1949 Sunbeam Talbot 90 Coupé

Highlights

  • Solid and presentable Sunbeam Talbot
  • Desirable ‘90’ variant
  • Sought after Overdrive 
  • Interior retrimmed and in good order
  • MkII A and MkIII features 
  • Charming character

The Appeal

 
Announced in 1948, the Sunbeam Talbot was a car heavily influenced by the American styling themes of the time.
 
Its curvy front, pointed bonnet, sweeping curves and art deco profile were very much features seen in the more luxurious cars of the day, while the model was also well-regarded for its lively performance. This car had much success at Monte Carlo and particular Stirling Moss.

It could be ordered as a four-door saloon or a particularly stylish drophead coupe, the latter of which is a desirable car among collectors today.
 
There were two models: the 80 and the 90, the latter of which was one of the sportiest cars of its day, especially after 1950 and the launch of the MK II, when it acquired a larger 2,267cc engine, making it capable of speeds in excess of 80mph.
 
In 1952 it evolved into the MkII A with a higher compression ratio and even livelier performance. That's what we have here essentially a Sunbeam Talbot 90 MkII A drophead coupe, which reputedly was the best of the bunch.
 
This car is a somewhat older restoration very well known to the Sunbeam Talbot Alpine Register, having been featured in Classic Cars magazine and reportedly also in an Elton John music video.
 
It oozes patina – in many ways, it’s what you’d call a 10 paces car, but it’s mechanically spot-on and solid in all the right places, with a refurbished interior. It has been restored during its life, albeit many years ago, and the good news here is that it is mostly solid and in good structural order where it matters. It’s an old-fashioned but charming vehicle that is brimming with character and has a wonderful patina about it.
 

The History and Paperwork

  • UK V5C
  • Registered in 1949
  • There is a file of many historical invoices
  • Copy of 1989 Classic Cars magazine, in which this car features
  • Invoices from current ownership including new core plugs and rear brake cylinders

The Condition

  • Solid, straight and original example
  • Restored many years ago
  • Solid chassis with no evidence of structural work needed
  • Various areas of paint crazing, split paintwork and microblistering
  • Some rust spots to rear quarters and arches
  • Very good hood, recovered and trimmed in previous ownership
  • All correct badges and trim in generally condition
  • Interior retrimmed a few years ago and still looks great
  • Rare and complete boot lid tool kit
  • Smiths heater - needs reconnecting 
  • Valve radio – needs restoring
  • Complete Black Tonneau cover
  • Chrome/brightwork generally very good
  • New carpets fitted during retrim

The Mechanics

  • 2,267cc 4cyl
  • Recent core plug replacement
  • Four-speed column change transmission with overdrive
  • Starts well and with very little smoke
  • Stainless exhaust 
  • Rear springs replaced
  • The vendor reports that it drives as it should and is surprisingly lively


BEFORE YOU BUY 
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following: 
The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions.. 
We request that a non-refundable fee  be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates. 
This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind. 
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's deposit. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing. 
We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence. 
✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed on Car & Classic and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance. However, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it is always worthwhile carrying out your own  full vehicle history check before making an offer on a vehicle. 
✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection 
or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it’s worth checking beforehand.. If requested, we may refer you to a third-party shipping company who can help. For more details and to speak to the team, email [email protected] 

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Auction Details
  • Year 1949
  • Make Sunbeam
  • Model Talbot
  • Colour Green
  • Odometer 26,509 Miles
  • Engine size 2267
  • Seller Type Private
  • Town Cromer
  • County Norfolk
  • Country United Kingdom
  • Auction ends
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