Lot details Registration No: VPK 694 Chassis No: A3500334 Mot Expiry: June 2010
Launched in July 1948, the Sunbeam-Talbot 90 was essentially a reworking of the company's pre-war 2-litre chassis design. However, the newcomer's adoption of overhead valve gear leant it a surprising turn of speed. Quick to capitalise, the Rootes competition department hastened the model's development. Thus, the 90 MKII of 1950 boasted not only a new chassis with independent front suspension but also a capacity increase to 2,267cc. By the time the Sunbeam MKIII arrived four years later (Talbot badging had since been dropped), power and torque were up to 80bhp and 122lbft respectively. In combination with a column-mounted four-speed gearbox, this resulted in a 95mph top speed and spirited acceleration (attributes that came to the fore when a MKIII won the 1955 Monte Carlo Rally outright). Entrusted to Thrupp & Maberley for final body preparation, the MKIII convertible was only available for a single season.
Finished in metallic blue with light grey leather upholstery, this particular example has reportedly benefited from past restoration work to its upper body, mechanics and interior. The vendor describes the coachwork as "showing signs of blistering and wear and tear" and considers the interior to need "some remedial work". Noting the engine gives "adequate performance" but that there is "some wear to the synchromesh" on the four-speed manual plus overdrive gearbox, he states the electrical equipment seems to be "working apart from the rev counter". Believed to have been featured in a Classic Car Weekly article sometime earlier this year, `VPK 694' is offered for sale with MOT certificate valid until June 2010. A wonderful piece of 1950s nostalgia and a family friendly drophead to boot, this rare Sunbeam has much to recommend it.
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