- Auctions
- The Iconic Sale at Race Retro 2025 - Collectors' Cars
- 1982 Talbot Sunbeam Lotus Series 2 'Group 4' Works Tribute
1982 Talbot Sunbeam Lotus Series 2 'Group 4' Works Tribute
Lot Number: 637
1982 Talbot Sunbeam Lotus Series 2 'Group 4' Works Tribute
A fabulous Works Tribute with a charming backstory and fabulous mechanical upgrades.
- GUIDE PRICE: £18,000 - £24,000
+ buyer's premium of 12.5% plus VAT (15% incl VAT)
You can choose to bid in the room, by phone, online or via commission.
LIVE AUCTION: This lot will be auctioned on Saturday 22nd February, 2025 at 2.00pm GMT at Stoneleigh Park, Stoneleigh Rd, Coventry, CV8 2LG
-
BODY COLOUR
Moonstone Blue -
DRIVE
RHD -
REG NUMBER
KKV 444Y -
ODOMETER READING
135000 Miles
SUMMARY
A fabulous Works Tribute with a charming backstory and fabulous mechanical upgrades.
DESCRIPTION
The Talbot Sunbeam Lotus is one of the most iconic rally-bred hot-hatches of all time, standing as one of the founding fathers of the hot-hatch world. The project began when Chrysler Europe sought a competitive rally car to take on the dominant Ford Escorts and Lancia Stratos models. Naturally they turned to Lotus, known for their expertise in high performance engineering. The result was a heavily modified version of the humble Sunbeam 1.6 GLS, now fitted with a 150bhp, 2.2-litre type 911 Twin-Cam Lotus engine, a ZF dog leg 5-speed gearbox, as well as a whole host of chassis and suspension enhancements. The road-going version was built to satisfy FIA homologation rules, leading to the production of 2,308 units between 1979 and 1981.
In competition, the Sunbeam Lotus proved its worth, its crowning achievement coming in 1981 when it secured the World Rally Championship (WRC) manufacturers' title for Talbot, defeating rivals such as Audi and Ford. Driven by rally legends like Henri Toivonen and Guy Fréquelin, the Sunbeam Lotus delivered thrilling performances, including a famous win at the 1980 Lombard RAC Rally.
This 1982 example is a fabulous 'Group 4' Works Replica with a fascinating backstory. The car was originally owned by our vendor’s late father, Alan Barnacle Senior, who was the man responsible for signwriting all of the factory Sunbeam Lotus rally cars. The signwriting on this car was also undertaken by Alan and these were thankfully protected whilst the car was being restored. Built as a fast road car, capable of competing in hill climbs, sprints and track events, with a mere few thousand miles covered since the work was undertaken by Talbot ex-Works engine builder, Phil Davison and Lotus specialist, Dave Willis. The rebuild included new pistons and liners, all new bearings, modified sump baffles, rebuilt cylinder head with new valves, phosphor bronze valve guides, rebuilt carburettors and more. The interior features a full SD roll cage, bucket seats and road-legal 4-point harnesses. As a further nod to Toivenen’s works car (KKV 444V), this car carries the registration KKV 444Y.
More recent work included a custom-made stainless steel exhaust system, uprated Bilstein suspension, a limited-slip differential and real anti-roll bar. At the time the car had a proven 225bhp on the dyno and a full service history, however due to unfortunate circumstances, the history file has been misplaced.
In 2015 the car was purchased by our vendor, a relative of Alan Barnacle Snr, who saw it advertised and simply had to buy it for sentimental reasons. While the car was mechanically sorted, cosmetically there were some rust gremlins lurking so it was sent for remedial work to Malkin Motorsport who set upon restoring the bodywork, cutting out any rust, respraying wherever required, but thankfully kept the all important sign-written paintwork.
Due to a freak accident in May 2024 our vendor can no longer drive, so despite the work having been undertaken, the car now comes to market, ready for someone else to enjoy. Having been stationary for around six months, we would recommend a minor service and check over, but the car runs and drives well.
Though its production run was short, the Talbot Sunbeam Lotus remains a cult classic, admired for its power, Lotus engineering and motorsport prowess. Today, it is rightly sought after by enthusiasts and collectors, cementing its status as one of the most exciting hot-hatches from the 'golden era' of rallying.
SPECIFICATION
- Lot Number
- 637
- Make
- TALBOT
- Model
- SUNBEAM LOTUS
- Registration Number
- KKV 444Y
- MOT Expiry
- Exempt
- Chassis Number
- T4DCYBL425451
- Engine Number
- T4DCYBL425451
- Transmission
- Manual
- Body Colour
- Moonstone Blue
GALLERY
CONSIGNOR
Harry Fox-Edwards
- Car Specialist
- 07398 872032
- harryfe@iconicauctioneers.com
For further information regarding this lot please contact Harry.
CONTACTPlease note all lots must be removed from the venue no later than 2pm on Monday 24th February. Collections will be from 9am - 2pm. If you cannot collect yourself, please do get in touch with our transport partner, EM Rogers, who will be happy to help you.
Uplift by EM Rogers back to their storage facility in Northampton is £175 plus VAT. Storage is £10 plus VAT per day for the first seven days and £40 plus VAT per week thereafter.
For larger vehicles such as vans, transporters etc. please contact EM Rogers on +44 (0)1604 755511 for a quote.
If you cannot collect, or do not let us know transport arrangements before noon on 24th February, we will send the car to EM Rogers on your behalf.
Did you know that you may be able to finance your upcoming auction purchase? Our exclusive finance partner Apollo Capital are able to organise fast pre-approval for car funding on the latest interest rates and terms, minimum £50k lend.
An agreement in principle could see you arrange a finance package so the funds are ready to be paid out when you’ve bought your dream auction purchase. Please speak to their experts for a quote on 01423 590242 or visit apollocapitalgroup.co.uk/iconicauctioneers/.
A classic car or motorcycle is a source of great pride and enjoyment but, whether your car or motorcycle is in storage or on the road, you’ll need a specialist insurance policy. We have partnered with Howden Insurance a leading insurance brokers with a team dedicated to classic cars and motorcycles. They cover a vast array of classic and vintage models and only work with insurers who provide a great service and share our passion for the classic motor industry.
For a personal classic car or classic motorcycle quote, visit:
www.howdeninsurance.co.uk/iconic-auctioneers
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