29th Nov, 2023 13:00
Pavilion Gardens | Buxton, Derbyshire
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Previously in the ownership of John Simpson, former Practical Classics magazine Chief Mechanic
As featured in several Practical Classics magazine issues
Benefitted from some £2,270 worth of expenditure in 2021
Offered with a large history file
Late in 1963, Rootes were set to discontinue the Rapier. It was no longer the mainstay of the competitions department because Rootes had directed its competitive effort towards the Hillman Imp and the Sunbeam Tiger. A totally new Series IV Rapier had already been designed, prototypes built and testing completed, but luckily the Rootes Group changed its mind! The new Series IV Rapier was deemed as a touring saloon rather than a sports coupé (as previously) to give it a new lease of life. The most obvious difference was the change to 13-inch (330 mm) road wheels in common with the rest of Rootes' light car range. This meant that the stainless-steel wheel trims of earlier Rapiers were replaced by Rootes corporate hub caps and rim finishers. At the front, the car was redesigned to modernise the appearance, with a new bonnet making the front look lower and flatter and the front wings modified to accept extensions housing alloy side grilles and sidelights with amber turn indicators. The traditional Sunbeam grille was further modified to give a lower, more square shape with a pronounced convex profile. To give a more open look from the side, the frames were removed from the side windows.
In common with the rest of the light car range, the Rapier's front suspension was re-engineered and all suspension joints became either sealed for life or were rubber bushed thereby eliminating every grease point on the car. Gearing was adjusted overall to compensate for the smaller wheels and the front brake discs were reduced in size so that they would fit inside the wheels. A brake servo became standard and the spring and damper settings were adjusted to give a softer ride. A new diaphragm clutch and new clutch master cylinder brought lighter and more progressive clutch operation. The 1,592 cc (97.1 cu in) engine from the Series IIIA was unchanged but the twin Zenith carburettors finally gave way to a single twin-choke Solex, increasing power to 84bhp. When production of the Series IV ceased in 1965, 9700 units had been built.
Manufactured new in 1964, the Rapier offered was supplied new to the Blackburn region, being registered new on the 22nd of April that year. Fitted with the 1592cc straight-four engine allied to the four-speed manual transmission, the Sunbeam presents in the attractive colour combination of Silver with Pippin Red roof and wing fins, and a complementary Red vinyl interior upholstery and carpeting. Displaying a recorded and credible mileage of 62,650 miles, the early ownership history is unknown until the 1990s, before being in the ownership of four individuals until 2011. Subsequently purchased that year by John Simpson, a well-known name in classic car circles and formerly the Chief Mechanic for Practical Classics magazine, ‘DBV 157B’ featured in the ‘Staff Car Sagas’ section of the magazine on a number of occasions including having a replacement timing chain and head gasket, bodywork repairs and paintwork, and wheel refurbishment. Retained by him for seven years, the former keeper, a friend of John’s, acquired it from him upon hearing it was going to come for sale.
Further improved by the previous owner, over £2,200 was lavished on the Sunbeam in 2021 with work completed comprising new suspension bushes, front wheel bearings, ball joints, track rod ends, brake lines and full service, the Rapier started readily and ran very well during our photography session. Offered with a large history file that contains a large selection of invoices documenting work undertaken, numerous previous MOT certificates, past tax discs, an original lubrication chart, workshop manual, parts list, owners’ handbook, a large picture of the Rapier and other sundry paperwork and manuals. Rated as 'very good' throughout by the vendor.
