Chrysler Alpine : Minx/Rapier

For 1985, the Alpine and Solara models were re-branded in the UK. The names were plucked from the ex-Rootes stockpile, and equipment levels were uprated…



Pictures kindly supplied by Graham Arnold

8 Comments

  1. I remember these Minx/Rapier models and thought they were limited edition run out models. That 2 tone (Solara) Rapier looks quite nice.

  2. @maestrowoff

    Into the 90s too, was an excuse to keep grey bumpers. Use grey cladding on the sides, the rubbing strips as a natural border.
    R8s, Ford Orion and Sierra Sapphire had it.

    In fact, interior design of the time consisted of one type of wallpaper, a dado rail and border, and a different wallpaper.

  3. I’ve seen a few R8’s with the lower paintwork matching the bumpers.

    Some care more recently have had 2 tone paint, I’ve seen a few Chrysler (sorry Lancia) Deltas like this.

  4. 2 tone definitely making a comeback.

    Although the trend now is for a different coloured roof / pillars to the main body panels.

    Ford Orion 2 tone – http://reallymeansounds.com/garage/carimages/i1345.jpg

    R8 2 tone – http://www.aronline.co.uk/images/r8gallery_01.jpg

    The Lancia/Chrysler is a little more discreet about it, the roof colour, panel colour and lower grey make it a 3 tone!

    http://agnellimotorpark.ie/wp-content/gallery/chrysler-delta/chryslerptcorsa1.jpg

  5. I once had a Escort LX Mark V company car (1991) in Red/Charcoal two tone with grey bumpers. Still got photos of it.

    The trouble with Talbot renaming the Solara as Minx & Rapier was that people of my age could remember the real Hillman Minx and Sunbeam Rapier of the 60’s. Hard to think it’s nearly 30 years since Alpines & Solaras were built.

  6. Re: “Into the 90s too, was an excuse to keep grey bumpers. Use grey cladding on the sides, the rubbing strips as a natural border.
    R8s, Ford Orion and Sierra Sapphire had it.”
    Renault started that in the late ’70s on the R5.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.


*


This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.