Real Road Test: 1972 Sunbeam Rapier (OMG NOT H120 LOL) 

What a gorgeous vehicle, I love everything about it! The sound of the engine, fantastic! Excellent review!

This brought me back to the mid seventees when i was a teenager and my old man bought a 4 year old Sunbeam Rapier just like this fast back model. It was an unusual colour in a metellic Mauve. But i do remember the overdrive system. Cool car, happy memories. R.I.P. Dad.

When I was a kid a guy down the road from me had one of theses in white, I always thought it was a good looking thing, I thought, one day,one day, now living down under they are rear as. Thanks for the boyhood memories.

I never understood why these didn't set the country alight. They had the looks in spades inside and out! Maybe it was was because people just didn't connect with the manufacturer identity? Whatever the reason this version of the Rapier is one of the best looking cars ever. (In my humble opinion.) Thank you so much for another excellent, informed, and informative review.

Love your videos. None of the sarcasm like that a well known person comes out with!.Coming from Coventry I adore all this. When i left school in 73 I worked for a company called Awson Motor Carriage Company. We made the dashboards and door cappings for Triumph 2.5 pi, Dolomite, Toledo, TR7, Stag and Spitfire. My dad always bought Rootes/Chrysler stuff. In fact 7of us drove to Kiev in 1969. 4,000 miles in 16 days through countries that no longer exist!. Was thinking how sad it is that these firms are no longer and I was thinking about all the car makers there were in Coventry. Hillman Humber Sunbeam Singer Commer/Karrier (Luton)/ DaimlerJag , Standard/ Triumph. London Taxis ( carbidies) Leyland also produced excellent lorries , tractors , busses and, here, the Coventry Climax lift trucks. A great shame Leyland was run down as it was an extremely important business in the Midlands... Also plenty of motor cycle manufacturers here too, Triumph Francis Barnett etc.If you ever get chance please visit the car museum in Coventry!!

There's a forgotten item, the switch to turn off the dashboard lamps. That was a relic of the days when you had to have parking lamps, even in a 30 mph zone, so turning off three or four 3w bulbs might save your battery for the morning. Nowadays people just park anywhere without lights, facing the wrong way, on blind corners, on the pavement. The bobbies of yesteryear would have kittens!

Gorgeous cars HubNut! In the late 70's one of my closest mates had a Cedar green H120 with white side stripes. We re built and tuned the Holbay engine with re tuned Webber 40DCOE's and a balanced and re ground crank, new valves and had the block bored out to around 1800cc. it put out around 130BHP after that and in a straight line would eat 3.0 V6 Capris for breakfast! Lovely memories of a wonderful looking car!

Re..; Plymouth Barracuda. In 1981 I owned a '74 Plymouth Satellite Sebring, same shape as the then current Barracuda. The muscle car era was just about over by 1974, and the Satellite with it's 318 cubic inches motor had just 150 bhp. I took the car to Dublin with me on a work contract. One late afternoon , driving 'home' along the coast road out of Dublin, I was listening to a radio report that the Radio Caroline ship had run aground on the Isle of Man. My attention strayed , and I realised that I was heading for the back of the car in front, which had braked. I ploughed into the back of it. I got out. The back of the Hillman Hunter was almost demolished, length reduced by about 18 inches. Yet when I looked at my car, the only visible damage appeared to be a strip of bonnet chrome which had pinged from its fasteners. I read afterwards that the Plymouth's massive bumper had a couple of shock absorbers behind it. Really like the instrument panel of the Rapier.

My grandmother bought a new H120 in 1968 which my parents then had as our car for many years until my mother in mid 80's wanted something newer to replace it as its getting too old, my dad loved it and would never sell it hence its been stored in the garage ever since. Its now in my garage waiting for me to restore it. Its now the same age as me at 53 years old, genuine 65k miles. One day...

Just saw a photo of one in a scrap yard here in the USA. I think it's a very attractive car

Beautiful example of a lovely car.

Was expecting Roxy music love is the drug to stay playing at the end!

A car I have never seen before, being an Aussie. But I sure wouldn't mind seeing one up close. And I don't understand why other historic motoring media have never highlighted this car before. It looks a lot more attractive than a lot of British suburban cars around that era. Well done Hubnut , this car has peaked my interest.

Love the exhaust note 👌 Nice to see more Rootes Group cars 😎

Lovely example...love the colour

So classy these Rootes group cars.such a pity they are not still with us. This one looks great.

Wonderful to see this posted as I have just taken delivery of what I think might be the finest example of a 1969 Sunbeam Alpine Coupe in the US. 3800 original miles, midnight blue with a black interior, always garaged and in showroom condition. It came out of a 100 car collection in Nashville TN and I will post a video soon. Thanks!

This brought back some memories. I used to come out of school and one of the dads picked up his son in one. I used to think "rich bastard" lol.

That's a beauty. Definately makes my top cars list. That exhaust note is just perfect. The dials look a bit like a plane cockpit! Do like the pillarless look too 👍

REview Much Better than Any Top Gear Etc Ian ... compulsive viewing Remember them aged 20😀

I'd read 'Swing, Hammer, Swing' which details just how needlessly complex the assembly line at Linwood was. According to the book there was a single production line where 8 different version of the Imp were built (plus export models) and at all at the same time! The idea was that the details of what spec the car was to have was telexed down the line with the car. Quite often the poor chap in charge of the telex would be found at the end of the line, tearing his hair out with an American spec Imp with right hand drive. After the Chrysler take over in 1970, the Imp range was cut back to two, the Hillman Imp and the Sunbeam Imp Sport.

A mate of mine worked in Fleet Sales at Roots Group and had the use of an H120 and took 3 of us out in it. Pretty fast for its day and he nearly managed to turn it over in a long downhill right-hander. Luckily the back end came out dutifully and with a bit of opposite lock he was able to save the day.

Lovely car. For anyone who has one of these, or anything similar, particularly in Scotland, try Chic Doig for parts

My mother used to own one of these in the late 70's! I have a single picture of it and it sadly met a bad end being scrapped but it was the last car my mother ever owned. Absolutely loved the car and she still talks about it very fondly even now. So happy to finally see a video on it from you Ian! And hers was a yellow/beige colour model. 😀

Oh wow. I so remember these as a kid. My dad had a Hunter estate. Thanks for the review of a marvellous motor Ian.

Really enjoyed watching this my 3rd car was a metallic dark grey automatic one of these, brought it in 78 had it 3 years, did have a bit of rust in later years but what didn't in the 70s. had to buy a few spares but every thing from the Hunter which there was more about then fitted. I just loved the shape different from every thing else then, not like now take the badge of most cars and you would not know what make it was.

Like when you see a picture of someone you`ve pretty much forgotten and you go "Oh yeah.." Thats what it felt like seeing this handsome thing again.

that start up sounded like my old hillman avenger!

I used to see one every day on the way to school in the late 70s. For the time it looked really good and I have to say that it's aged really well. It's got more of a classic 60s vibe

What a lovely motor car! Just like you, my Dad owned a Hillman Hunter; an estate no less! He loved it and so did I. Dad was gutted when they stopped making them. He did road test a Chrysler Alpine (the front-wheel drive sort), hated it and bought a Cortina! I was lucky enough to drive one of these cars some years ago. It was a totally original, low mileage example and was a joy to drive. The lady owner had it up for sale too...! Sadly, I was lacking the funds at the time or it would have been mine. I often wonder what happened to it. Thank you for bringing back the memories; more Rootes Group please!

My father had a Hunter too. A 1500 DL saloon in off White. Wowser. I found it very dull and was very envious of a Rapier that lived just around the corner from us.

Lovely old thing. My father sold a few of them always black iirc. His car sales ended up on "That's life "with Esther Ranson but for all the wrong reasons. Lol. Happy memories thanks for bringing a few old memories back. Be well and stay safe.

Had the Hunter and the Humber Sceptre. Beautiful cars for there time. The Sceptre dashboard when lit up at night was like a commercial airliner cockpit!

Glad you did a review on a Rapier, I have one a 1968 one, I love it love driving it turns many heads as many people have never seen one before

Excellent review Ian I remember seeing a white one years ago in Derby.

Lovely car in beautiful condition and speaking from experience you wouldn’t want to chuck a Capri down the road in the wet it’s liable to leave it.

In 1964/5 there was a Plymouth Barracuda in the experimental department at Humber Road, and it was very much examined by the Styling department (including Roy Axe). I was there at the time & did many of the blueprint drawings for the Arrow range!

In 1981 we found one of these dumped in a car park at the back of a church hall…It had already been hot wired and at 14 years old we would take it out at night and drive around Billericay joy riding….However we drove sensibly and took it back every evening…Filled it with fuel…..We liked it…lovely old motor.

I had two Rapiers in the eighties including a H120 so this takes me back... wish I had them now....

Gorgeous machine! That's the kind of cars I like!

Great review, I owned a Sunbeam Rapier in the mid 70’s, red with a black vinyl roof. As a 20 year old I was the envy of all my mates. A few things you forgot to mention, they leaked like a sieve, and like all cars of that era rusted out, the reason I had to get rid of mine. Happy days.

I purchased 2 scrap Rapiers in late 80s.1 was Holbay, the gearbox casing had shattered propshaft end, the engine with twin 40s superbly balanced was sold and fitted in a late 1979 Hunter saloon. The following year by sheer luck, I came across a white Sceptre Estate, PTU814P, 1725 with twin strombergs and overdrive on 3and4, and sundym glass and tinted factory sunstrip. Sceptre was an absolute pleasure to drive, if it's still around I don't know, but not seen any since🙄.

4 kids in the back mum and dad up front. Happy memories.

Beautiful Car enjoyed watching thank you

Really well made video Ian, you've made significant changes in the delivery and camera work which make watching your reviews even more pleasant. well done, keep up the good work!

The posh woman across the green owned one when I was young, I lusted after one for most of my youth, still love them.

It was a big leap from my Morris 1000 van to this in the seventies and I loved the "sophistication" - a lockable glove box!? Cruising at seventy down the steep bank from Bristol to the Somerset levels on the M5 my girlfriend went to get something from the glovebox but it was locked. No problem. Into neutral and passed her the keys. Mused to myself - "there's another sophistication to this car - a steering lock". Short and very sharp interchange took place between girlfriend and myself including "just give me the effing key back quick" after which, with a sigh of relief the key went back in and my hands, gripping the wheel like a vice, could relax. Phew!

In the mid 70s, I took the cycling proficiency test at primary school in Manchester. And the RoSPA examiner drove a turquoise blue Rapier… very stylish car. But by 1976, it was starting to look old fashioned. The car was the automatic version, because the examiner was middle aged and disabled- with a prosthetic hand - used to imagine it was a war wound.

A great car that also sounds like an old car should!

What a beautiful car I’d have one in a heartbeat you just don’t see them anymore really lovely 👍

My friend had the holbay rapier in the late 70s which also had the built in spoiler on the boot, awesome car.

I haven't seen one of these for decades; it was a favourite car of my youth with its unique styling. Always nice to see Rootes group and Chrysler UK cars, there was always something slightly different about them. As for Linwood cars, you should pay a visit to Glasgow's new Riverside Transport Museum sometime. Pride of place seems to be given to the very first Hillman Imp, which many a misty eyed Scot stands and stares at.

Another car I’d forgotten, yet one used to reside down the street from me as a kid and I lusted after it.

My dad also had a Hunter, well, actually a pre-Hunter GT, with overdrive, when I was a child. I never saw another GT even back in the '70s.

That is a Lovely Car

My dad had a 1970 one of these in the early 70s. I loved it and was particularly impressed as a lad with the pillarless doors. I still remember the reg...TOP 740H

Gorgeous car, and rostyle wheels always look good I think

Hub nut is the Bill Odie of “ Goodie” classic cars!

Really good looking car of its day. Way back in the 70s my Mum had the Alpine version, turquoise blue with high back black vinyl seats. Glam rock on a budget, but it rotted to oblivion.

The jump in technology from 1970s to early 90s cars is quite shocking.

I asked the question why the windscreen wipers were positioned differently for left and right hand drive cars back when I was an apprentice in the 60`s. The reason was that at speed the nearside wiper would lift off the screen. That was why a lot of owners fitted after market wind deflectors on the wiper arms.

This was to me the alternative to us normal people who could not afford a Jensen Interceptor(for looks not performance). It is still a gorgeous car if every sense of the word. The Routes group of car makers was such an underrated brand. They made some beautiful and memorable cars(even though some was for the wrong reasons.). Great upload.

this looks like the better jenson interceptor to me lightweight and elegant

Can you remember what the mileage was, Ian? I bought a Hunter DL 1725 Estate brand new in 1972 for £840 to take back to W Germany (in the Army) a couple of months later but either driving on or coming off the ferry, the exhaust grounded and ripped apart. A garage managed to do a temporary repair for us to get back home in Buckeburg. A few days later, it was in the local Rootes agent for repairs and they fitted a full length stainless steel exhaust. That did sound racy!

Beautiful car. I'm speechless how amazingly well it's kept.

Speaking of the non-functioning clock, some old American cars had a spring-driven clock that you had to wind up every few days. But I think they were all replaced by electric clocks by the time cars switched from 6 volt to 12 volt electrical systems.

My Dad had two, both turquoise. Stunning car.

I remember that the Commanding Officer at my ATC squadron had one of these when I joined in 1978. I couldn't believe how many dials and gauges were in it compared to our Viva HC. As well as the standard dials he had wired an altimeter into it !

I saw one in metallic blue at a car show around 20 years ago and fell in love with that drop dead gorgeous styling. Sadly whilst at the time they were relatively plentiful and could be had for a couple of hundred quid, they were also all absolutely riddled with rot (like most 1970s British iron.) Still much rather have one than a Capri. That rear end just works so well and the overall proportions of the car are delightful.

That’s a great looking car, sounds brilliant too.

Always wanted the H20 version, but could not afford it on a bank clerks pittance in 1968. Fast forward to 2010 and two came up for sale, I bought a turquoise model that was a Rootes demo car, and had it shipped to New Zealand. After a very expensive restoration it was made road legal in May 2015 and to date has covered over 30,000 miles in my ownership. As others have said, it is a head turner and I love the way it handles Kiwi roads.. With a light foot it will exceed 30mpg and if you press the pedal many moderns will be left in the dust. It enjoys the company of my Sunbeam Imp Sport that I have owned from new.

This is the video I've been wishing to see. I've always had a soft spot for the Arrow Rapiers. As others have commented, the styling set it apart from its rivals, especially the Capri. If only Chrysler had the funds to develop these cars, perhaps using the abandoned v6 engine that was planned for the ill-fated Chrysler 180/2 litre. Ps Ian, I had a Hunter Topaz in early 90,s . Lovely car, wish I'd kept it.

i remember them back in 1982 when i was 18. Us youngsters thought they were shite along with the Holbay Sceptres. Back then they were rot boxes

These were beautiful and underrated cars. The H120 variants were quick and long legged grand tourers and sounded great. I had a 1975 Rapier in red with period Cosmic alloys when I was 19 - it was a real head turner even then in the late 80s. This is a stunning example. A great article and nice to see Rootes/Chrysler vehicles being featured.

Having owned a selection of older cars, I tend to forego the rose-tinted glasses when watching your reviews but this looks like a genuinely nice, tidy, comfortable car to be inside.

Thank yo so much totally made my day, I've been in love with rapier since I first saw one in mortons in Coventry as a v young boy, always wanted one but sadly the one rooted or chrysler I've never owned. After your test I want one even more, FYI there was a video of a rally rapier on here and hopefully still is. As usual u have come thru for me. As one Midlands lad to another thanks so much.

My father had one ,It was a delight to drive.

Love this car only wish i had one .

Lovely, owners should be proud. Enjoyed that one a lot lots of Hunter mentions too which is always a good thing 👍

Very nice. There’s been a fair few videos featuring Rootes cars on YT recently - must admit, they’ve never been a car maker I’ve been a fan of - I always thought the Hunter and Avenger to be cars that you bought because you couldn’t run to an equivalent Ford…….however, I’ve been proven wrong - these were really well engineered cars - perhaps in many ways superior to the contemporary Ford, BMC and Vauxhall completion. This one is an absolute beauty - vaguely remember them from my childhood. Sounds very rorty!

My Grandma and Grandad used to regularly drive their early Hillman Hunter to see their daughter (my aunt) who has lived in Switzerland since mid 60s-They would also include a trip to South Of France!Never went with them as I was only 7 in 1975 when they sold the car.The thought of travelling such distances back then amazed me..

what a fantastic restoration. well presented mate and thanks for sharing your test run with us.

Ah,a "Super Highway Snipe" as American's used to call these. There's Three of these just sitting outside of town in the Desert along with a hoard of "Everything" classics. Two of these are Blue with White Interiors while the other was White with a Black Interior & Vinyl Roof(not anymore though...the scorching Arizona sun saw to that..). Lots of that stuff out here still.

I’d forgotten I had one of these in my early 20s. Looked good but was stodgy to drive. Very easy to work on.

Hi Ian, my dad had a Hilman Avenger when I was young be nice to see you test one.

Always thought they were a good looking car. And that exhaust does have a lovely tone 👍

I’ve always liked the styling of this generation of Rapier. Like you Ian, my father owned a Hunter. His was an estate car, bought new way back in 1972.

Great video. The sunbeam was more of grand tourer than a sports car. And it that role it performed very well. Good for fast comfortable economical trips. Lots of nice stylistic cues

I loved it Ian. I remember them being around so speak & stylish.

Really cool looking car. Rootes cars are very under appreciated and never attained the collector status of other vehicles from the same era. I always like the look of the Humber Super Snipe and Imperial, although I prefer the rounded rear roof line on them rather than the boxed look in the later cars.

I do very much like Rootes products and this was a great review of a very nice one! Was available here in Canada badged as Sunbeam Alpine but very hard to find one for some time, as is the Sunbeam Arrow version of the Hunter. These would have been nice as a lift back like the later Capris but obviously not enough structure to allow that with the pillarless design. Hoping you can lay your hands on a series Minx as well as an Imp, Avenger and Hunter!

I had a Hunter GLS with the Holbay engine many years ago, and really liked it, but I always wanted a Sunbeam Rapier H120 in that strange yellowy green colour. Thanks for this.

I had a 1972 and a 71 model. Great enjoyable cars.

Awesome choice for a road test Ian. My father had a dark blue Rapier when I was 7 or 8 years old, and I absolutely loved it. The back seat was fine for a child, with the added bonus of the unobstructed view when the front and back windows were down.

As a young teenager I dreamt of having one when I was "grown-up". Sadly, that never happened but I still love them.

If the Hunter I had was anything to go by the quality was dire by the time Chrysler got their hands on the company. In fact the only positive was that the Mc Pherson struts, which sounds like a Scottish dance, didn't try to enter the bonnet area, via rotten inner wings as they did with the average three year old Fords of the time.

My late uncle had a Rapier same year and colour as this one. Happy days. My dad also had the Hunter that he inherited off my late grandad, when he passed. I still have the Haynes manual for it, complete with thi invoice my dad paid when the engine let go and he had it rebuilt.

Beautiful example

My uncle had the single carb version of the Rapier (called the Alpine rather confusingly) and I loved that car. He stopped using it for some reason (clutch slipping I think) and stood for years in a barn at my grandparents place. As a 16 year old I wanted to put it back on the road for my 17th, but didn't like to ask, and it was only later (after it had been scrapped) I found my uncle would have been only too pleased for me to have it but didn't think I'd be interested in such an old car, doh.

I've always liked these - very simple, very stylish. I always thought that they had a lift back but i realsie it's a boot and they probably couldn't cope with the extra holes needed for the tailgate. Interesting that the engine looks to be slightly slanted - i assume to keep the bonnet line down. Nifty!