The Sunbeam Rapier Fastback was Rootes’ stylish late-1960s grand tourer, while the H120 added genuine sporting intent through Holbay tuning. More distinctive than the Hillman Hunter on which it was based, the pillarless Rapier remains an undervalued British coupé. This guide covers the standard Fastback, H120 and related Alpine Fastback for UK buyers.
Sunbeam Rapier Fastback at a glance
| UK production | 1967–1976 |
|---|---|
| Platform | Rootes Arrow/Hillman Hunter |
| Engine | 1,725cc four-cylinder |
| Gearbox | Four-speed manual, usually with overdrive; automatic available |
| H120 induction | Twin Weber 40 DCOE carburettors |
| Drive | Rear-wheel drive |
A new kind of Rapier
Introduced in October 1967, the Fastback replaced the traditional saloon-shaped Rapier with a low, pillarless coupé. Beneath the Roy Axe-influenced styling sat proven Arrow-family engineering: a 1,725cc overhead-valve engine, independent front suspension, live rear axle and front disc brakes. Twin Stromberg carburettors and an alloy cylinder head gave the standard Rapier more performance than a regular Hunter.
The cabin combined four usable seats with a large opening tailgate, making the car unusually practical for a sporting coupé. Manual cars could be specified with overdrive and a Borg-Warner automatic was also available.
What made the H120 special?
Announced in October 1968, the H120 was developed with Holbay Engineering. It used a reworked alloy cylinder head, different camshaft, twin Weber 40 DCOE carburettors and freer-breathing exhaust. Period figures quote 108 bhp gross, with performance around 109 mph and 0–60 mph in roughly ten seconds when new.
Rostyle wheels, side stripes, a boot spoiler and H120 badging gave it a more assertive appearance. The close-ratio gearbox, heavy-duty overdrive and higher final-drive ratio were important mechanical changes, not just showroom decoration.
What about the Sunbeam Alpine Fastback?
The Alpine Fastback arrived in 1969 as a less expensive derivative with a single Stromberg carburettor and simpler trim. It is a different car from the earlier Alpine roadster. Unusual Cars already has a dedicated Sunbeam Alpine Fastback article, which the new Sunbeam hub will retain.
Production and the Chrysler years
Production moved from Ryton to Linwood in 1970 as Chrysler Europe rationalised the former Rootes range. The Alpine Fastback ended in 1975 and the Rapier followed in April 1976. Just over 46,000 fastback Sunbeams of all versions were built, but survival is low because values remained modest for decades.
What is a Rapier H120 like to drive?
A standard Rapier is a relaxed, refined GT with good visibility and excellent cruising ability. The H120 is busier and more vocal, its Webers rewarding accurate tuning and decisive use of the gearbox. Neither feels like a modern hot hatch; the appeal is balance, long-legged overdrive gearing and the contrast between elegant styling and practical hatchback versatility.
Sunbeam Rapier H120 buying guide
Body and structural corrosion
Rust is the main threat. Inspect the front chassis legs, suspension pick-up points, inner wings, bulkhead, sills, floor, rear spring hangers, wheelarches and tailgate aperture. Water can collect around the hatch seals and rear quarters. Pillarless doors must fit correctly; sagging or poor gaps can indicate structural weakness rather than simple hinge wear.
Engine and cooling
The 1,725cc engine is durable if serviced, but check hot oil pressure, timing-chain noise, crankcase fumes and coolant condition. Alloy heads suffer if antifreeze has been neglected. Overheating can distort the head, so examine the radiator, water pump and evidence of combustion gases in the cooling system.
H120 carburettors and identity
Twin Webers need balanced linkages, correct jetting and sound spindle bearings. Spitting, flat spots and a heavy fuel smell suggest work is needed. Confirm the Holbay head, cam specification, manifolds, gearbox and axle details rather than assuming any striped Rapier is a genuine H120. Correct badges and spoilers are not proof by themselves.
Transmission
Weak synchromesh, particularly second gear, and noisy bearings are warning signs. Test overdrive when fully warm and make sure it engages briskly without slipping. Automatics should select drive promptly and change cleanly; a neglected Borg-Warner unit can cost more to repair than the car’s market value suggests.
Suspension, brakes and steering
Worn ball joints, bushes and dampers make the car wander. Check the steering box and idler, front calipers and rear wheel cylinders. H120 wheels and trim are valuable, so assess condition and originality.
Interior and glass
The large curved windows and pillarless side glass define the car. Scratched or missing glass, window mechanisms, dashboards, seats and model-specific trim can be difficult to replace. Water leaks damage headlining, carpets and rear load-area boards.
Which version should you buy?
The standard Rapier is the best-value cruiser and often easier to tune. The H120 is the collector’s choice, but only with strong provenance and the correct mechanical package. A sound Alpine Fastback is rarer still and makes sense for buyers who prefer simplicity over outright performance.
Rapier Fastback FAQs
Is the Sunbeam Rapier H120 a Holbay?
Yes. Holbay developed the cylinder head and associated tuning package, but buyers should verify that the original parts remain fitted.
How is the Alpine Fastback different?
It used a lower-output single-carburettor engine and simpler equipment. It is unrelated in body style to the 1959–68 Alpine roadster.
Are Rapier Fastback parts available?
Many mechanical components are shared with Rootes Arrow cars, but coupé-specific glass, trim, panels and H120 parts are scarce. Owners’ clubs are invaluable.
Verdict
The Rapier Fastback is one of the most interesting British GTs of its era: handsome, practical and still uncommon at shows. Buy the strongest shell, confirm H120 authenticity and keep the cooling and carburation systems properly maintained.
Research sources: Sunbeam Fastback history, Sunbeam Rapier Owners Club marque guide and Hagerty UK model history. Image source and licence.
