Lot details
Registration No: PSL 365
Chassis No: A3500783OD
Mot Expiry: Sept 2004

John Marston produced his first Sunbeam car in 1901, Sunbeam becoming a force to be reckoned with in motor sport, particularly during the 1920s. Meanwhile, the first British-made Talbot was produced in North Kensington in 1906. However, the assets of both Sunbeam and British Talbot were acquired by Rootes, who combined the marques for a new range in 1938.
Postwar, Rootes and their merged marques survived. The sidevalve Sunbeam-Talbot engine was replaced with a 1948-launched overhead valve 1944cc engine developing 64bhp. Whilst a 2267cc 80bhp version appeared under the bonnet of the MkIII version of the Sunbeam-Talbot, a 1955-made drophead coupe example of which is offered here today. In standard form, thanks in part to the overdrive, a MkIII was good for 93.6mph, whilst a factory team car won the 1955 Monte Carlo Rally.
One of only seventeen such dropheads known to exist today, the chassis number's 'OD' confirming the overdrive availability on third and fourth gears and the 'HCO' the high compression cylinder head, which has been fitted with hardened valves for lead-free fuel. The vendor describes the car as rust-free and the Carmen Red with white top and black interior as excellent. The chrome has been renewed, he says and the mechanics superb.
With a nearly a year's MOT in hand and road tax exempt status, this most attractive classic would be ideal for pub and show visits as well as historic rallying.