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The Sunbeam Rapier is an automobile produced by Rootes Group from 1955 until 1976, in two different generations, the "Series" cars (which underwent several revisions) and the later (1967–76) fastback shape, part of the "Arrow" range.
The sportiest Sunbeam was the Rapier H120 model, though this shared its specially tuned Holbay engine with the Hillman Hunter GLS. Sunbeam Arrow, Sunbeam Break de Chasse, Sunbeam Hunter, Sunbeam Minx, Sunbeam Sceptre and Sunbeam Vogue were used for export markets where the Sunbeam name was more familiar or deemed more likely to succeed.
Generally, the Minx was available in four-door saloon and estate forms, with a 1496-cc engine. The Hillman Super Minx was a slightly larger model offered during the Audax era. Throughout the life of the Minx, there was usually an estate version—and, from 1954 to 1965, a short-wheelbase estate, the Hillman Husky , and a van derivative known as ...
It was powered by a 105.2 cu in (1,724 cc) four-cylinder engine producing 85 bhp (63 kW; 86 PS) net, 15 bhp (11 kW; 15 PS) more than the Minx thanks to its aluminium cylinder head and twin-barreled Solex carburettor. This aluminium head engine was produced for the Sunbeam Rapier. [3]
Holbay Engineering was a small family run British engineering company specializing in engine modifications and race tuning. Although they enjoyed much success during the 1960s and 1970s with their competition race engines, they are best remembered today for their work on the Rootes 1725cc OHV engines as used in the Hillman Hunter GLS and Sunbeam Rapier H120.
In 1969, a cheaper, slightly slower and more economical version of the Rapier (still sold as a sporty model) was badged as the new Sunbeam Alpine. All models featured the group's strong five-bearing 1,725 cc (105.3 cu in) engine, with the Alpine featuring a single Zenith-Stromberg CD150 carburettor to the Rapier's twins, and the Rapier H120's ...
The Sceptre was developed as a four-door replacement for the Sunbeam Rapier, but was re-designated as a Humber shortly before launch, while the two-door Rapier based on the 'Audax' Minx continued unreplaced until 1967. [9] The Sceptre nevertheless was able to be successfully promoted as a more sporty car than the larger traditional Humbers. [9]
The 1.7 litre Sunbeam Rapier engine subsequently became the standard four-cylinder engine for the car. 80 cars in total were produced before production ceased in 1974 due to the oil crisis. The car was later morphed into an open top G23 and G24 coupé version but none of those variants went to production.