Description
This lot will be auctioned via Iconic Auctioneers, The Iconic Sale at Race Retro 2025 - Collectors' Cars on Saturday the 22nd of February, Stoneleigh Park, Stoneleigh Rd, Coventry, CV8 2LG. 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.
