Background
1977 saw the aged Avenger replaced by the Talbot Sunbeam, which in the mind of Talbot’s Competitions Director had great potential. The potential was further enhanced by sourcing a Lotus 2.2 litre twin cam 16 valve engine and so the Talbot Sunbeam Lotus was born. The car achieved homologation under Group 4 rules in 1979 and then Group 2 in 1980.
The 1980 season saw Talbot enter a select campaign of events culminating in the RAC Rally, where the works drivers consisted of a young Finn, Henri Toivonen and an experienced Frenchman Guy Fréquelin. Talbot decided to hedge their bets on the RAC Rally, choosing to install a more powerful Big Valve Head to Henri’s car, while Guy ran the normal specification engine. In addition, Russell Brookes privately entered a lower spec ex-Tony Pond factory built right hand drive car, in his customary Andrews Heat For Hire livery.
Not much was expected of the fledgling Talbot team on the RAC, but by the end of the first day Toivonen was up with the leaders. By mid-morning on the second day, Toivonen was leading. Toivonen swiftly pulled out a strong lead and finally crossed the finish line in Bath with a five-minute lead over Hannu Mikkola in 2nd. The Sunbeams of Guy and Russell taking third and fourth respectively. Henri become the youngest ever winner of a World Championship Rally, and Talbot their best result since 1968. As history has shown the Sunbeam was the last two-wheel drive car to win the RAC.
This car
Sunbeam EVC536T known as the Clifford car was the works supported clubman’s car driven by John Weatherley and later Chris Lord. It was campaigned in 1979/80 in numerous National and International events almost taking the Castrol Autosport stage championship. It did win the Lagonda trophy for fastest stage times.
After it’s sale it had many owners, was damaged and re shelled. The current owner bought the car in 2006 in pieces after it had been run with a Vauxhall engine and sequential gearbox. Over the following years the car was restored back to its original works specification it was competed in by Chris Lord.
The car’s first event was the rearranged Neil Howard Stages following the Covid pandemic. It has since competed regularly with some class wins and good placings in various events including on the Goodwood Festival of Speed rally stage.
Technical Specification
Engine: 2200cc 4Cylinder 16v DOHC
Induction system: Naturally Aspirated Twin 48 Weber Carburettors
Transmission: 5 speed RWD
Power Output: 240 Bhp