1971 Sunbeam Rapier Fastback

Remarks

Good oil pressure

Remarks

Overdrive on 3rd and 4th

Remarks

Remember these pillarless coupes? Sunbeam Rapier Fastbacks were made from 1967 for 8 years in very small numbers because they were expensive. Stylish and handsome but with space for 4 big adults, it was the sporting Coupe version of the multi rally winning Hillman Hunter saloon range. My early 1971 car is just out of a 3+ year comprehensive restoration after 20 years dry storage and has had only 3 former keepers. Showing an entirely credible 80, 000 miles and driving superbly, it comes with a large folder of invoices/ history + detailed photos of the recent restoration works when everything it needed structurally it got, no matter how difficult. This meant a number of new panels and local repairs were carried out targeting all corroded areas, wing mirror holes etc. The result is a comprehensively rot-free shell that could last another 52 years with a little TLC as it's really strong now and feels so on the road. Bodywork restoration was by an accomplished marque specialist to a high standard with the interior trim removed for full access all areas and it's believed to be the only Fastback to have been restored in the last few decades employing 3 section sill structures due to previous unavailability of the crucially important middle sills which were a Fastback specific part and rust away unseen. It then went to a highly experienced classic car painter for a full glass out body preparation and re-paint in it's original Polar White colour. The original Tan interior is most attractive and very 1970s sporting with pleasing 7 dial fascia, it's also in simply astonishingly good condition - no cracked dash, unmarked seating, pristine headliner + all new carpets in the correct colour. The stylish 3 spoke steering wheel has been expertly trimmed in fine grain leather and the interior now has more extensive soundproofing. Mechanically it's in great order with new 165/ 80 tyres, new steering and suspension joints, new boot carpet a double oil change and service plus it's had the brakes all overhauled. The tough, 5 bearing, twin carb 1725cc Rootes engine, all synchromesh gearbox (incl. excellent Overdrive on 3rd & 4th), back axle and suspension all work really well and the car has recently completed 500 faultless miles running at pace.? This is a great, fully serviceable classic with pretty much everything done. It's mechanically very fit and in A1 condition throughout so you could actually do a long journey and be confident in it's reliability. It's taken 3 exhausting years to complete and I know I'm not going to get my money back but it's time to move on so the car's now for sale and someone is going to get a beautiful looking, turn-key coupe, far more rare than an E-Type, for a very modest outlay. Already registered as ULEZ free Historic Status and free road tax, this vehicle should not be confused with even great condition unrestored examples which will inevitably be deeply corroded in unseen places. Other points worth mentioning: because photography was done on 3 different days/ lights the paint colour appears to vary - it doesn't in reality. Both the door AND rear side glasses disappear completely into the body. The car incorporates several H120 styling features to the benefit of looks whilst avoiding the drawbacks of the more demanding Holbay engine (101 octane, driveability etc.). Loads of smaller wearing items (carbs and fuel pump, distributor cap and plugs, wiper blades, bulbs etc.) have all been either overhauled or replaced with new. It has electronic ignition so will work long term and comes with it's original jack, tools and a matching Rostyle spare wheel. Unlike many old cars, the heater works brilliantly as do the servo brakes. Fastbacks were made in tiny numbers but competed with Ford's aggressively marketed Capri I & II, albeit at a rather higher price point. Sales were just a drop in the ocean in comparison so exclusivity and admiring glances are assured. LPO 672J looks really important and is a truly rare machine. It will afford the next owner lots of enjoyable period motoring for many years to come.