"The Sunbeam Rapier Series II was announced on 6th February 1958, available in hardtop and convertible formats. Rootes arranged for nine of the new cars to be in Monte Carlo for the press to try at the end of the 1958 Monte Carlo Rally.  An improvement in the Series II was its more powerful engine, referred to as the Rallymaster, which had an increased capacity of 1,494 cc combined with a higher compression ratio and larger inlet and exhaust valves to raise the power to 73 bhp. Autocar quoted the top speed as 91 mph with a 0-60 mph time of 20.2 seconds. As a direct result of competition experience, the Series II was also fitted with larger front brakes and a recirculating ball steering box instead of the worm and nut box of the Series I. When new, the Sunbeam Rapier posted notable rallying results, supported by the Rootes Competition Department. And, more than half a century later, Rapiers are still notching up successful results in the ever-popular classic rallying movement.
This 1959 Rapier Coupé was fully restored in 2019 and, with notable success from being an eight-time Historic Monte Carlo Rally finisher, offers a cost-effective route into historic rallying indeed having recently completed Hero Challenge rallies, including on and off-road tests, with the vendor reporting that it performed superbly. We are informed the bodywork with its cream and turquoise paint is in very good order as is the running gear.  The interior is also in fine order; likewise the under-bonnet area with what is described by the vendor as an excellent electrical system, and the engine which starts and runs well. In preparation for recent events the vendor has added two new spare tyres, battery cover, covered the internal brake bias and added rear seats for regularity and installed a compliant Brantz trip meter. 
Supplied with a very good history file (complete with older FIA papers) this Rapier is ready to continue its rallying career and hopefully bag the new owner a few more trophies in the process - fabulous value indeed and in the right hands, this is a very capable car. 
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