Sunbeam rapier
| Sunbeam | |
|---|---|
 Sunbeam Rapier Series I
|
|
| rapier | |
| Production period: | 1955-1976 |
| Class : | Lower middle class |
| Body versions : | Sedan , coupe , convertible |
| Engines: |
Petrol engines : 1.4-1.7 liters (46-79.4 kW) |
| Length: | 4100 mm |
| Width: | 1500 mm |
| Height: | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase : | 2400 mm |
| Empty weight : | |
The Sunbeam Rapier was the first model in the “Audax” range of lower mid-range vehicles from the Rootes Group . It was presented at the Motor Show in October 1955, coming out a few months before its sister models Hillman Minx and Singer Gazelle .
The four-seat, two-door hardtop coupe was a completely different car than the Sunbeam Mark III it replaced. The first generation was called "Series I" and "Series II" came out in 1958. Although the vehicle was developed within the Rootes Group , the design was influenced by the design department around Raymond Loewy from the new Studebaker Coupé from 1953.
Models
Series I
The Sunbeam Rapier Series I was a pretty car that was generally rated well by motoring journalists. It was available in some attractive two-tone paintwork that was typical of the time and had steering wheel gearshift, leather upholstery and overdrive as standard equipment. A vinyl roof was available as an option in Great Britain , and was supplied as standard in some export markets. The Rapier bodies were manufactured by the Pressed Steel Company, shipped to Thrupp and Maberley in north London for painting and finishing , and then transported again to Rootes in Ryton-on-Dunsmore near Coventry , where the engine, transmission and drivetrain were located were installed! This cumbersome production was maintained until late 1963 when the "Series IV" was introduced.
The Rapier's 1390 cc engine was essentially the same as that built into the Hillman Minx , but had a higher compression ratio (8: 1 instead of 7: 1), a Stromberg carburetor, type DIF 36, and other intake and exhaust systems Exhaust manifold. Equipped in this way, it developed 62.5 bhp (46 kW) at 5000 rpm, accelerated the car from 0 to 100 km / h in approx. 23 s and allowed it to reach a top speed of 137 km / h.
Although the driving performance of the Rapier was quite pleasing at the time and its driving characteristics were rated as brilliant, it soon became clear that its engine power was insufficient. From October 1956, as a direct result of the experience gained in international rallies by the well-known Rootes racing department, the revised R67 engine was installed in the Rapier, in which the single Stromberg carburetor was replaced by a Zenith double carburetor, type 36 WIP and the also owned new intake manifolds. This engine delivered 67.5 bhp (49.6 kW) at 5000 rpm, which improved the Rapier's acceleration from 0 to 100 km / h by almost 1 s and increased the top speed by almost 5 km / h.
Of this first version of the Sunbeam Rapier, only 7477 pieces were made. In 1958 it was discontinued with the introduction of the "Series II".
Series II
The Sunbeam Rapier Series II was introduced on February 6, 1958, and it was available as a hardtop coupe and convertible , which was a huge step forward over the Series I model. Similar to today's vehicle presentations, Rootes made sure that nine of the new cars were available for tests by representatives of the press at the end of the Monte Carlo Rally in Monte Carlo . (Peter Harper achieved 5th place in the overall ranking of the rally this year with a Series I factory car).
The Sunbeam Rapier Series II introduced the new, famous rapier shape. Although the changes to the Series I came from the Rootes design department, the new car looked even more similar to the Studebaker designed by Loewy ; the Sunbeam looks almost like a shortened Studebaker Golden Hawk .
The traditional Sunbeam grille was reintroduced, albeit shortened and widened. It was clear to see from the car that it had originally been designed for the use of a radiator grille across the entire width of the vehicle, and so the space that remained free after the Sunbeam grille was installed was filled with wide side grills. The two-tone paintwork in the lower part of the body of the Series I was not carried over to the new model; instead it had a wide flash of lightning the color of the roof over the entire length of the vehicle. The most noticeable change, however, was the appearance of accentuated tail fins on the rear fenders.
The interior of the Series II differed little from that of the Series I, only the unpopular steering wheel gearshift was replaced by a shift lever mounted in the middle of the vehicle. This change, which the Series I factory rally cars already had, was immediately enthusiastically received by buyers. In order to save costs, the standard leather interior of the Series I was replaced by synthetic leather and the overdrive was only available at an additional cost.
The biggest improvement on the Series II was the new engine. It had a displacement increased to 1494 cm³ and was called "Rally Master" for obvious reasons. The increase in displacement was accompanied by an increase in compression to 8.5: 1, which in combination with the larger inlet and outlet valves for a higher output of 73 bhp (53.7 kW) at 5200 rpm. cared. The magazine "Autocar" measured a top speed of 146 km / h and an acceleration from 0 to 100 km / h in approx. 21.2 s. As a direct result of the experience from rallying, the Series II was equipped with larger front brakes and recirculating ball steering, which replaced the rather spongy worm steering of the Series I.
The Series II was discontinued in 1959 in favor of the Series III after 15,151 copies (hardtop and convertible).
Series III
The Sunbeam Series III was introduced in September 1959 and is considered by many to be the actual Sunbeam Rapier. Rootes introduced some minor changes to the bodywork, which - viewed individually - were hardly noticeable, but in their entirety made for a changed appearance.
So you increased z. B. the number of cross bars on the side grille from 3 to 4. The trunk lid was given an elongated license plate holder instead of the square on earlier models. The most noticeable change, however, was the side flash, which was now narrower and further down, and was provided with the name "Rapier" at the rear end. The most subtle changes were narrower A-pillars and a lower beltline that allowed for a 20% larger window area.
The changes to the interior were more noticeable. The Rootes stylists completely redesigned the seats and interior trim, with single-color, high-quality synthetic leather with piping in a contrasting color. For the first time, deep pile carpeting was used in a car (previous versions had rubber mats). The steering wheel and controls are made of black instead of beige plastic. The most noticeable change was made to the dashboard: instead of padded metal and plastic as in earlier models, walnut veneer was used and the upper edge was padded for safety reasons, which contrasted the color of the Jaeger instruments with black dials.
The technology of the Series III benefited from the design of the Sunbeam Alpine sports car , which had the same engine. Although the displacement was still 1494 cm³, it was equipped with a new aluminum cylinder head with 8 connections, increased compression ratio and modified valves and had a new, sharper camshaft. The Series II's twin Zenith carburetors were retained, but were attached to new coolant-heated intake manifolds. The result of these changes was an increase in power from 5 bhp (3.7 kW) to 78 bhp (57.3 kW) at 5400 rpm.
The changes to the transmission consisted of a higher gear ratio for the second, third and fourth gear and shorter shift travel. Front disc brakes significantly improved the Rapier's braking properties; At the same time, the front track was enlarged, which gave the car greater stability and better tracking.
According to "Autocar", the Series III reached a top speed of 150 km / h and reached 100 km / h from standstill in around 17.5 s, a significant improvement over the Series II.
The Series III, of which 15,368 copies (hardtop and convertible) were built, was replaced by the Series IIIA in April 1961.
Series IIIA
After the Sunbeam Alpine Series II with the new 1592 cm³ engine was presented, it was to be expected that a corresponding Rapier would appear soon. And that's right, on April 20, 1961, the Sunbeam Rapier Series IIIA was introduced. Both outside and inside, the Series IIIA corresponded to the Series III. Only the reliability of the car has been improved. For this purpose the 1592 cc engine was introduced and a stiffer crankshaft was fitted. To improve reliability, the crankshaft had larger connecting rod bearings, which required different connecting rods and piston pins. Modified oil and water pumps completed the changes to the engine. As a result, the output increased from 78 bhp (57.3 kW) to 80.25 bhp (59 kW) at 5100 rpm. and the torque from 113.7 Nm to 119.4 Nm at 3900 rpm.
In addition, the Series IIIA had many detailed changes, such as: B. a front torsion bar with a larger diameter, which significantly improved the road holding, a modified clutch bell, an improved clutch with 9 instead of 6 springs and a modified air filter. All these changes together ensured that the Series IIIA differed in detail from its predecessor and could be sold better again.
The top speed of the Series IIIA was only 145 km / h below that of the Series III. It also took longer to reach 100 km / h (approx. 20.3 s), but its engine was far more stable.
The Series IIIA convertible was discontinued in mid-1963, but the hardtop continued to be manufactured until October 1963 when it was replaced by the Series IV. Up to the end of production, 17,354 copies had been made.
Series IV
In late 1963, Rootes actually wanted to discontinue the rapier. It was no longer considered the main model as Rootes put the main focus on the Hillman Imp and the Sunbeam Tiger . In fact, an entirely new Sunbeam Rapier Series IV was designed; prototypes were built, the tests completed - and then the Rootes Group changed its mind! The new Sunbeam Rapier Series IV became the Humber Scepter I, and the old Sunbeam Rapier Series IIIA was redesigned to continue its life as a touring sedan rather than a sports coupe.
The most noticeable change was the transition to 13 ″ wheels, as was the case with the rest of the lower middle class at Rootes. This meant that the great but unreliable stainless steel wheel covers on the earlier models gave way to the Rootes hubcaps and wheel rings. The front of the car has been cleverly redesigned to make it look more modern. A new bonnet made the car look lower and flatter and the fenders were fitted with attachments that took aluminum side grills, marker lights and indicators. The traditional Sunbeam grille, which had already been significantly redesigned for the Series II, was modified again so that it had a square shape with a pronounced convex profile. New headlight trim rings have been added - actually from the Sunbeam Alpine , but chrome-plated - and a new front bumper in the same shape as the other Rootes lower-middle-class vehicles. A new, wide license plate holder appeared at the rear of the vehicle, along with a rear bumper in the style of the sister vehicles. The frames of the side windows were omitted so that the car looked more open from the side. Finally, signs reading "Series IV" were placed on the side of the front fenders and on the trunk lid.
On the inside, the new dashboard - still with walnut veneer - with an integrated glove compartment made it possible to install correct shelves underneath on both sides. The display and control elements corresponded to those of the predecessor, only the heater controls and the ashtray were combined in a small console in front of the gearshift lever. For greater driving comfort, the car was equipped with an adjustable steering column and new front seats that could be moved further forwards or backwards and, for the first time, also had an adjustable backrest.
As with the other vehicles in the lower middle class, the front axle of the Rapier has also been redesigned and equipped with ball joints that are lubricated for life. All other suspension parts were given either permanent lubrication or a rubber ring, whereby all lubrication points of the chassis disappeared. The drive ratios were adapted to the smaller wheels and the front disc brakes were made smaller (!) So that they fit into the smaller rims. Braking assistance became standard and the chassis was designed to be more comfortable. A diaphragm clutch and a new clutch cylinder ensured a smoother response with shorter pedal travel.
The 1592 cc engine of the Series IIIA remained unchanged, but the Zenith double carburetor was finally replaced by a Solex single carburetor, type 32PAIA, with 2 air flaps, as it was easier to adjust. As a result, the power increased to 84 bhp (61.7 kW) and the torque to 12.2 Nm at 3500 rpm.
In October 1964, the Series IV received the new fully synchronized Rootes gearbox like the other cars in the lower middle class and the new chassis numbers were assigned with computer assistance.
According to the “engine” test of April 1964, the Rapier Series IV drove a maximum of 146 km / h and reached 100 km / h from a standstill in approx. 18 s.
By the end of production in 1965, 9700 copies had been built.
Series V
Since the new hatchback rapier wasn't ready yet, Rootes decided to revise the popular Sunbeam Rapier one more time. In September 1965 they introduced the Sunbeam Rapier Series V , which looked exactly like the Series IV inside and out, with the exception of the signs on the fenders and trunk lid that read "1725", which already indicates the further change.
Rootes had significantly revised the well-known old four-cylinder engine and increased the displacement to 1725 cm³. The engine had a new crankshaft with 5 main bearings, which made it stronger and quieter. That was the machine for the Rapier Series V.
As a further modernization, the electrical system was reversed from ground to plus to ground to minus and received a three-phase alternator. The car also received a new double exhaust system so that the new engine could breathe more freely.
New rapier
The sixth version of the Sunbeam Rapier was based on the Rootes Arrow series, which went into production in 1966 and was represented by vehicles such as the Hillman Hunter , the Singer Vogue and the Humber Scepter Mk. III . As a brand with a sporty image, Sunbeam should be spared having to offer another version of the Arrow sedan. Instead, Sunbeam should exclusively offer the coupé version of the series.
The 1967 Sunbeam New Rapier - Arrow rapier or hatchback rapier as it was called - was a nice, four-seat coupe on the chassis of the Hillman Hunter station wagon. It was said to have a resemblance to the contemporary Plymouth Barracuda, a vehicle from Chrysler , which at that time already had a significant influence on Rootes. Still, the rapier's designer, Roy Ax, insisted it wasn't. Even if the Rapier had the rear lights and the rear end panel of the Hunter station wagon, the rest of the body was an in-house construction.
He had the Rootes 4-cylinder engine with 5 crankshaft bearings and a displacement of 1725 cm³. As with the other cars in the "Arrow" series, the engine was installed at a slight right angle to allow a lower bonnet. With the Stromberg twin carburetor, type 150CD, the engine developed 88 bhp (64.7 kW) at 5200 rpm. The manual gearbox was fitted with an overdrive as standard ; the automatic transmission from BorgWarner was delivered at an additional cost.
The hatchback Rapier was built almost unchanged until 1976 and then discontinued without a successor. It represented the basis for the more powerful Sunbeam Rapier H120 , as well as for the more simply equipped Sunbeam Alpine from that time. Its drive unit was also used in the Humber Scepter , the Hillman GT and the Hillman Hunter GT (all " Arrow " models).
From 1967 to 1969 the rapier was manufactured in Ryton-on-Dunsmore, from 1969 until it was discontinued in 1976 it was assembled in Linwood , Scotland . A total of 46204 hatchback Rapier (including the H120 and Alpine hatchback) were built.
The Rapier's top speed was 166 km / h and it accelerated from 0 to 100 km / h in about 13.8 seconds. In the USA it was offered as the Sunbeam Alpine GT .
Rapier H120
With the Sunbeam Rapier H120 , Rootes offered an even faster car than the Sunbeam Rapier hatchback. Based on this, the H120 had a more powerful variant of the 1725 cm³ engine, which was specially developed by Holbay Racing Engines. The engine developed 108 bhp (79.4 kW) at 5200 rpm. and had a special cylinder head, a sharper camshaft, optimized 4-way exhaust manifold, a special distributor and a Weber double carburetor, type 40DCOE. To make driving even more fun, the H120 had a shorter gear ratio, a more stable overdrive and a longer rear axle ratio. An automatic transmission was not available.
For an even sportier look, the H120 had wider Rostyle wheels, wide side flashes, a matt black grille and a new trunk lid with an integrated spoiler. Finally there were H120 signs on the front fenders and on the grille.
The top speed of the H120 was 175 km / h and it reached 100 km / h from a standstill in approx. 11 s.
The H120 was discontinued along with the hatchback Rapier in 1976.
Web links
- Sunbeam Rapier Owners' Club (English)
- Association of Rootes Car Clubs (English)
- Central Rootes Archive (English)