Rootes launched the Rapier Series II by flying nine cars out to Monte Carlo so the press could try them right as the 1958 rally wrapped up.
Median 83 hp across 32 similar cars
Lead trim: 1,494 cc OHV Rallymaster (73 bhp)
Sunbeam Rapier Series II1958–1959
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Nobody in Burbles has spotted a Sunbeam Rapier Series II yet. See one on the street, point the app at it, and the first card is yours — with your @handle permanently credited on this page.
FactRootes launched the Rapier Series II by flying nine cars out to Monte Carlo so the press could try them right as the 1958 rally wrapped up.
The Sunbeam Rapier Series II was announced on 6 February 1958, available in hardtop and convertible forms. The traditional Sunbeam radiator grille was reintroduced, albeit shortened and widened, the two-tone lower body colour scheme of the Series I was discontinued in favour of a broad full-length flash, and the most obvious change was the appearance of pronounced fins on the rear wings. A floor gear change replaced the column change, and the leather upholstery was discontinued in favour of vinyl, with overdrive becoming an extra-cost option. The more powerful engine, referred to as the Rallymaster, had an increased capacity of 1,494 cc, which with a higher compression ratio of 8.5:1 and larger valves raised the power output to 73 bhp at 5,200 rpm; Autocar quoted a top speed of 91 mph and 0–60 mph in 20.2 seconds. 15,151 were built.
Collectors Spotted in the Sunbeam Rapier Lineage
No member has published a public street spot of the Sunbeam Rapier yet — the First · Worldwide stamp is wide open.
Trims & Figures
One published trim in the catalogue. A blank is a figure not recorded, not zero.
| Trim | Years | Engine | Power | Torque | 0–60 | Drive | Gearbox | MSRP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1,494 cc OHV Rallymaster (73 bhp) | 1958–1959 | 1.5 L Inline-4 | 73 hp | — | 20.2 s | — | — | — |
Owning one
We don’t estimate running costs for a car like this. What it costs depends on its condition, its specialist and how it is driven, and an average would mislead.
Owners’ builds
Nobody has claimed one yet.
Photographs
Rootes tilted the Fastback Rapier's engine to the right — purely so the bonnet line could sit lower, a styling trick shared across the whole Arrow range.
The most improved Rapier was also the one nobody bought — just 3,759 Series Vs were built before it was dropped in 1967, making it the rarest of the whole Series run.
The real new 'Series IV' Rapier never came out as a Rapier at all — Rootes redirected that design into the Humber Sceptre, and reworked the old car to wear the Series IV badge instead.
The Series IIIA looked and felt identical to the Rapier it replaced — every change under the skin was aimed purely at durability, not difference.
Rootes slimmed the windscreen pillars and dropped the scuttle line on the Series III Rapier for a 20% bigger windscreen — the subtlest change nobody noticed.
Rootes launched the Rapier Series II by flying nine cars out to Monte Carlo so the press could try them right as the 1958 rally wrapped up.
Building a single Series I Rapier took three cities: Pressed Steel built the shell, Thrupp & Maberly in London painted and trimmed it, then it shipped again to Coventry just to get its engine.
Rivals
Same body, same money, other badges — tap any card to flip.
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