In Brief:

• An honest example of Talbots desirable homologation-era hatchback
• Finished in Black over a cloth interior
• Owned by The Vendor for the last 15 years
• Benefits from period modifications to engine and suspension
• Accompanied by the original Talbot bookpack

Auctioneer's Notes:

An honest example of the super desirable 1982 Talbot Sunbeam Lotus, finished in Black over a cloth interior. Owned by The Vendor for the last 15 years, this example benefits from period modifications to the engine and suspension, adding to its character and appeal as one of the most exciting homologation-era performance hatchbacks of its day.

Maintenance & Condition:

The car presents as an honest and usable example, with period engine and suspension modifications noted. It is accompanied by a selection of old MOT certificates and invoices, supporting its maintenance history and long-term enthusiast ownership.

History:

The history file includes the original Talbot bookpack, comprising the Owner’s Handbook, Dealer’s Directory and Owner’s Instructions, along with old MOT certificates and invoices. The car has been in the current Vendor’s ownership for the last 15 years.

The Model:

The Talbot Sunbeam Lotus was developed as a high-performance, rally-bred version of the Chrysler/Talbot Sunbeam, created with the assistance of Lotus. Based on the Sunbeam 1.6 GLS, it was upgraded with stiffer suspension, a larger anti-roll bar, widened transmission tunnel, ZF gearbox and Lotus-developed 2,172cc Type 911 16-valve slant-four engine. In road trim, the engine produced approximately 150 bhp and 150 lb-ft of torque, giving the lightweight hatchback exceptional performance for the period. Unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in 1979, the Sunbeam Lotus quickly gained acclaim both on the road and in competition. Its rally pedigree was cemented when Henri Toivonen won the 1980 Lombard RAC Rally in a Sunbeam Lotus, followed by Talbot securing the World Rally Championship manufacturers’ title in 1981. Early examples were famously finished in Black with silver side stripes, before Moonstone Blue later became available.

Sale Insight:

With its Lotus-developed engine, motorsport pedigree and World Rally Championship success, the Talbot Sunbeam Lotus remains one of the most iconic and desirable performance hatchbacks of the late 1970s and early 1980s. This Black example, owned by The Vendor for 15 years and retaining its original Talbot bookpack, represents an appealing opportunity to acquire a highly collectable homologation-era classic with real period character.

Estimate:
£7,000 - £8,000