12th Nov, 2023 12:00
The Bolesworth Castle November 2023 Classic & Performance Car Auction
1959 Sunbeam Rapier
Registration - XSJ 229
Chassis No - B3000817HS0
M.O.T. - Exempt
Odometer - 60,637
For some time, historic racing and rallying have been growing faster in popularity than any other sectors of UK motorsport, and there are some wonderful national and international events for enthusiasts to choose from; not least the Rallye Monte-Carlo Historique in which this Series III Rapier has apparently taken part. Finished in red over white, ‘XSJ 229’ is a fully-equipped competition car that rides on Michelin-shod KN Minilite-style alloy wheels. Its comprehensive specification includes: Holbay-tuned 1725cc engine breathing through a pair of Weber carburettors, roll cage, Corbeau seats, Luke harnesses, hydraulic handbrake, Brantz 2 tripmeter and Cibié spot lights. The Sunbeam’s last service was apparently caried out in June this year at a cost of £2,600. The vendor now grades the four-cylinder engine and four-speed manual transmission as ‘good’, and the bodywork, paintwork and internal trim as ‘average’. The car is accompanied by a degree of service history.
Announced at the London Motor Show of 1955, the Sunbeam Rapier was the first of a new range of Rootes cars that was soon to include the Hillman Minx and the Singer Gazelle. A complete departure from the Sunbeam MKIII it replaced, it was a modern-looking two-door, four-seat coupe. Standard equipment included leather trim and overdrive and the cars were finished in a selection of attractive two-tone colour schemes. Though initially a little underpowered, the Rapier had inherently excellent handling and was quickly adopted for rallying. Indeed, the launch of the Series II version took place at the end of the 1958 Monte Carlo Rally in which Peter Harper’s Works Rapier had finished fifth overall. The Series III Rapier is generally regarded as the definitive version, and was introduced in the September of 1959. The newcomer featured redesigned seats and interior panel, pile carpets and a walnut facia. The under-bonnet changes included a new aluminium eight-port cylinder head, increased compression ratio, redesigned valves, sportier camshaft and new water-heated inlet manifold, and combined to increase power output to 78 bhp.
In summary:
- An 11-keeper example, fully prepared for historic rally events
- Nowadays powered by a Holbay-tuned 1725cc engine
- Comes with some history; last serviced in June this year
'A Buyer’s Premium applies to the Hammer Price of this Lot if your bid is successful, as per the following; Motor Cars 12.5% + VAT (minimum £150 + VAT), Motorcycles and Bicycles 15% + VAT (minimum £100 + VAT); Registration Numbers 15% + VAT (minimum £50 + VAT); Automobilia 15% + VAT (minimum of £5 + VAT).'
Potential buyers should satisfy themselves with the description and condition of each lot prior to sale. Each vehicle is offered ‘as is/as seen’ as per the terms and conditions for the auction, buyers are asked to inspect the vehicle in person or use a professional to carry out the service. Any disputes over descriptions will not be entertained.
Estimated at £5,000 - £7,000Registration - XSJ 229
Chassis No - B3000817HS0
M.O.T. - Exempt
Odometer - 60,637
For some time, historic racing and rallying have been growing faster in popularity than any other sectors of UK motorsport, and there are some wonderful national and international events for enthusiasts to choose from; not least the Rallye Monte-Carlo Historique in which this Series III Rapier has apparently taken part. Finished in red over white, ‘XSJ 229’ is a fully-equipped competition car that rides on Michelin-shod KN Minilite-style alloy wheels. Its comprehensive specification includes: Holbay-tuned 1725cc engine breathing through a pair of Weber carburettors, roll cage, Corbeau seats, Luke harnesses, hydraulic handbrake, Brantz 2 tripmeter and Cibié spot lights. The Sunbeam’s last service was apparently caried out in June this year at a cost of £2,600. The vendor now grades the four-cylinder engine and four-speed manual transmission as ‘good’, and the bodywork, paintwork and internal trim as ‘average’. The car is accompanied by a degree of service history.
Announced at the London Motor Show of 1955, the Sunbeam Rapier was the first of a new range of Rootes cars that was soon to include the Hillman Minx and the Singer Gazelle. A complete departure from the Sunbeam MKIII it replaced, it was a modern-looking two-door, four-seat coupe. Standard equipment included leather trim and overdrive and the cars were finished in a selection of attractive two-tone colour schemes. Though initially a little underpowered, the Rapier had inherently excellent handling and was quickly adopted for rallying. Indeed, the launch of the Series II version took place at the end of the 1958 Monte Carlo Rally in which Peter Harper’s Works Rapier had finished fifth overall. The Series III Rapier is generally regarded as the definitive version, and was introduced in the September of 1959. The newcomer featured redesigned seats and interior panel, pile carpets and a walnut facia. The under-bonnet changes included a new aluminium eight-port cylinder head, increased compression ratio, redesigned valves, sportier camshaft and new water-heated inlet manifold, and combined to increase power output to 78 bhp.
In summary:
- An 11-keeper example, fully prepared for historic rally events
- Nowadays powered by a Holbay-tuned 1725cc engine
- Comes with some history; last serviced in June this year
'A Buyer’s Premium applies to the Hammer Price of this Lot if your bid is successful, as per the following; Motor Cars 12.5% + VAT (minimum £150 + VAT), Motorcycles and Bicycles 15% + VAT (minimum £100 + VAT); Registration Numbers 15% + VAT (minimum £50 + VAT); Automobilia 15% + VAT (minimum of £5 + VAT).'
Potential buyers should satisfy themselves with the description and condition of each lot prior to sale. Each vehicle is offered ‘as is/as seen’ as per the terms and conditions for the auction, buyers are asked to inspect the vehicle in person or use a professional to carry out the service. Any disputes over descriptions will not be entertained.
Auction: The Bolesworth Castle November 2023 Classic & Performance Car Auction, 12th Nov, 2023
Our November auction of classic and performance cars
Viewing Days:
Saturday 11th November,12 noon - 6pm
Sunday 12th November, 9am - 12 noon
If you wish to consign your vehicle to this auction, you can request a valuation here or by calling one of the Hampson Auctions team on 01606 828124
Fill in the form below and one of our team will get in touch with a no-obligation valuation. We will also take you through the consignment and valuation process, to enable you to make an informed decision.
If you prefer to contact us directly please call 01606 828 124 or email info@hampsonauctions.com
