Talbot Sunbeam Lotus

Chrysler bought the British Rootes and French Simca groups in 1967 as part of its foray into Europe. It produced the Avenger from 1976 to 1979 and it was a shorter version of that car's wheelbase under the Talbot Sunbeam. It was called a Talbot by then because Chrysler sold its Europe operation to Peugeot in 1978, and Talbot was part of Simca. As a celebration of the takeover, in conjunction with Lotus, Peugeot produced this new hot hatch in 1979. Lotus used the all-alloy, twin-cam from their own Elite, but with extra crank stroke for another 10.5ci (172cc), plus twin Weber carbs. Uprated and lowered springs and shocks were added to the simple MacPherson strut front and trailing arm-located live rear axle, and 6x 13-inch (152x330mm) alloys added. Also fitted were bucket seats and 5-speed gearbox. This very capable car won the 1981 World Rally Championship, beating Audi's Quattro.

Talbot Sunbeam Lotus Specifications