[2] The first Rapiers maintained some design elements of the RS/SS series they replaced, although featuring a redesigned front grille and rectangular headlights.

[4][5] As standard, the Rapier is powered by a Cummins C260-21 turbocharged six-cylinder engine and has an Allison MCDR five-speed automatic transmission.

The Rapier's suspension uses "race car technology" such as a double-wishbone and coil springs with telescopic dampers, and the gearing allows a governed top speed of 75 miles per hour (121 km/h).

[9][10][11] Other operators of the Rapier in the United Kingdom included fire brigades in Merseyside, who took on a handful of pre-facelift examples, West Sussex, Kent,[12] Shropshire[13] and Nottinghamshire.

This appliance was later joined by a handful of imported MkI Rapiers that had also served in UK prior to their delivery to New Zealand, albeit these examples retained their origin pre-facelift cab design.