1951 Sunbeam Talbot 90 Drophead Coupe

The Sunbeam Talbot 90 was built by the Rootes Group in Ryton, Coventry under their Sunbeam-Talbot brand. Launched in 1948, along with the smaller-engined Sunbeam-Talbot 80, many features dated back to the successful pre war Sunbeam-Talbot 2 Litre. The body was completely new and available as a four-door saloon or two-door drophead coupé.

The car went through three versions and was the last car to bear the Sunbeam-Talbot name. The Mk II got a new chassis with independent front suspension using coil springs. The cylinder head was changed to incorporate overhead valves, giving rise to a claimed power output of 70 bhp. The favorable power-to-weight ratio meant that the Talbot could be "geared quite high" and still provide impressive acceleration where needed for "quick overtaking".

The front of the Talbot 90 body was modified; the headlights were higher and there were air inlet grilles on either side of the radiator. A Coupé version tested by The Motor magazine in 1952 had a top speed of 85.2 mph and could accelerate from 0-60 mph in 20.2 seconds. Just 5493 in total were made, most of which were four-door saloons.

This lovely drop head coupe built in 1951 has had just 3 previous owners and shows a recorded mileage of just 26000 miles. However, we are not able to warrant the mileage.

Purchased in June 2010 from its third owner, who according to correspondence with the Sunbeam Talbot Register, acquired the car from a museum where it had previously been on display for the previous 20 years. It was in very original condition and, due to many years of standing, in need of recommisioning.

A general full recommission and part restoration ensued with work carried that included refurbished brakes, rebuilt carburetors and radiator repairs along with other general service maintenance to the car. The floors were also replaced and a complete repaint and body repair was undertaken in 2012.

Included in the accompanying history file are invoices and a hand written log detailing all the recent work undertaken on the car. The car has laid dormant for the last 12 months until more recently having further work completed. This has included the fitment of a new mohair hood along with rechroming of the bright work and other detail renovation work where necessary.

This is a lovely honest car that is in good all round condition and is sure to provide enjoyable and pleasant motoring for it's next owner.