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Arran
United Kingdom
89 Posts |
 Posted - 29 Sep 2013 : 12:04:10
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Hello
I live in Scotland on a wonderful Island since 1995, I am a Swiss national. Back in 1965 I bought my first Imp, second-hand, after trying them out in the UK while on a working/language learning year in Kent. This Imp was quickly replaced because I wanted to start a racing career which should have brought me to F1 (which was really great at those times). I did had some success over the packs of Minis on Circuits like Hockenheim, Austriaring, Monza and Monthléry, but not too much. Then I bought a third one, after #2 had to be brought home by trailer...
After another season mainly driving in Switzerland on mountain climbs and slaloms with the occasional Hockenheim visit, I had a major engine blow-up and had to make a tough decision: career in job or racing. I considered my talents and the business ones where overwhelming, so I bought my golden Sunbeam Fastback (of course lhd) about 1972/3. The sport has not left me completely, so I became a marshal and later a racing steward. I kept the Rapier about 4 years and after a great promotion I got a company car, so I could afford my old wish of a MGB in 1976, which I kept for over 15 years.
Nowadays, nearing the 70th birthday, I would like to have one of my cars of youth «back». The normal family one is a small KIA (which I hate: no fun, no beauty, no character, just «reasonable»). My wife does absolutely not agree to an Imp, but could live with a Rapier fastback.
So I am at a lookout. I did find one here: http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C268854#
After looking at your comments in this forum, I have not seen, that this car had any comments at all. So, perhaps the one or other would care to give me some advise? I like the yellow colour and the overall tidiness in the pics, but have no inkling for what I would have to look for.
In case of a positive outlook, I would also be prepared to engage somebody here to accompany me in a viewing at the sellers. |
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arrocuda
United Kingdom
501 Posts |
Posted - 29 Sep 2013 : 13:45:44
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Hi Arran.... Moorsey is your best bet for reviewing Rapiers for sale as he has been trying to get his hands on an 'honest' car for a while now. There are a lot of cars that have been offered and keep coming up, that are not all they are made out to be by the seller that's for sure. He recently went to look at a yellow one but I think it was an H120.
This one looks interesting but it's overpriced by a good way. Standard Rapiers in top condition usually change hands for around 3 to £4000. There is a red one on the same site I noticed that would confirm that, but I think that this is one that was recently sold for a lot less and has been resprayed. All that stuff about needing a LHD car is phoney baloney cos the guy only bought it a few months ago.
Finding honest straight cars is tough these days but I wish you well with your search. I'm a couple of hundred miles away from these cars but there are a lot of southern based enthusiasts that come on here that might be able to help you out. The yellow car has been resprayed I notice and the bonnet is poorly aligned so.... not saying it's a pig in a poke but I'd want to give it some close up looking at before I paid that kind of money for it.
Building the 'Mark II' fastback Rapier ('Arrocuda'). |
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bigt80
United Kingdom
1052 Posts |
Posted - 29 Sep 2013 : 17:47:24
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Hello Arran,
I will send you a p.m. on this car, which is owned by a club member, but I agree with arrocuda, that it is certainly over=priced: if you have one, it would be good if they were worth that much, but they are not - that price range in arrocuda's post for a very good one, is a good guide. If this yellow one is as good as it appears to be then, yes £3.5k would be about it. If not this one, I hope you find something suitable: these are great underrated cars. Cheers. G. |
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A new member from Scotland.
