1952 Sunbeam Talbot ST90 Drophead Coupe
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Highlights
• Present in excellent visual condition
• Starts, runs, and drive as she should
• Beautiful oxblood red leather interior
The Appeal
Back in 1950, the Sunbeam Talbot ST90 was one of the must-have cars, with beautiful styling and a powerful engine it was the perfect accessory for any well-to-do gentleman or lady of the day. Not only would the ST90 find acclaim on the streets of the world but it would also have some racing success, with none other than Sir Stirling Moss and his teammates of Desmond Scannell and John Cooper, who would take a Mk.II to second place in the Monte Carlo Rally in 1952. A Mk.III would win the rally outright in 1955.
This Sunbeam seems to have had an interesting life finding a few loving owners along the way, with the current owner having her since 2016. Undertaking light restoration work she now has new carpets, a fresh coat of ‘Old English White’, and she has even had a new fuel tank.
Now she is ready to embark on the next chapter of her life with you at the helm. With a car that looks this elegant, you should always turn a few heads as you take her on travels.
The History and Paperwork
• Built-in 1952 the start of this Sunbeams life is sadly unknown. Her whereabouts and usage are not documented.
• The current V5c states that she was registered in 1989, so could be likely that this car was off of the roads for a little bit and paperwork was lost.
• Looking through some of the paperwork that is available it would appear that it has gone through a restoration during the early 90s where the colour was changed from Bronze to Old English White.
• Changing hands in 1992 it stayed with that owner until 2009 where it was sent to auction after only 4,000 miles covered in that time.
• A few invoices from the previous owner are present within the folder
• 5 Avon Tourist tyres and tube were purchased in 2010 shortly after the previous owner acquired it
• There are a few MOTs from this time with the earliest dating from 2010
• In September 2014 it goes to the garage where the engine has a little bit of work completed. These included the removal of the radiator and cylinder head. The head was then skimmed, and the valves were recut and ground in.
• The current owner acquired the car in 2016 and undertook some light recommissioning work. Some of the works undertaken included a body respray and a new fuel tank.
• In 2016 the rear axle oil seal was replaced and the oil in the rear axle was renewed, along with some new gearbox oil too.
• Along with all the invoices, insurance documents, and MOT certificates, there is a lovely and original Sunbeam Talbot 90 owner’s handbook
• After a few loving years spent with the current owner, it is now time for this car to start her next chapter with you at the helm.
The Interior
• New carpets fitted in 2017
• Lovely oxblood red interior
• Innovative soft top with a ‘de ville’ configuration for the hood
A stunning example of a classic interior this ST90 has it all from striking leather to a lovely folding convertible roof section. The interior is in good condition with a few pieces here and there that aren’t like new, but these add to the character of the car showing that she has been used properly throughout her years.
The seats are in good condition, showing some signs of their age but no major damage to the material. There is a slight tear on the driver’s seat, but the other three seats look and feel great to sit in. The red seats are matched by the red carpets, these were replaced a few years ago and are now in ‘like new’ condition. Along with these red seats and red carpet, the red door cards are in great condition too.
To match the rest of the red interior, the dash is also finished in this lovely deep red. Wearing some original features like the headlight operation dial in the centre along with the ‘trafficator’ switch, there are also some modern features set into the dash like a hazard warning switch and x2 USB ports to keep your modern devices charged as you explore the roads of the world in this elegant car. There are a few drip marks on the dash where it appears to have been painted.
With the roof in its up configuration you can see some marks on the extremities of the headlining material, however, no rips or tears to the material.
Whether you have the roof up, down, or in its special ‘de ville’ configuration the interior is a wonderful place to sit and take in your surroundings. You will make so many new and happy memories on the inside of this wonderful Sunbeam Talbot.
The Exterior
• The colour was changed in the 90s and given a freshen up in 2016
• The exterior condition of the hood is great
• Chrome work is in good condition
What a beautiful car this is to look at, you can lose hours of your day just admiring the sweeping lines of this classic. With a lovely teardrop design to the front wings and aerodynamic rear wheel covers, it is unlike any other car on the roads today. The Sunbeam Talbot ST90 Drophead has found recent acclaim as the car of TV detective Father Brown.
When this Sunbeam left the factory in 1952 it was not finished in this lovely Old English White, rather a less striking bronze colour. It was resprayed during a restoration that was believed to have been undertaken in the 90s. When the current owner acquired the car, it did have a full respray just to bring her exterior back to life. Along with the lovely white paint the car is dripping with chrome work. All of this chrome is presented in great condition with no visible pitting or rust to these important pieces.
With this being a ‘drophead’ it is fitted with a retractable hood. This hood is in great visual condition, showing no signs of damage. This hood is unlike most other retractable roofs, not only does it have the usual up or down option, but there is also an additional ‘de ville’ configuration. This de ville configuration allows the rear passengers to remain covered whilst uncovering the front section. Making it great for a wedding or other special occasions.
This Sunbeam Talbot is presented in great exterior condition and whoever gets the pleasure of owning it next will have a beautiful example that is capable of winning car shows.
The Mechanics
• Starts, runs, and drives as it should
• With racing pedigree, you know it’ll be a great car to drive
• A new fuel tank was fitted not so long ago
Back in 1952, this Sunbeam Talbot would have been a rather brisk car, with a 77hp engine it had the go-to match its sweeping lines. The the salon version was even quick enough to win the Monte Carlo rally in 1955 at the hands of Sir Stirling Moss. With its four-speed column shift gearbox, it could reach speeds approaching 90mph. Some modern cars will struggle to match these credentials
This car has been looked after well throughout the years and today it is presented in fine mechanical fettle. The car started up and was manoeuvred into position several times on the day the photos were taken, which she did without even complaining.
One thing that should be mentioned is that this car has not been converted to run on unleaded fuel. However, lead replacement additive is still readily available online. Reading some of the information a £12 bottle will treat 250 litres of fuel, if you compare this cost to the cost of having the car converted to run on unleaded it soon appears like a good deal.
The original dynamo and voltage controller have been replaced with a dynamo look-alike alternator and dummy voltage controller and converted to negative earth. The (working) originals will come with the vehicle for anyone wishing to convert it back to original.
The original dynamo and voltage controller have been replaced with a dynamo look-alike alternator and dummy voltage controller and converted to negative earth. The (working) originals will come with the vehicle for anyone wishing to convert it back to original.
The next owner of this Sunbeam Talbot will have a lovely car to use when the weather permits.
Summary
With a stunning design, interesting interior, and lovely driving characteristics this Sunbeam Talbot offers the next owner an engaging and characterful driving experience that no modern can even get near to. The next owner will have on an excellent example of how cars should be.
Notice to bidders
Although every care is taken to ensure this listing is as factual and transparent as possible, all details within the listing are subject to the information provided to us by the seller. Car & Classic does not take responsibility for any information missing from the listing. Please ensure you are satisfied with the vehicle description and all information provided before placing a bid.
As is normal for most auctions, this vehicle is sold as seen, and therefore the Sale of Goods Act 1979 does not apply. All bids are legally binding once placed. Any winning bidder who withdraws from a sale, is subject to our bidders fee charge. Please see our FAQs and T&C's for further information. Viewings of vehicles are encouraged, but entirely at the seller's discretion.
Vehicle specification
- Year 1952
- Make Sunbeam-Talbot
- Model ST90
- Colour White
- Odometer 15,212 Miles
- Engine size 2267
Auction Details
- Seller Type Private
- Town Peterborough
- Location Cambridgeshire
- Country United Kingdom
14
bids
from 6
bidders
- Ke•••• £14,000 29/05/22
- Ra•••• £13,750 29/05/22
- Ke•••• £13,500 29/05/22
- Ra•••• £13,250 29/05/22
- Ke•••• £13,000 28/05/22
- Ke•••• £12,000 26/05/22
- Ke•••• £11,500 26/05/22
- Ke•••• £10,500 26/05/22
- Fr•••• £8,500 24/05/22
- 93•••• £8,400 24/05/22
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