Talbot Lotus Classic Cars for Sale

Talbot Lotus

Unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in April 1979 by Chrysler UK, initially as the Sunbeam Lotus, the car was built specifically with Rally motor sport in mind. Re-branded shortly afterwards as the Talbot Lotus by new Chrysler UK owners Peugeot the car was released to the public in summer 1979. The road version of the Talbot Lotus came with a Lotus type 911 2172 cc 150 bhp engine. Approximately 2300 cars were built until production ended in 1981. The car was very successful for the Talbot Racing Team, competing in the World Rally Championship 1970-1983.

Chrysler UK’s rallying ambitions

Intent on boosting the Chrysler UK image Chrysler sport manager Desmond O'Dell recognised that the 1.6 cc 100 bhp Chrysler Sunbeam had the best potential as a Chrysler rally car, but it wasn't powerful enough to compete effectively in the World Rally Car Championship. O’Dell subsequently commissioned Lotus, the sports car manufacturer, to produce an engine for the rally version of the Chrysler 1.6 GLS Sunbeam. The resulting car was called the Talbot Lotus.

The Talbot Lotus: built for rallying success

The Talbot Lotus came with a larger anti-roll bar and transmission tunnel, as well as stiffer suspension than the 1.6 GLS Sunbeam. It featured an all-alloy 2172 cc 16-valve version of the Lotus 907 engine: the 911 engine. With twin overhead camshafts, twin Dellorto carburettors and a ZF gearbox, the road version of the Talbot Lotus produced 150 bhp, the race version tuned to produce 250 bhp. The Talbot Lotus came with silver stripes and black bodywork and a grey coloured interior along with a double end pipe exhaust. The car was enthusiastically received by the press, and quickly passing the homologation rules that required 400 production cars to be built Talbot entered the World Rally Championship. In 1980 success followed, with a win in the Lombard RAC Rally, and winning the manufacturers championship in 1981.

1981 onwards: Talbot Lotus updates

In 1981, a remodel saw body shell modifications, larger headlamps fitted, the radiator grill re-worked, an increase in engine power made. A 5 speed gearbox and larger fuel tank were added and externally, alloy wheels added and the exterior mirrors revised. The car was available in black and grey- the Piccadilly trim. 1982 saw a livery change to Moonstone Blue, with a silver or black stripe option. An effort to boost flagging sales saw the release of a limited edition the final Talbot Lotus cars:the Avon, featuring green/yellow Lotus decals on its sides along with a limited edition registration number. The cars marked the end of Talbot Lotus production.