1963 Sunbeam Rapier Series IIIa
A Sunbeam Rapier Series IIIa in Duck-egg Blue and Royal Blue, originally used in historic rallying before being comprehensively rebuilt as a competition car for the 2012 Goodwood Revival's St Mary's Trophy. The preparation, carried out by Chris Snowdon Racing, included a bare-metal shell rebuild, engine development by S.H. Engineering, and bespoke suspension work. At the 2012 Revival the car was co-driven by former Formula 1 and IndyCar driver Derek Daly, finishing 12th overall across the two-race event.
Ownership
- 2017-02-24Auction saleSold £20,500 (≈ $26K)
- 2012 →Private saleHarry Sherrardfull documentation
Well-known Sussex solicitor who commissioned a full competition rebuild ahead of the 2012 Goodwood Revival. The car comes with an extensive file documenting its development and has seen little use in recent years.
- Date unknownAcquisition unknownRobin Eyre-Maunsellpartial documentation
Used the car as a rally entry, co-driven with Peter Scott, competing in historic rally events in 2002 and 2004.
- Date unknownAcquisition unknownJulius Thurgoodpartial documentation
Acquired the car after its rally use and campaigned it in early HRDC and U2TC circuit events before selling it on.
Competition
- 2002Rally of the Tests 2002Driver: Robin Eyre-Maunsell2nd
Navigated by Peter Scott; car was being used as a historic rally competitor at this stage.
- 2004Rally of the Tests 2004Driver: Robin Eyre-Maunsell1st
Again navigated by Peter Scott; the win came two years after the car had placed second in the same event.
- 2012St Mary's Trophy2012 Goodwood Revival St Mary's TrophyDriver: Derek Daly12th overall across both races
Two-race Pro-Am format; Daly drove Race 1 (finishing 12th) and Harry Sherrard drove Race 2 (finishing 16th), combining for an overall 12th position.
- —HRDC / U2TCHRDC and U2TC events
Campaigned by Julius Thurgood in early editions of these historic circuit racing series after the car's rally career.
Maintenance & restoration
- 2012RestorationChris Snowdon Racing
Full bare-metal strip and rebuild of the bodyshell, comprehensive mechanical overhaul, installation of a roll cage, and weight reduction where feasible, all in preparation for Goodwood Revival competition.
Work commissioned by Harry Sherrard ahead of the St Mary's Trophy at the 2012 Goodwood Revival.
- 2012Engine rebuildS.H. Engineering (Dave Wells)
Complete engine rebuild and performance development.
Carried out concurrently with the broader preparation by Chris Snowdon Racing.
- 2012MechanicalAllgears
Gearbox converted to close-ratio specification, fitted with a Supaclutch and lightened flywheel.
Part of the overall competition preparation programme for the 2012 season.
- 2012MechanicalCornering Force
Suspension comprehensively developed with bespoke solutions, reinforced components, and a number of novel engineering approaches.
Suspension development was carried out as a distinct strand of the overall preparation.
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