File:1974 Sunbeam Rapier Fastback (46465222294).jpg

The Sunbeam Motor Car Company was established in 1905. In 1935, was taken the Rootes Group. In 1938, the name was added to their Talbot range calling them Sunbeam-Talbots. In 1954 they dropped the word Talbot, leaving just Sunbeam. The Rootes Group was taken over by the Chrysler Corporation in 1967. The Sunbeam name used until 1981. The original Sunbeam Rapier was built from 1956-67. It was a sporty 2 door version of the Hillman Minx but with a grille more similar to the Singer Gazelle. A new generation was introduced in 1966, the most prolific model was the Hillman Hunter. This new generation also included a new Sunbeam Rapier, now a sporty fastback, built from 1967-76, it was built on the chassis of the Hunter Estate and also used the rear valance and tail lights from it. A simplified model was also available, the Sunbeam Alpine. The Rapier H120 was a more powerful version, also with Rostyle wheels, side stripes, the boot lid had a faired in spoiler