Today "exciting" is a word often used by Public Relations firms when telling people that the benefits of the commercial loyalty program they belong to are going to be substantially reduced. "We are making exciting changes..." In the 1950s, however, it still had its usual meaning.
The 1959 was the second series of the British Rootes Group Sunbeam Rapier, a car introduced in 1955 and which lasted through various incarnations until 1976. The most notable improvement in the Series II over the Series I, was the new 1.494 litre engine, increased from 1.39 litres, referred to as the Rallymaster. The capacity increase combined with a higher compression ratio of 8.5:1 and larger inlet and exhaust valves to raise the power output to 73 bhp (54 kW) at 5,200 rpm. Autocar cited the top speed as 91 mph (146 km/h) with a 0-60 mph time of 20.2 seconds. The Series II was fitted with larger front brakes and a recirculating ball steering box instead of the worm and nut box of the Series I. The traditional Sunbeam radiator grille was reintroduced, albeit shortened and widened and the spaces at its sides were filled with horizontal side grilles. The two-tone lower body scheme of the Series I was discontinued in favour of a broad full length flash in the same colour as the roof, but, with clear American influence, the most obvious change was the appearance on the rear wings of pronounced fins.
After 2 years production when 15,151 units (hardtop and convertible) had been built, the Series II was discontinued in favour of the Series III.
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