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many old cars parked in a garage next to each othera close up of a car ' s front end with rust on ita close up of a car ' s front wheel and tirea close up of a car with rust on the side of itmany old cars that are parked in a garagea close up of a car ' s tail lights and tail lighta knife stuck in the hood of an old cara close up of a car ' s door handle and the door handle is missinga car with a surfboard on top of it in a parking lota tire in the trunk of a car with a flat tirea yellow car parked in a parking lot with other carsa man that is fixing the hood of a cara person holding a piece of metal in their handa dirty car with the door open and the front seat downa dirty car that is sitting on the floora tan car with its trunk open on the side of the roadcars parked in a parking lot next to each other on the side of the roada red car with a tan leather seat and dashboarda leather wallet with a knife in it next to a tirea pair of boots and a pair of shoes on the grounda car that is parked in a garage with its door opena small yellow car parked in a parking lotan old car with a leather seat and a steering wheela picture of a red and tan seat in a cara red car with leather seats and a steering wheela seat in the back of a car with a window opena dashboard and steering wheel of an old cara close up of a red car door handlean old red car with a red seat and a brown seat covera dashboard of a car with many gauges and controlsthree gauges on the dashboard of a red cara tan and maroon car parked in a parking lota close up of a car dashboard with a clock on ita close up of a dashboard of a cara close up of a red motorcycle with a clock on ita steering wheel and dashboard of an old cara view of the inside of a car from the driver ' s seattwo old cars parked next to each other in a parking lota car engine with a lot of wires in ita rusted engine in the middle of a dirty caran old yellow car is parked in a garage with other carsan old car engine with a rusted cover on it ' s hooda close up of a car ' s engine with the hood opena piece of metal on the floor of a cara yellow car parked in a garage with other carsa machine that is sitting on top of a tablea lot of papers that are on a tablea credit card sitting next to a wallet on a tablea car that is parked in a garage with other carsmany old cars parked in a parking lot next to each other
Salle des Ventes du Béguinage

7 - SUNBEAM RAPIER 1959 – History:
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Estimate €3,000 - €4,500
Sale commission
Description
SUNBEAM RAPIER 1959 – History: Unveiled at the London Motor Show in October 1955, the Sunbeam Rapier marked the launch of the new ‘Audax’ range developed by the Rootes Group. Its design, inspired by Raymond Loewy’s creations for Studebaker, gave it an elegant and resolutely modern silhouette, characterised by extensive glazing, a two-tone body and a particularly refined finish. Positioned as an elegant four-seater coupé designed for grand touring, the Rapier was powered by a 1,390 cm³ four-cylinder engine producing around 62 ch, coupled with a manual gearbox. The best-equipped versions featured the Laycock overdrive from Normanville, allowing for a smoother and more economical drive on the open road. With only 7,477 units produced between 1955 and 1958, the Series I is now the rarest version of the first-generation Rapier. The left-hand-drive models intended for export account for a small proportion of this production run and are particularly sought after. Description: The car shown here is a Sunbeam Rapier Series II. The car retains its original manufacturer’s plate and its cold-stamped chassis number. The manufacturer’s plate bears the following details: A3811287 – OD LCX This code corresponds to a Rapier intended for export, fitted with left-hand drive, a Low Compression engine adapted for overseas markets, and the Laycock overdrive from Normanville – a feature particularly prized on this model. The bodywork provides a good basis for restoration and retains a fine overall sense of authenticity. The various body panels appear to fit together well and the alignment of the doors and windows is generally satisfactory. The paintwork is original and has developed a uniform patina. Various defects associated with the vehicle’s age are visible, notably a few everyday scratches, paint chips, dents, old touch-ups and traces of surface oxidation on certain metal parts. There are areas of corrosion on the bodywork, requiring localised restoration. The chrome trim, mouldings and exterior fittings are all present and provide a good basis for restoration. The interior has retained a fine sense of authenticity and appears largely true to its original configuration. The upholstery is complete but shows a few tears and signs of wear. The door panels, dashboard, instruments and various interior fittings are all present. A thorough clean and partial restoration will restore it to its full former glory. The interior trim, controls and accessories provide an excellent basis for preservation or restoration. The soft top is torn. The engine compartment is complete and retains its original layout, with no major visible modifications. After a long period of inactivity, a full service will need to be carried out before the car is used. The engine compartment nevertheless provides an excellent basis for restoration. Specifications: Make: Sunbeam Model: Rapier Series II Manufacturer: Rootes Group Date of first registration: 01/10/1959 Body type: Convertible Engine: 4-cylinder in-line Engine capacity: 1,390 cm³ Power: approx. 62 ch Gearbox: Manual with overdrive Drivetrain: Rear-wheel drive Steering: Left-hand drive (LHD) Seating capacity: 4 Chassis number: A3811287 OD LCX Mileage: 31,833 miles (not guaranteed) Keys: Yes Registration documents: None. An old provisional application for a Belgian registration certificate and an old roadworthiness test certificate are on file. Condition: The engine has not been started and no test drive has been carried out. Sold as is, considered non-roadworthy, without an MOT. Sold as is, considered non-roadworthy, without an MOT, for restoration or for parts
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About the sale Classic cars – barn finds and miscellaneous
Auction location
Auction time 09/25/2026 at 2:00 PM
Pictures credits: Contact the Auction House
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