1983 TALBOT SUNBEAM LOTUS

KEY FACTS

• A superb rally-inspired, rear-wheel-drive hot hatch, with low mileage for its age.
• It is powered by the 150bhp 2.2-litre Lotus Type 911 16-valve flat-four, coupled to a five-speed dog-leg manual gearbox.
• The engine was rebuilt in June 2020 and serviced in July 2021.

EQUIPMENT AND FEATURES

• A post-1981 facelift model, it features the flush headlamps and a redesigned front end.
• This example has been fitted with a stainless steel exhaust, poly-bushed suspension, a fire extinguisher, and Bilstein suspension with uprated rear springs.
• Its original owner’s manuals, service book and specification sheet are included.

CONDITION

• No known bodywork damage.
• Its Moonstone Blue paintwork has been resprayed, now presenting with just a few blemishes, including on the offside front scuttle panel and the front bumper.
• Inside, the re-trimmed cloth upholstery is in excellent condition, with no significant wear.
• A few marks can be seen on the face of the steering wheel and door card trims, and some light wear is visible on the Jaeger clock face and its surrounding trim.
• No electrical faults have been detected.
• The most recent MOT test was on 18 February 2021 at 58,689 miles, which was a clean pass with no advisories or defects.

SERVICE HISTORY

• In June 2020, the engine was fully rebuilt with an uprated clutch and coolant hoses also fitted by Mike Taylor of Lotusbits in Rugby. It has covered less than 1,000 miles since.
• Its most recent service was in July 2021 at 59,000 miles, where Lotusbits changed the engine oil, filter and fluids.

SUMMARY

This Talbot Sunbeam Lotus is a rare and exciting rally-focused hot hatch, with a rebuilt engine and which now presents in fantastic condition. Its rear-wheel drive format makes it somewhat idiosyncratic among hot hatches of the same era, but equally makes it all the more collectible. With low mileage for its age, it also benefits from a recent service and advisory-free MOT certificate, so needs nothing to get out and enjoy on the road immediately.

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All UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Collecting Cars are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and has no finance owing.