Lot details Registration No: 174 UXY Chassis No: 159400 Mot Expiry: Sept 2007
Undoubted flagship of the newly formed Sunbeam-Talbot marque, the 4 Litre was introduced in 1938. Something of a wolf in sheep's clothing, it combined the 9ft 6in wheelbase ladder-frame chassis of its 3 Litre sibling with a 4086cc straight-six engine. Featuring independent transverse-leaf front suspension, a 'live' rear axle, and four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes, it could be had in a variety of open and closed guises. Topped by an alloy sidevalve cylinder head, its torquey powerplant was allied to four-speed manual transmission. Credited with developing some 100bhp @ 3,400rpm, the model was reputedly capable of over 85mph. Only in production for two seasons, a mere 229 are thought to have been made.
Finished in light blue over black with brown upholstery, this particular example is variously described by the vendor as being in "rebuilt" (engine), "very good" (gearbox, electrical equipment, chassis) or "A1" (bodywork, paintwork, wheels / tyres) condition. Though, he states that the interior trim - among other bits and pieces - "needs finishing". Reputedly unique, chassis number 159400 was ordered new by Capt. F. Godfrey Schreiber R.N. of London SW1 on November 9th 1938. Entrusted to Cox & Co of Watford, its bespoke Drophead Coupe coachwork boasts a notably sensuous wing line and neatly integrated dickey seat. Partially restored while sojourning in America, work has continued on '174 UXY' since its return to the UK but has yet to be completed. Singularly handsome, this extremely rare Sunbeam-Talbot is offered for sale with Sunbeam-Talbot Alpine Register correspondence and MOT certificate valid until September 2007.
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