Awesome 1961 Sunbeam Rapier

[John Boggis]

Tony Perrett here in the UK sent me some pictures of his Alpine which is a very impressive series IV auto. What he also sent me were some pictures of his 1961 Sunbeam Rapier which is a truly awesome car. Here are a few pics of this great Sunbeam.

 

[Green67Alpine]

That's a beauty ! Never seen one in person. How's the ride, and handling?
Tony do you regulary drive her?

Tom j

 

[tony perrett]

Tom, The ride is OK (by 1961 standards) but because the car runs on the original size skinny 5.60 X 15 crossply tyres the road-holding leaves a lot to be desired. The tyres are Commander and were imported from US. Years ago I had a Series 2 convertible and a Series 3A saloon and both were on radial tyres and the handling of those cars was dramatically better. The mileage over the last year is about 200, due largely to our less than perfect weather. I really must try harder. As a matter of interest, the styling is supposedly based on the Studebaker Hawk. Tony.

 

[todd reid]

Awesome 1961 Sunbam Rapier

Looks terrific Tony! Is it black or dark blue?

 

[tony perrett]

Looks terrific Tony! Is it black or dark blue?

Neither - the main body colour is dark green (Velvet Green) and the roof and side flashes a greyish colour (Sage Green). The interior is also green.