Timewarp Talbot Lotus Sunbeam for sale
A timewarp Talbot Lotus Sunbeam for sale at the Silverstone Auctions sale at the Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show. The car, presented in immaculate, as new condition. Has never been registered and has covered just 193 miles in 34 years.
The left-hand drive, time warp car was discovered overlooked and ignored as part of a large private collection in Italy by the current vendor. Every single aspect of the car is factory standard and it appears like it has just rolled off the production line. It is estimated at between £24,000 and £28,000 and finished in the iconic colour scheme of Embassy Black with silver decals.
“It’s incredibly rare to discover a classic car that is ‘brand new’ but this is exactly what we have here”. said Nick Whale, managing director, Silverstone Auctions. “Sitting in this takes you right back to the late 70s and early 80s and the early days of the hot hatchback”.
History of the Talbot Lotus Sunbeam
The Talbot Sunbeam-Lotus was one of the most exciting hot hatchbacks to emerge from the 1970s. It originally came about when Chrysler commissioned Lotus to produce an effective entrant for international Group 4 rallying. Lotus took a Sunbeam 1.6GLS shell and installed a 2.2-litre version of the Lotus 16-valve four-cylinder engine and a five-speed ZF gearbox. It proved very effective in rallying, winning the challenging 1980 Lombard-RAC event. The road-going version proved quick and balanced, although it was priced higher than the comparable Chevette HS or Escort RS2000.
Timewarp Talbot Lotus Sunbeam for sale at the Lancaster Classic motor show 2015
Having never been registered, the buyer of this vehicle will be the first registered keeper in its history. Supplied with all hand books, service books and a fresh UK MoT, this 1980s icon is an incredible find for any collector of modern-classics.
The vendor describes this vehicle as in “perfect running order” and will be supplied with a NOVA certificate for the new owner to register the car. The car will be auctioned on the 16th of November at the NEC, Birmingham as part of Silverstone Auctions’ two-day sale the Classic Motor Show.
For more information please visit the Silverstone Auctions website
