Description
1946 TALBOT SUNBEAM TEN - STARTS, RUNS AND DRIVESThe 1946 Talbot Sunbeam Ten (often styled as the 10 h. p.) is a landmark compact executive car that represented the ?Rootes Group's transition back to civilian manufacturing immediately after World War II. Originally designed and built between 1938 and 1939, production was paused for the war effort and resumed from 1945 until 1948. The vehicle effectively paired a luxurious, sweeping body with reliable, economy-minded running gear. Skeptics of the era lightheartedly referred to it as a 'Hillman Minx in a party frock' given its underlying mechanical architecture. Mechanical SpecificationsEngine: 1, 185 cc side-valve inline-four engine featuring an alloy cylinder head. Power Output: Approximately 41 brake horsepower (bhp). Transmission: Four-speed manual gearbox. Suspension: Rigid front and rear axles paired with semi-elliptic leaf springs. Brakes: Cable-operated mechanical brakes (unlike the larger Sunbeam-Talbot 2-Litre model, which utilized hydraulic brakes). Performance: A top speed of roughly 68 mph (109 km/ h). [1, 2, 3, 4]Body StylesRootes offered the Talbot Sunbeam Ten in three distinct configurations to suit various post-war motorists: Four-Door Sports Saloon: A streamlined, upscale family commuter featuring an integrated trunk and premium cabin finishes. Drophead Coupé (DHC): A plush, three-position folding roof model featuring wind-up windows and elegant chrome hood irons. Sports Tourer: A lightweight, open-top four-seater variant relying on clip-in side screens instead of heavy windows. Historic SignificanceThe year 1946 marked a critical turning point for the model's assembly line. Prior to the war, cars were built at the Clément-Talbot plant in North Kensington, London. In the spring of 1946, Rootes moved all Sunbeam-Talbot production to their newly acquired Ryton-on-Dunsmore works in Warwickshire, cementing it as the modern home of the brand. Out of roughly 7, 237 Ten models built over its entire production lifespan, they remain a rare sight today and are highly sought after by classic British motoring enthusiastsThis example is a running and driving car that has been used most years for local shows etc. Last road run was in April 2025 although it had been started and moved in recent weeks. Owned for almost 10 years and returned to the road after a period of inactivity with the previous owner in 2018. Considerable history in file including all expenditure in the current ownership. Mechanically good, paintwork very poor. I rechromed bumpers and hubcaps so most brightwork is still good. The distributor has been rebuilt and the vehicle has new tyres all round. The registration is non-transferable. It is thought that there are less than 150 survivors of the marque worldwide. A good usable classic, the vehicle is offered without reserve. This vehicle is located near Dunmow Essex CM6Video available on request.
