Sunbeam Rapier Cross Ply-Tyres-Classic car fitted with 590/600×13 TYRES
Sunbeam Rapier Cross Ply-Tyres
Sunbeam Rapier Cross-Ply Tyres-1961 Rapier had 600×13 whitewall tyres
One of the great things about my job. Hence, as MD of Pellon tyres. No two days are the same. Thus, the only unfortunate thing about this is that your time does fly when your having fun.
As expected, the other day I had a motorcycle battery to deliver, (we offer next day delivery). Because it was only a few mile away in Bradford, I decided to deliver the battery myself. I will very often provide batteries in the near by towns in West Yorkshire. We try to give the best service to our customers from our Tyre shop and web-sites.
However, I arrived at the house in Bradford. So the customer was out. Therefore, I hid the battery under a bucket and left a note. Thereupon, on my way back to my van I noticed an old car parked up in next doors drive. I love old cars and often write blogs about them. Hence, this was no exception.
The car was a Sunbeam Rapier. I was over the moon and took a couple of pictures. These cars reminded me of when I was a young mechanic, my friend Richard Ellis worked in Dewsbury at a Rootes garage, and I worked at a BMC garage ( soon to become British Leyland). We always shared stories about the good and bad points on the cars we worked on including the Sunbeam Rapier. I do not remember seen one until the other day in Bradford. I think the owner of he Sunbeam is a member of the Sunbeam Rapier Owners Club.
Sunbeam Rapier Cross Ply-Tyres
The Rapier was an up market version of the Hillman Minx the early ones only having a speed of 85mph. The Rapier was given tail fins and a new style grille for the radiator, with the options of a convertible body making the car look kool. As far as I can remember they originally came out on cross ply tyres in the sizes 590×13 and then 600×13 tyres but I stand corrected if you know better.
In 1961 the convertible came out and was a very sound car, it had whitewall tyres
and was fitted with a walnut dash with two tone paint, making the car look unique. The Rapier was out at the same time as the Vauxhall Cresta and the Ford Zodiac all iconic cars of the time.
Lastly, I hope this blog brings back some memories as it did to me. A story from a motorbike battery delivery sunbeam with 590/600×13 tyres
