Sunbeam Lotus

	Sunbeam Lotus (Type 81) period: 1979 - 1981 (last ones where sold in 1983) engine: Lotus 911 2174cc, 155 bhp # made: 2308 (including 10 'works' rally cars) The Chrysler Sunbeam Lotus was launched at the Geneva Motor Show in March 1979 and deliveries did start in the summer of 1979. At that moment, Chrysler UK had been sold to the French Peugeot concern and the name was changed to Talbot Motor Company. All road cars were officially known as Talbots (On the registrion documents of my own car the official name was Talbot Simca Sunbeam Lotus). The introduction of the non-turbo Esprit S2.2 was delayed untill March 1980 due to the Delorean project, and the 2174 cc engine was first fitted in the Sunbeam Lotus. This made further development for Lotus'own models possible. In 1981, Talbot Sport won the World Rally Championship with the Sunbeam Lotus. Lotus did not only design and manufacture the engine but als developed the suspension and exhaust systems. The rolling chassis were delivered to Lotus in Norfolk. Lotus then placed the engine and 5-speed ZF gearbox. At first the car was Embassy Black with broad silver side stripes and grey interior. In 1981 the Series 2 was introduced with a black and grey "Piccadilly" trim, larger headlamps, a new corporate grille, new door mirrors, a larger fuel tank and engine modifications that resulted in small increase in power and torque figures. In 1982 Moonstone Blue paintwork became the only available colour, withe either silver or black stripes. 150 Cars were reserved for Avon Coachworks of Warwick to produce a limited edition "Avon" model. These were to be retrimmed internally, with a change of exterior colour scheme and the addition of original green & yellow Lotus badges on the flanks. Only 58 cars where converted by Avon Coachworks
	This version never made it. This is just a publicity shot of an Essex-painted Sunbeam-Lotus.
	Series 2 The Sunbeam Lotus Series 2 was distinguished by larger headlamps, a new corporate grille, new door mirrors, a much-needed larger fuel tank and engine modifications which produced a small increase in power and torque figures.
	Avon 58 cars where converted by Avon Coachworks. These were to be retrimmed internally, with a change of exterior colour scheme and the addition of original green & yellow Lotus badges on the flanks.