Lot Ended
Description
From a deceased estate; project car for recommissioning; off road
since '07; loads of spare parts and information; engine
turns
Launched in 1979 at the Geneva show to bring some sparkle into
the Talbot line-up, the Sunbeam Lotus was built in sufficient numbers to satisfy
the Homologation regulations and became an instant hit on the rally circuit.
Winning the 1980 Lombard-RAC rally was just the start, and in 1981, the
year of this car, Talbot won the World Rally Championship. This was a huge
achievement, competing against the RS Escorts and Chevette HS2300s
etc.
Fitted with a 2.2-litre Lotus twin-cam with about 150bhp on tap
mated to a dog-leg five-speed ZF box, it was capable of 60mph in 6.8
seconds and was a hoot to drive.
This Embassy black
seven-owner Series 2 shows under 105,000 miles and was last used on
the road in 2007. It was acquired by the vendor's late husband in 1995 and was
his pride and joy, although has spent the last 17 years in dry
storage.
He had great plans for the car, which was part-prepared for
rally use. He amassed a lot of spare parts for it along the way which are
included in the sale. The photos tell the story, but for the record, it comes
with its original wheels, new Lotus grille, two NOS n/s front wings, new lights,
brand new belts (sadly now out of date) but the headsets are new; springs, most
if not all of the interior trim (but not front seats), huge spot lights, arch
extensions, more wheels........and loads more.
There is a large
collection of reference paperwork which has been accumulated over the years too,
with handbooks, parts books, technical manuals, reference books and files of
general information and correspondence.
This cracking '80s hot hatch
offers quirky, rapid classic motoring, or is ripe for conversion into a
full-house historic rally car. Only 2,308 were ever made and their survival rate
has not been high so it has rarity on its side too...bag it while you
can!
Contact matthew.parkin@brightwells.com
* All charges are subject to VAT