1962 Sunbeam Rapier 1.6L Petrol · 304 RYB
1962 Sunbeam Rapier (1.6L, petrol). First registered 01 Sept 1962. Recorded mileage 28,738 miles. MOT valid until 22 Aug 2027.
- Make & Model
- SUNBEAM RAPIER
- Year / Origin
- 1962
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Valid until 22 Aug 2027
- Road Tax
- —
- Recorded Mileage
- 28,738 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
- Fuel & Engine
- Petrol · 1.6L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
AI-generated interpretation of this vehicle’s MOT record — not an official statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
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304 RYB Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 21/08/2026
- 28,738 miles recorded at latest MOT
- No defects recorded at the latest MOT
- Recurring lighting items (3 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
304 RYB MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
5 MOT tests are recorded for this 1962 Sunbeam Rapier (304 RYB) between June 2022 and August 2026.
The record contains 5 passes and 0 failures.
The record shows no MOT failures, although 4 advisory notices note items to monitor.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Lighting (3 issues), Suspension (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
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.
304 RYB Mileage History
- 22/06/202227,673 mi
- 24/08/202328,613 mi+940 mi
- 21/08/202428,647 mi+34 mi
- 25/07/202528,736 mi+89 mi
- 21/08/202628,738 mi+2 mi
Average of roughly 256 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
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 1962 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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