1979 Lotus Talbot Sunbeam

Highlights 

• Rare and sought after model

• Fully restored

• Professionally rebuilt and tuned engine

• Many uprated and performance parts

• Low miles

Overview

When people think of bona fide rally legends their minds no doubt turn to the likes of Subaru, Lancia and Peugeot, to name just three, but back in the early '80s there was another scrappy little hatchback vying for the crown: the Talbot Sunbeam.

An unlikely rally hero but a hero just the same, the diminutive Sunbeam managed to win the WRC Constructor’s Title in 1981, firmly cementing its place amongst the greats of the sport, in no small part due to help from Lotus who provided the car with a 2.2-litre version of its Type 907, 16-valve slant four engine that produced 250bhp. Not only that but Lotus also tweaked the car's suspension, stiffening it up and installing larger anti-roll bars, all of which helped the Talbot Sunbeam to snatch that aforementioned crown. 

The homologated, road-going versions weren't quite as spicy as their motorsport counterparts, naturally, but still ticked a lot of performance boxes. That race-derived DOHC four-cylinder engine still managed a not-too-shabby 150bhp and with rear-wheel drive and a low kerb weight the Talbot Sunbeam Lotus had a lot going for it, especially for fans of performance hatchbacks that handled like a dream. 

This fully restored 1979 Series 1 example is in stunning condition throughout and presents beautifully. Not only does it look good but the engine has also been fully professionally rebuilt and tuned to deliver a claimed 220bhp. 

Fitted with myriad new and performance parts, it's arguably closer to rally spec than it is to a road-going version and with a well-documented history it would make an excellent weekend toy or hill climb weapon. That's not to say it couldn't be used in a more sedate manner when required though, with this sublime Lotus Talbot Sunbeam being a bit of a do it all machine.

History and documentation

• 1979 model year

• First registered 11 Oct 1979

• In current ownership for almost three years

• V5C present and correct

• Comprehensive printout from current owner's tenure listing all work completed

• The vendor states that the car comes with approximately the first ten years of service records

• Original workshop manual including all engine details

• One set of fully functional keys

• Numerous receipts and invoices for servicing and work carried out

• Tax and MOT exempt

• HPI clear

• 73,275 miles

Interior

• Interior is in excellent, clean condition

• Free from major marks and blemishes

• Fully adjustable Alfa Romeo front seats in correct colour leather

• Rear seats and parcel shelf are original if a little tatty in places

• The vendor states that everything works

• Electronic dash with works spec 10,000rpm rev counter and accurate hall effect sensor speedometer fully rebuilt by specialists Speedy Cables

• The vendor informs us that the heater matrix was replaced two years ago

• All carpets look to be clean, dry and unworn

• The headlining is intact and not sagging

• Hydraulic handbrake

• Fire extinguisher

• The dashboard appears to be free from any damage

• The boot area is clean and well-presented and houses the car's Odyssey battery with cut off switch

• The engine bay is incredibly clean and features many uprated parts, including an ODI strut brace

Exterior

• The exterior is in incredible condition overall

• Fully restored and completed in 2019 (some photographic evidence included)

• The paintwork presents beautifully with no sign of any marks or blemishes

• The vendor informs us that the car has had a new rear panel, scuttle panel and front wings

• There are no apparent dents and no obvious signs of corrosion anywhere on the car

• Extensively treated with Dinitrol

• All body panels and panel gaps are straight

• All trim pieces and glasswork present well

• Front fog lights

• The 15” split rim Compomotive wheels are in impeccable condition and don't leak air, according to the vendor

• Front wheels are 15” diameter and 6.5” wide, rears 15” diameter and 7.5” wide

• Tyres are all Toyo Proxes TR1s which the vendor states were new in 2022 (around 4000 miles ago) 

• The underside is exceptionally clean with no obvious signs of rust

Mechanical

• Seaman-built 220bhp (claimed), 2.2-litre, four-cylinder engine

• The Seaman build was around 15 years ago and included many new and uprated parts including 420 lift cams, ported and flowed head, steel buckets, big bore manifold and exhaust, Cosworth pistons and a fully balanced bottom end

• The vendor tells us that in 2024 the engine was refreshed with new bearings, valve guides, a skim on the cylinder head and a steel head gasket

• High torque starter motor

• Five-speed manual ZF gearbox with direct top, lower first gear and single piece stick

• New gearbox seal and oils all round

• Rear-wheel drive

• New discs all round (300mm AP’s on the front)

• Rebuilt axle with fresh 3.9 Crown Wheel and Pinion (a 3.7 CWP is included)

• Quick rack steering rack

• Bilstein dampers at the front and adjustable Gaz dampers at the rear

• The vendor states that the car runs, drives, handles and stops incredibly well with great oil pressure and wants for nothing

• No mechanical issues to report aside from a very slight oil leak from the gearbox input shaft seal (a new seal is included)

Summary

Fully restored to stunning condition throughout and with a professionally rebuilt and tuned engine under the bonnet, along with uprated suspension and brakes, this rather rapid and tractable Talbot Sunbeam Lotus is an incredible example of an already hugely capable car that is highly evocative of its rally-bred brethren. Rare and sought after, there's a lot of fun to be had here, whether driving day to day, taking to shows or blasting full send up a hill climb.   

To arrange a viewing, click the 'Book Viewing' button located under the 'Place Bid' button. Viewings can be booked up until the day before the auction ends, after which the option will change to 'Contact Seller' for further enquiries. This seller is located in Winchester, Hampshire.