1UZ in Sunbeam Rapier

[88v8]

Yes, a 60s Rapier.
Series IV perhaps or maybe Series V, I am no expert.



It all looks rather fun. The jolly paintwork, the front bodywork wonkily held together with rubber bands, the silly wheels, the ridiculous performance compared to the original. It would leave a Tiger in the dust.

Dig the comic exhaust and budget brightwork



The underbonnet is uninspiring. It's tidy, OK, but modern gubbins, wiring, a V8 but nothing to lift the heart. Never mind, when one is driving one cannot see it.



We are not overwhelmed with detail. The seller is noted for reticence. Surely 4 litres of Lexus V8 is not torturing the original rear axles and retarded by the original brakes.... but perhaps so. Well at least with the Toyota auto box, the axle may survive.

Anyway, as an eccentric rework of an obscure and uncelebrated model, it is going to be seriously cheap, or it may not even sell.
Boring interior. I am not quite tempted.
I do however admire the vision and persistence that went into the creation of this car.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Sunbeam-Rapier-4-Litre-Lexus-V8-A-Unique-One-Off/284020624434?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649

Ivor

[88v8]

Sold for £3,900/£5,000.
A steal for someone.

Ivor