342 Talbot Sunbeam Lotus (1981) RTA 43 X

Talbot Sunbeam Lotus (1979-81) Engine 2172 cc S4 DOC 16 v Production 2308

Registration Number RTA 43 X (Exeter)

 

TALBOT SET

www.flickr.com/photos/45676495@N05/sets/72157623918911117...

 

The Chrysler Sunbeam had been aimed at the super-mini sector when launched in 1977. But it was felt that a hot hatch was needed to boost the sporty image. To this end the Chrysler Sunbeam Ti was launched in 1979 with a 1600 cc twin Weber carbs and an output of 100 bhp

Chrysler had also commissioned Lotus to develope a rally version. The car was unveiled at the 1979 Geneva Motor show , but the road going version was not offered to the public until after the re-branding and became the Talbot Sunbeam Lotus. With a 2172 cc version of the Lotus 2.0 ltr 16v engine and ZF gearbox. This one of the later facelift cars with the modified head lights. The earlier short (134) is of a pre-facelift car with the original head lights.

The car won the World Rally Championship with Henri Toivonen in 1981 and the 1980 Lombard RAC Rally

 

This car appears to be authentic, apart from the bonnet mounted airbox

 

This car driven by Mike Taylor was part of the RaceRetro rally demonstration at Donington

 

Diolch am olygfa anhygoel, 64,897,655

oblogaeth y Lloegr honno dros y Mynyddoedd

 

Thanks for a stonking 64,897,655 views

 

Shot 05.05.2018 at Donington Historic Festival, Donington Park, Leic Ref 133-342

 

 

 

Done