759 units before ceasing in June 1967, making it the scarcest variant of the Series Sunbeam Rapier.
Sunbeam Rapier Fastback coupé
In 1967, Rootes introduced the "Arrow" series, which featured the new Sunbeam Rapier Fastback coupé—a two-door pillarless hardtop designed with a sporty appeal. Launched in October 1967, this model was built on the Hillman Hunter Estate chassis but distinguished itself through unique body styling except for shared rear lamps and valance.
The Fastback housed the Rootes 1,725 cc four-cylinder engine inclined to the right to allow for a lower bonnet profile. Equipped with twin Stromberg carburettors, it produced 88 horsepower at 5,200 rpm. The manual transmission came standard with overdrive, while a Borg-Warner automatic option was also available.
Manufactured until 1976 without a direct successor, the Fastback served as the foundation for the sportier Sunbeam Rapier H120, launched in October 1968. The H120 boasted a Holbay Engineering-tuned engine delivering 110 horsepower through twin Weber carburettors—also used in the Hillman Hunter GLS—alongside distinctive features such as a boot-lid spoiler and polished sill trims. Additionally, this Rapier variant inspired the single-carburettor Alpine Fastback which debuted in 1969.
The Rapier’s mechanical components (excluding those from the estate chassis) were incorporated into other Arrow models including the Humber Sceptre MkIII and Hillman GT versions. Production initially took place at Ryton-on-Dunsmore from 1967 to 1969 before moving to Rootes’ Linwood facility in Scotland from 1969 until 1976. In total, 46,204 units of Rapier, H120, and Alpine models were produced.
Performance figures showed a top speed of 103 mph and acceleration from zero to sixty mph in 12.8 seconds. In North America, this model was marketed under the name Sunbeam Alpine GT.
Sunbeam Alpine Fastback coupé
Released in October 1969, the Sunbeam Alpine Fastback was a streamlined version of the Rapier positioned above the Singer Vogue within the Arrow lineup. It utilized the same engine as the Hillman Hunter, fitted with a single Stromberg 150CD carburettor that generated power at 5,500 rpm. Buyers could choose between a manual transmission equipped with overdrive or an optional Borg-Warner automatic gearbox.
Although well-appointed, the Alpine offered less sporty characteristics compared to the Rapier; it featured a wooden dashboard with fewer gauges and wood trim along the transmission tunnel instead of metallic finishes. It did not include aluminium sill trims or vinyl coverings on the C-pillars, which helped reduce its price in the UK market to £1,086 compared with £1,200 for the Rapier.
The Alpine achieved a top speed of and accelerated from zero to sixty mph in 14.6 seconds. Production wrapped up in 1975, ahead of the discontinuation of both Rapier and H120 models.
Sunbeam Rapier H120
Produced between 1968 and 1976, the Sunbeam Rapier H120 represented a high-performance variant of the Fastback Rapier, equipped with an engine finely tuned by Holbay Engineering. It generated a gross output of at 5,200 rpm and delivered 163 Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm. Key modifications included a specially designed cylinder head, a high-lift camshaft, a tuned exhaust manifold, a unique distributor, and dual Weber 40DCOE carburettors. The powertrain featured a close-ratio transmission, a reinforced overdrive unit, and a rear axle with a higher gear ratio.
Visual enhancements consisted of wider Rostyle wheels, prominent side decals, polished sill trims, a matte black radiator grille, and a boot lid fitted with an integrated spoiler. The model was further distinguished by H120 badges positioned on the front wings and grille centers.
Performance figures included a maximum speed of and acceleration from 0 to in 11.1 seconds. Production ended concurrently with the Fastback Rapier in 1976.
Scale models
- Meccano Dinky Toys; No. 166 (1958–1963), Series I Rapier, roughly O scale (1:44).
- Oxford Die Cast; No. 76SR002, Series III Rapier, scale 1:76.
- Silas Models; No. SM433044C, Series IIIa Rapier Convertible, in 1:43 scale.