1983 Talbot Sunbeam Lotus Series 2

The Talbot Sunbeam Lotus was one of the most exciting hot-hatches to emerge from the 1970s. Chrysler commissioned Lotus to produce an effective entrant for international 'Group 4' rallying - to beat the dominant Ford Escort RSs at their own game. Lotus took a 1.6 GLS shell and installed a 2.2-litre ('Type 911' and closely related to the Type 912 found in the S2 and S3 Esprits) version of their 16-valve four-cylinder engine and a 5-speed ZF gearbox. The new Sunbeam Lotus certainly looked the part - initially offered only in Black and Silver, with Marchal spotlights and tailored 'double four-spoke' cast-alloy wheels.

Launched in 1979, the high-compression 2,174cc Twin-Cam engine breathed through two twin-choke Dell'Orto carburettors, developed 150bhp and delivered excellent performance, being rear-wheel drive and weighing only 960kgs, giving a 0-60mph time of just 6.6 seconds. Lotus wasn't just an engine supplier, it was also involved in designing the suspension and exhaust system. As soon as it qualified for inclusion in international rally competition, the Sunbeam Lotus proved extremely effective, finishing first, third and fourth at the 1980 Lombard-RAC rally, Britain's round of the World Rally Championship. In 1981, the Sunbeam Lotus brought the entire manufacturer's championship to Talbot.

For the Series 2 cars in 1981, a big 'T' was placed in the middle of the grille, the engine was mildly tweaked, the fuel tank and headlights were enlarged and the wing mirrors were changed. By 1982, Moonstone Blue was the only available colour. Only 1,184 right-hand drive examples of the Sunbeam Lotus were ever built approximately half the total number. However, today you'd be lucky to find 80 of these special cars according to the owners' club.

This particular car wears the evocative 'DAC' registration number which is synonymous with the final few examples produced. These were to be sold by ASOC Honorary Member, Leon Gibbs, at his Arbury dealership and were registered from DAC 2Y to DAC 150Y.  Rarely do classic car rebuilds have a journey comparable to this stunning Sunbeam-Lotus which has undergone a full restoration and 'then some' courtesy of Fully Loaded Cars of London who were commissioned to carry out a full 'Open Seam' rebuild. This process takes the rebuild to a next level as after the shell is completely stripped bare, a number of the seams are unpicked, the panels separated and then forensically reassembled to ensure that the finished product achieves a finish that is to factory tolerances and beyond. The same standards are applied to the further preparation of the shell and its subsequent refinishing in Moonstone Blue prior to being fully retrimmed with the correct Piccadilly Stripe material to original factory specification. All mechanical aspects have been attended to as required, with the matching numbers fully rebuilt engine by Toovey Race Engines of Cannock, a fully refurbished gearbox by Wayne Lee Motorsport and a drivetrain refurbishment was undertaken by Seaman Motorsport and included the installation of a Quaiffe Limited Slip Differential.

As you would expect of any quality refurbishment, the Sunbeam is accompanied by a comprehensive history contained in five lever-arch files, four of which are a photographic record of the build, with the fifth containing numerous invoices, MOT Certificates and early documentation, alongside the original hand and service books. With every nut, bolt, washer and screw receiving attention and a final level of detail that is exceptional throughout, this must surely be one of, if not the best Talbot Sunbeam Lotus currently available. In preparation for sale, the car has been treated to a full service and timing belt in readiness for the next lucky custodian. If you are looking for the very best, we suggest that your search is over, and welcome and encourage your early inspection to fully appreciate the rare opportunity on offer.