Highlights
- One of only eight convertible 80 coupés listed on the Sunbeam Talbot Alpine Register
- Believed to be only 1 of 2 in the UK
- Coachbuilt by Thrupp & Maberly
- Only one former registered keeper
- In current ownership for 26 years
- Recently refreshed coachwork and thorough mechanical overhaul
The Appeal
The Sunbeam Talbot 80 Drophead Coupé is among the rarest of post-war Rootes Group models, with the MK1 produced only between 1948 and 1950. Coachbuilt by the prestigious Thrupp & Maberly, it is widely regarded as one of the most elegant designs to emerge from the Rootes stable, with its sweeping curves, low-mounted headlights, and fully enclosed rear wheel spats distinguishing the earliest cars.
This particular example has known just two registered keepers across its 76-year life, with the current vendor's 26-year custodianship accounting for the lion's share. Recently brought out of long-term dry storage, the car has been treated to a cosmetic refresh of its black coachwork and a mechanical overhaul encompassing new brake components, suspension bushes, a full service, and more. It passed a recent MOT with no advisories and is reported to drive well through its column-shift four-speed gearbox. Inside, retrimmed front seats sit alongside well-preserved deco-style instruments and a charmingly patinated interior that suits the car's character. Period details abound; working semaphore indicators, the original first tax disc on the windscreen, a set of tools in the boot lid, and a Harrods lambswool travelling rug all accompany the sale.
Key Information
- Mileage: 60,650 miles (indicated, unwarranted)
- Country of registration: United Kingdom
- Technical inspection status: MOT valid until 17th March 2027, passed with no advisories (MOT/road tax exempt)
- Technical specs: 1.2-litre four-cylinder petrol producing 47 bhp, four-speed column-shift manual
- Paperwork: Current V5C and previous V5C present; current MOT certificate; limited additional history documentation
The Detail
- Coachwork recently refreshed to remove light dings; solid black paintwork presents well
- Front brake shoes re-lined, front brake cylinders and master cylinder replaced
- New shock absorber front bushes and track rod end fitted
- Points reset, engine oil replaced, fluids checked and topped up, all grease points greased
- Differential and clutch replaced circa 2009, prior to a 16-year period of dry storage
- The vendor reports the car has covered approximately 500 miles in the last 20 years
- Front seats retrimmed; rear seat leather shows some age-related cracking
- Dashboard repainted; deco-style instruments reported to be working apart from the clock
- Convertible roof reported to be in good condition with no splits or tears and a good seal against the windscreen frame
- Carpets reported to be in very good condition with no signs of excessive wear
- Some light tarnishing to bumpers and chrome window trim
- Driver's side spotlight has a small crack; a replacement is included in the sale
- A few small stone chips visible at the front; some light pitting to the boot handle
- B.F. Goodrich Silvertown white wall tyres with good tread remaining
- Boot is clean with no signs of corrosion; tools included in the boot lid cavity (pump, starter handle, grease gun, jack)
- Modern indicators fitted front and rear; semaphore indicators also in working order
- Period "Autaluxe" lambswool travelling rug from Harrods and a spare set of wiper blades included
- Original first tax disc displayed on windscreen, expiring 31st December 1950
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