1983 Talbot Sunbeam Lotus Avon Edition

Viewing by appointment only.

Here we are excited to offer a rare, highly sought after Avon Edition Talbot Sunbeam Lotus!

Rare Avon Edition – known car as confirmed by the owners club
Fully restored top to bottom & had very little usage since
Superb paintwork
Mechanically great, with great performance
Blue Velour interior presents very well
Compomotive alloy wheels
Original wheels included
Very good underside condition
Matching numbers car

Officially a Saloon but considered by many as the original ‘Hot Hatch’, and with the performance from these cars it is not hard to see why!

The product of an alliance between Lotus and Talbot saw the birth of the Talbot Sunbeam Lotus, which sported the splendid 2.2-litre all-alloy, twin-cam-engine.
It was an exhilarating sports saloon based around the mass produced Sunbeam saloon.
With just over 150bhp on tap (in 1979!) and a 0-60 m.p.h. time of around 7 seconds, the Sunbeam Lotus became a much-sought-after sports saloon combining quite stunning performance with everyday practicality.

When the decision was taken to run down the project, it is believed 56 Sunbeam-Lotuses were purchased by the Avon Coachworks concern who offered them for sale, in a specially trimmed “limited edition” version.

Having an enviable competition history culminating in winning the Lombard RAC Rally in 1980 and World Rally Championship in ’81 crushing some Quattros along the way, it is no surprise these cars have gained a big following and are becoming ever more sought after.

This particular example was restored some 10 years ago, to a very high standard.

Within the history file are the original booklets, a small number of invoices, some old MOT certificates, and the service booklet shows some early service stamps.
Also present is of course, a HPI certificate stating the car is clear on the HPI database.

This Talbot Sunbeam is finished in the unique two tone blue paint scheme which was specific to the Avon Edition.

The Avon cars were re-painted in pale blue, complemented by double bands of deep metallic blue running the full length of the car with red pin striping.
The bumpers and front spoiler were finished to match, while the normally black grille was “colour-keyed” in pale blue.

With this example having been repainted some 10 years ago, it has really stood the test of time as it still presents very well even today, with very few marks or imperfections and looking fantastic, especially when the sun hits the paintwork.

All trims, badges and lights are in good order as you would expect for a well loved example.

Really should be seen to be appreciated.

Arguably, when seeing an Avon Sunbeam Lotus for the first time, it is the interior which really catches your eye and helps set it apart from a non Avon Edition.

Inside, the Avon Sunbeam Lotus was improved considerably, the standard trim removed and the car fully soundproofed.
The interior was then rebuilt with high quality blue carpet, contrasting blue velour and leatherette trim with red piping for the seats, padded door caps and a specially trimmed console.

This examples looks great, and presents very well, especially when you consider the car is now 39 years old!
An obviously well loved example.

The somewhat legendary Lotus 2.2 Type 911 Twin Cam engine, this engine along with the ZF five-speed (dog leg) gearbox really created quite a storm.
Around 150-155bhp in such a lightweight car meant some very impressive performance, even today the car would surprise many.

Not only is the performance surprising, but the noise is superb through the dell’orto carbs!
To top it off, the engine even looks sensational!

As can be seen, the engine bay and engine present very well on this particular car, the engine number also shows this is still a matching numbers car and is ready to be either enjoyed, taken to shows, or just admired as part of a collection.

Not the usual ‘pig to start’ on carb’s, this example starts well, and runs well.

Inspecting the underside of the car, it is clear to see it is a great restoration and still presents very well today.

That notchy ZF five-speed ‘dog leg’ gearbox is still in place, and is a joy to operate.

On the road the car drives well, although firm, it is still very useable and practical.