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The Sunbeam
Rapier Owners Club was formed in June 1979, by David Parrott (who is
still involved with Sunbeam Rapiers and is our Honorary President) originally
to cater for the Rootes Group produced 'Series' cars which were built
between October 1955 and June 1967. In June 1981 it was decided to extend
the scope of the club and offer membership to owners of the 'Fastback'
range. These models designed and initially produced by Rootes were built
between August 1967 and April 1976.
The club therefore welcomes owners of all Sunbeam Rapiers, including the H120 (Holbay) and Alpine 'Fastback' variants. It is not necessary to own a Sunbeam Rapier to become a member of the club; we welcome enthusiasts and owners alike. David formed the club with the objective of providing as much assistance as possible to owners to enable them to maintain their cars in roadworthy condition; and where possible to encourage restoration and preservation of the marque. Technical advice and assistance with the location and provision of spare parts, vital to the survival and enjoyment of using these cars, was, and still is a high priority. Initially with just 22 members, the club has grown steadily since it's formation with a peak membership in the late 1980's of almost 600. The figure has now settled into an average membership of between 450 and 475; with 'Series' owners accounting for around two thirds of the membership. This membership is predominantly in the UK, but there is a healthy European and American contingent. A number of other countries are also represented including Australia, New Zealand, Japan; there has even been an Icelandic member! The very first 'national' meeting was the 1980 Annual General Meeting (AGM) held on 26 April at the United Reformed Church Hall in Harrow. Many of the people who attended that inaugural meeting are still club members, and AGM's are still held every April. At these any paid up member can vote on issues and business is transacted in accordance with the constitution of the club. From an original committee of 3, the club now has 12 designated committee posts, and 3 undesignated ones. The committee meet 4 times per year to discuss ideas and ways to move the club forward and meet the needs of the membership. The Club's most prestigious event is it's annual National Rally, this has been held at a number of different locations in the UK over the years. The very first was held in 1981 and one has been organised every year since. Very soon after it was formed the club offered a spares service to it's members. In order to benefit from this service members paid an additional GBP10.00 as a one off payment. However, this became difficult to administer, and at an Annual General Meeting in 1993 it was ratified that GBP3.00 of the members annual subscription would be put into the parts fund. This would provide a much welcome cash injection which would assist with the re-manufacture of certain, now very scarce, parts. The club has always prided itself on the excellent (A4 size) quarterly magazine called 'Cut & Thrust', which contains Rapier features; events; technical information; letters and articles: cars and items for sale etc. etc. It has received several awards over the years and is one of the best quality magazines around for a club with under 500 members. Over the years the quarterly
magazine, combined with the various local meetings and national events,
has enabled us to cultivate a spirit of common interest, where information
and ideas are freely exchanged between members. Whether you are an owner
or merely an enthusiast with a common interest in the marque why not
join today. Membership £23.00 for 12 months starting from January 1st or
Starting April-June £18 | July-September £12 | October-December £6 In addition £2 for family membership and £5 for overseas membership if required Cheques made payable to, SROC Please post to:-
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