1961 Sunbeam Rapier 1.8L Petrol · 257 HYP
1961 Sunbeam Rapier (1.8L, petrol). First registered 01 Oct 1961. Recorded mileage 86,723 miles. MOT valid until 24 May 2027.
- Make & Model
- SUNBEAM RAPIER
- Year / Origin
- 1961
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Valid until 24 May 2027
- Road Tax
- —
- Recorded Mileage
- 86,723 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
- Fuel & Engine
- Petrol · 1.8L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
Thinking of buying this vehicle? Free MOT and tax checks do not cover legal ownership. If outstanding finance exists, finance companies have legal right to repossess without compensation.
257 HYP Key Findings
- 1 MOT test recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 26/05/2026
- 86,723 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 4 defects noted at the latest MOT
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
257 HYP MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
1 MOT test are recorded for this 1961 Sunbeam Rapier (257 HYP) between May 2026 and May 2026.
The record contains 1 pass and 0 failures.
The record shows no MOT failures, although 4 advisory notices note items to monitor.
In total 4 advisory notices are recorded. Advisories flag items that passed but may need attention before the next test; they are not evidence of how well the vehicle has been serviced.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
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Known faults for Sunbeam Sunbeam Rapier
Our database tracks 4 specific mechanical faults and recurring failure patterns identified across UK MOT testing stations for this generation.
MOT Roadworthiness: Good
This rating reflects historical MOT pass rates and recurring advisory wear patterns from official DVSA test logs. Note that roadworthiness does not verify outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen records.
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SUNBEAM RAPIER Model Intelligence & Reliability
Verified MOT failure trends, buying advice, and technical directory specifications.
Owner-reported defects, recurring MOT failure points, and estimated repair costs.
Browse production generations, registration statistics, and trim variants.
Historical MOT pass rates and DVLA records for 1961 model year cars.
- Structural sill, jacking point and rear spring hanger rotSerious
Both the Audax Series cars (1955–1967) and the Arrow fastback coupes (1967–1976) suffer from severe structural corrosion in British climates. Road grime and water thrown up by the road collect inside the multi-box outer and inner sills, the jacking points, and the rear leaf-spring mounting brackets. On fastback models, water also collects behind the front wings where they join the A-pillars. Because structural replacement panels are no longer manufactured off the shelf, restoring a rotted Rapier requires extensive bespoke steel cutting and welding that can easily outstrip the value of the vehicle.
- Laycock de Normanville overdrive failure and solenoid stickingModerate
The Laycock de Normanville overdrive was fitted as standard on early Series Rapiers and optional on later cars, providing relaxed high-speed cruising. Common faults include sticking electrical actuation solenoids, failed column or dashboard switches, dirty hydraulic oil restricting internal pressure, and worn friction cones. When the hydraulic pressure drops below operating threshold, the overdrive either refuses to engage, slips under acceleration, or worse, fails to disengage when reversing, which can cause catastrophic mechanical damage to the overdrive planet gears.
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