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Talbot Sunbeam 1980

Allgemeine Beschreibung : Model History

The Chrysler Sunbeam was a small three-door hatchback manufactured by Chrysler Europe at the former Rootes Group factory in Linwood, Scotland, from 1977 to 1981. The Sunbeam's development was funded by a British government grant with the aim of keeping the Linwood plant running, and the small car was based on the larger Hillman Avenger, also manufactured there. After the takeover of Chrysler's European operations by PSA in 1979, the model was renamed Talbot Sunbeam and continued in production until 1981. A Talbot Sunbeam Lotus version was successful in rallying and won the World Rally Championship manufacturers’ title for Talbot in 1981.

After a remarkably short development period of 19 months, the Sunbeam was launched in July 1977 to a quite positive reception by the British automotive press. There were initially three engine sizes (a 0.9, 1.3, and 1.6-litre) and three trim levels available, the base ‘LS’, better-equipped ‘GL’, and the most expensive ‘GLS’.

In order to boost the Sunbeam's image, a hot hatch version was launched at the 1978 British International Motor Show and Paris Motor Show, called the ‘Sunbeam Ti’. The 1.6-litre engine was fitted with twin Weber carburettors and delivered 100hp. It featured sporty two-tone paint and body kit, and was very sport-oriented, being stripped of equipment that would have compromised its performance. It proved quite popular with reviewers and enthusiasts and helped to emphasize the advantages of the Sunbeam's rear-wheel drive against more trendy front-wheel drive rivals.

Chrysler also commissioned Lotus to develop a strict rally version of the Sunbeam. The resulting ‘Sunbeam Lotus’ was based on the 1.6 GLS – as featured here – but fitted with stiffer suspension, a larger anti-roll bar, and a larger transmission tunnel. The drivetrain comprised of a 2.2-litre Lotus engine mated with a ZF gearbox. In road trim, the car produced 150hp, but in rallying trim this was increased to a whopping 250hp!

Equipment

Cherry Red paintwork, Black vinyl roof, Black velour upholstery, Twin Weber 40 carburettors, Five-speed manual transmission, 8-spoke Revolution alloy wheels in gold, Rally-style spotlights with covers, Sports steering wheel, Original peak number plates, Laminated windscreen, Heated rear window, Rear parcel shelf, Split-folding rear seats, Spare wheel.

Exterior

The Talbot Sunbeam is a rare sight on the roads today, and this pre-production facelift example is rarer still. As one of the factory press cars it’s understood that this very GLS in gleaming Cherry Red was used and photographed for the 1980 manufacturer sales brochure – a copy of which is included in the accompanying History File.

As per factory specification this 1.6 GLS is equipped with a black vinyl roof, which presents in great condition. The bodywork is also finished to a good standard following a bare metal refurbishment some years ago. Looking closely, the majority of trims appear original throughout but do show some light patina. Four rally-style fog lamps mounted to the front bumper really add to the sense of occasion.

VIEWINGS WELCOME BY APPOINTMENT ONLY /// ADDITIONAL PHOTOS AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST

Interior

The plush velour seats present well front and rear, with no signs of any wear to the soft upholstery. Dressed in black, the modest cabin retains a very classic feel with minimal switchgear and no unsightly modern ‘upgrades’ – even the parcel shelf is free from damage having never been fitted with aftermarket speakers. The sporty Talbot steering wheel is also in great shape, and glancing across the dash there are no cracks to be found. 

ENGINE & TRANSMISSION

The original 1.6-litre engine has been fully rebuilt and subtly upgraded with a performance camshaft and pistons, double spring head, four branch manifold, and twin Weber 40s. The unit is mated to a five-speed gearbox, through which power is transferred to the rear wheels. Upon arrival with us the car was freshly MOT’d and fully inspected for the new keeper’s peace of mind. 

WHEELS, TYRES & BRAKES

The Sunbeam sits on an unmarked set of Revolution alloys finished in gold. The wheels are shod in a matching set of Nankang tyres, each one with plenty of tread remaining. Out on the road the brakes to a fine job of stopping the car quickly and in a straight line.

History File

This rare and unique 1.6 GLS was first registered in October 1980. It has now driven just 57k miles from new in the hands of only five keepers. Inside the accompanying History File you’ll find the dealer-supplied Talbot document pack, service booklet, owner’s manuals, and original sales brochure featuring this particular car. The low mileage is well documented with numerous MOT certificates dating right back to 1983, when the car was just three years old.

http://www.4starclassics.com/for-sale/talbot-sunbeam-for-sale/

1980 Talbot Sunbeam is listed verkauft on ClassicDigest in Kingsley by 4 Star Classics for £11995.

 

Fakten der Auto

Karosserietyp : Auto Marke : Talbot Modell : Sunbeam Hubraum : 1.6 Modelljahr : 1980 Karosstyp : Sedan Lage : Hampshire

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über Talbot
Talbot, ein Name, der bei Kennern der Automobilgeschichte Resonanz findet. Die Geschichte von Talbot ist wie ein Teppich, gewebt aus den Fäden von Innovation, Eleganz und Rennsporttradition. Diese Marke, mit ihren Wurzeln, die bis ins späte 19. Jahrhundert zurückreichen, hat unauslöschliche Spuren in den Annalen des Automobilbaus hinterlassen.

Die Reise von Talbot begann, als Adolphe Clément-Bayard, ein französischer Industrieller und Radsportenthusiast, das britische Unternehmen Darracq in den frühen 1900er Jahren erwarb. Dies markierte die Geburtsstunde der Marke Clément-Talbot, eine Fusion aus französischem Flair und britischer Handwerkskunst. Die Fahrzeuge trugen die unverkennbaren Merkmale beider Nationen und vereinten Leistung mit Raffinesse.

In der Zwischenkriegszeit kam Talbot wirklich zur Geltung. Es war in dieser Ära, in der die Marke einige ihrer exquisitesten Modelle produzierte. Der Talbot 105, mit seinen eleganten Linien und fortschrittlicher Technik, eroberte die Herzen anspruchsvoller Autofahrer. Der 105 verkörperte die Kunst des Autofahrens vor dem Krieg und bot eine ausgewogene Kombination aus Leistung und Eleganz.

Doch Talbots wahre Berühmtheit lag in seinen Rennsportbemühungen. Die Talbot-Lago Grand-Prix-Autos mit ihren potenten Motoren und stromlinienförmigen Karosserien waren gefürchtete Konkurrenten auf den europäischen Rennstrecken. Talbot-Lago sicherte sich Siege bei renommierten Veranstaltungen wie den 24 Stunden von Le Mans 1949 und festigte damit seinen Platz in der Motorsportgeschichte.

Nach dem Zweiten Weltkrieg wagte sich Talbot in die Welt der luxuriösen Grand-Touring-Autos. Der Talbot-Lago T26, sowohl in den Varianten Record als auch Grand Sport, zeigte das Engagement der Marke für Handwerkskunst und Leistung. Diese prachtvollen Fahrzeuge verfügten über leistungsstarke Reihensechszylindermotoren, opulente Interieurs und zeitlose Ästhetik.

Aber im Laufe der Jahre veränderten sich die Winde in der Automobilindustrie. Finanzielle Herausforderungen und sich wandelnde Marktdynamiken bedeuteten das Ende für Talbot. Die Marke, einst ein Symbol für automobilbauliche Exzellenz, verschwand schließlich von der Bildfläche.

Heutzutage lebt das Erbe von Talbot durch die Bewunderung von Sammlern und Enthusiasten weiter. Die feineren Modelle der Marke bleiben begehrte Schätze, jede ein Zeugnis einer Ära, in der Eleganz und technische Raffinesse zusammenflossen. Talbot mag ein Kapitel in den Geschichtsbüchern sein, aber seine Geschichte fasziniert weiterhin jene, die die Kunstfertigkeit des Automobilbaus schätzen.