The car featured on the front cover and within the pages of the book by Anders Ditlev Clausager ‘Sunbeam-Talbot & Alpine in Detail’
THE APPEAL
Announced in 1948, the Sunbeam Talbot was a car heavily influenced by the American styling themes of the time.
Its curvy front, pointed bonnet, sweeping curves and art deco profile were very much features seen in the more luxurious cars of the day, while the model was also well-regarded for its lively performance. Indeed, it was very much the precursor to the compact executive cars of today – no bigger than a Morris Oxford MO, but far more upmarket and better to drive.
It could be ordered as a four-door saloon or a particularly stylish drophead coupe with three-stage roof, the second of which is a desirable car among collectors today.
There were two models: the 80 and the 90, the latter of which was one of the sportiest cars of its day, especially after 1950 and the launch of the MK II, when it acquired a larger 2,267cc engine, making it capable of speeds in excess of 80mph.
While not much is known about the early history of this car, there’s an entire lever-arch file of papers from the early 1990s onwards, documenting every part or component bought for it.
While there are one or two included for work carried out by third parties, the vast majority of maintenance on the car has been carried out by its last three owners, all of whom are hands-on enthusiasts. The current owner is very much one of those and has recently rebuilt the gearbox, but chronic back problem means he can’t get underneath the car to tinker as much as he used to, so he has chosen to replace the Sunbeam with a more modern drop-top that will require less fettling.
Included with the car are two workshop manuals, a parts catalogue and some old photographs of the car during its restoration in 1994/5. It also has a UK V5C in the name of the vendor and a fresh MOT, as despite being tax and test exempt the vendor wanted to put a test on the car to prove its roadworthiness and offer peace of mind.
The car featured on the front cover and within the pages of Anders Ditlev Clausager’s book ‘Sunbeam-Talbot & Alpine in Detail’. image0.jpeg137.69 KB
THE INTERIOR
Rich red leather
Functioning valve radio
Smiths Heater
Original dials and controls
You can tell that the Sunbeam-Talbot was a quality car of its day from the delicate details in the cabin. The valve-operated radio (it still works…), the art deco dials and the delightful clock incorporated into the rear-view mirror being just a few of them.
It’s in great order with no major wear or damage, while the rich red leather seats are in superb condition. It also comes with a tailored full-size tonneau cover so you can protect the interior but still leave it parked with the roof down.VO2coRhv69HSB1RAv7LNir1k5sElPyvlTJqgDMmx.jpeg1.3 MB
THE EXTERIOR
Unusual ‘Alpine Mist’ metallic
Fully restored in the 1990s
Three-stage ‘landaulette’ roof
Refurbished chrome and trim
Whilst this is an older restoration it’s also a car that’s in exceptional order and has clearly been very well cared for in the quarter of a century since it was rebuilt.
It was done properly, too. Photos with the car show that the body and chassis were separated and that the car was thoroughly rust treated and protected before being painted. It still looks marvellous today.
The three-stage Coupé de Ville roof, which allows partial cover for the rear passengers in it’s semi-retracted position, is in excellent order as is all of the chrome and trim, which has been refurbished.
Top speed of 80mph and lively acceleration for its size, as well as the ability to cruise happily in excess of 60mph means it’s still quite a usable car even in modern traffic conditions.
It has been impeccable maintained and since 2018 has received a full gearbox rebuild, a complete ignition system overhaul, new brake cylinders, a rewire and an electric fuel pump conversion.
In the past, it has had two valuable modifications to make it more usable in modern traffic. The first (and most valued) is a power steering conversion which uses a Japanese Isuzu system to hydraulically assist the steering, while the second is the addition of a brake servo to aid stopping power. Both are extremely valuable and useful in modern traffic.
This is a stunning example of one of the finest compact saloons of the 1950s, presented in superb condition and with the peace-of-mind of a brand new MOT. It’s also extremely usable for a 1950s car thanks to the tractability of its power unit and the uprated brake and power steering, neither of which detracts from its original visual appeal. It’s a lovely old car.
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