Sunbeam Rapier Fastback Coupé (1971): British chic for Theo Haverkamp

If you were to ask a psychologist what owning an elegant coupé means, he would say: status and power. After all, a car expresses many things – an enlargement of yourself; like a well-fitting second skin. However, this conclusion does not apply to Theo and his Sunbeam Rapier. The relationship with his car has grown from affection to real love, and you will not be surprised how that came about.

Simple explanation

The story starts simply. Theo's father-in-law had an English Sunbeam Avenger, which was already a good start for Theo's interest in British cars. Regularly visiting classic car events and fairs also further stimulated his interest. It's amazing how something like that can grow, but in any case the desire for a British classic was high on the 'happiness thermometer'.  

We go way back in time. More than forty years ago, Theo came across a neglected English car, a Sunbeam Sceptre. After negotiations, he bought the car and then his hobby life really began. A major cosmetic treatment was needed, after which the (spark plug) spark finally ignited for the descendants of the Rootes Group.

slumbering desire

Theo says: "Although my love for Sunbeam was now born, I knew that there was also a Rapier Fastback Coupé available in the Rootes Arrow Range. That was the ultimate model for me - now so rare that the search would not yield immediate success. Fortunately, I was a member of the Rootes Club, an association of owners. The aim of that club is of course to support the members in maintaining their cars. The history of the car occupies a place in our world that should not be underestimated. The Rootes Group was a large and important car company that marketed the Hillman, Humber, Sunbeam, Commer and Singer brands.  

An advertisement in the Rootes club magazine eventually brought me to Wijk bij Duurstede. The offer of a Sunbeam Rapier turned out to be perhaps the golden opportunity I had been hoping for.”

The Sunbeam Rapier got a new owner

Theo continues: “I wanted to show that I would give the Sunbeam Rapier the care that this special classic deserves. That is why I thought it would be wise to take the Sunbeam Sceptre with me. That soon turned out to be the reason for a pleasant conversation. The reason for the sale was the death of the owner, and the children were looking for a serious enthusiast via the club magazine. They saw the right person in me, and so the Rapier ended up in safe hands with pride and joy after purchase!”

Short history

Some history of this elegant, sporty coupé also surfaced. The car was purchased new by the wife of a Philips director, who only used the car on Sundays and for special trips. After her working life, the Sunbeam came to a second owner, who completely and thoroughly restored it – “so thoroughly that I still reap the benefits of it today. Not a trace of rust or other inconvenience.”

Amazing engineering of the Sunbeam Rapier

The Sunbeam Rapier rides quite well, mainly due to the powerful 1725 cc engine with five main bearings, certainly not standard at the time. There are two Zenith Stromberg carburettors fitted, and to top it all off the Rapier has an overdrive that works in both third and fourth gear. In effect, this gives you six gears.  

For maintenance, Theo has collected a large number of parts over the course of 40 years. With these parts, and with maintenance and advice, he likes to help other enthusiasts to keep the British brands on the road.  

A fun fact is that the English sister models, such as the Hillman Hunter, were produced in Iran (formerly Persia) under the brand name Paykan. Perhaps that explains why many Iranian enthusiasts are increasingly finding Theo for advice and parts.

(The article continues below with the photos.)