In a message dated 9/10/03 12:32:25 PM Pacific Daylight Time,
jan.eyerman@usa.net writes:
<< True, but the Rapier hardtop was essentially a Hillman Minx convertible
with a
roof welded on (the Rapier Convert was almost identical to the Minx
convertible). Most body components will interchange between a Series Minx
and
a Series Rapier. The same is true of almost all mechanical parts. The
Fastback Rapier differed more from the Arrow then the Series Rapier did from
the Minx.
>>
I seem to remember a magazine interview with Rootes designer Roy Axe from 6-7
years ago, who said much of the body structure was shared by Hunters and
Rapiers, even though they were obviously different from outward appearances.
An
example was the inner rear wheel wells - not what the fastback-body designers
wanted to use (apparently because they wanted to use a different rear
suspension design for the long-tailed fastback), but costs dictated that they
share as
much as possible.
Dick Sanders
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