Description

1954 Sunbeam Talbot 90 Drophead

An attractive example of an older restoration up and running and just in time for the autumn sunshine

By September 1950, the engine of the 90 had been enlarged to 2,267 cc by increasing the bore from 75mm to 81mm. The 90 engine now developed 70bhp and had a higher rear axle ratio for more comfortable cruising. The favourable power-to-weight ratio meant that the Talbot provided impressive acceleration for the age, especially given the improvements to the chassis which incorporated independent front suspension using coil springs mounted on a specially shaped new cross-member. At this time, the front of the 90's body was modified - the headlights being raised to meet international regulations.

Available in various body styles, perhaps the most glamerous was the Drop Head Coupe as seen here, this example being the MkII version which was first registered on 26th October 1951.

Registered OKL 127, its known history picks up in 1986 when it lived in Hearne Hill. It was painted black, with a black interior and photos on file show it looking slightly scruffy enjoying a day out at the seaside.

The car was subsequently sold to a retired Colonel living in Deal in 1996, who has been its registered keeper ever since.

Between 2004 and 2006, Supercars Garage in West Thurock undertook a comprehensive restoration, with multiple photos and letters to the owner detailing the work done. Suffice it to say, the car was in a poor state by now, with extensive corrosion to the chassis and floor - all carefully patched and reparied as necessary. The door bottoms were replaced and repair panels to the inner and outer wings, bonnet, spare wheel cover carefully attended to and the car fully stripped to bare metal, undercoated and resprayed Old English White on request of its owner and retrimmed with a red interior.

In 2017, substantial additional work was undertaken with invoices for nearly £4,000. This included a really thorough service and brake overhaul in June and a full gearbox rebuild and new clutch in September - work under taken by Rose Garage in Sandwich. There are various MOTs between 1979 and 1995. The car is ready to go as it is or could be further tidied to make a first-class example.

For futher information, contact nigel.mainard@brightwells.com