Sunbeam-Talbot 90
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Sunbeam-Talbot 90 | |
|---|---|
 |
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| Manufacturer | Rootes Group |
| Production | 1948-1954 20,381 built [1] |
| Predecessor | Sunbeam-Talbot 2-Litre |
| Successor | Sunbeam MkIII |
| Body style(s) | saloon, drophead coupé |
| Engine(s) | 1944 cc I4 2267 cc I4 |
| Transmission(s) | 4 speed manual |
| Wheelbase | 97.5 in (2477 mm) [2] |
| Length | 167.5 in (4255 mm) [2] |
| Width | 62.5 in (1588 mm) [2] |
| Height | 59 in (1499 mm) [2] |
| Fuel capacity | 10 imp gal (45 L/12 US gal) [2] |
| Related | Sunbeam-Talbot 80 |
The Sunbeam Talbot 90 was a sporting car built by the Rootes Group in Ryton Coventry under their Sunbeam-Talbot brand.
The car was launched in 1948 along with the smaller engined Sunbeam-Talbot 80 but many features dated back to the pre war Sunbeam-Talbot Ten. The body was completely new and available as a four door saloon or two door drophead coupé. The saloon featured a "pillarless" join between the glass on the rear door and the rear quarter window.
The car went through three versions before production stopped in 1954. It was the last car to bear the Sunbeam-Talbot name.
Contents |
[edit] Sunbeam-Talbot 90 MkI 1948-1950
The original version had a 64 bhp (48 kW) [1] 1944 cc side valve four cylinder engine derived from a pre-war Humber unit carried over from the Sunbeam-Talbot 2-Litre. The chassis was derived from the Ten model but with wider track and had beam axles front and rear and leaf springs. The brakes were updated to have hydraulic operation. Saloon and Drophead coupé bodies were fitted to the chassis and the rear wheel openings were covered by metal "spats".
4000 were made.[1]
[edit] Sunbeam-Talbot 90 MkII 1950-1952
The Mk II got a new chassis with independent front suspension using coil springs and the engine was enlarged to 2267 cc and the cylinder head changed to overhead valves. Power was up at 70 bhp (52 kW)[2]. the front of the body was modified. The headlights were higher and there were air inlet grilles on either side of the radiator
A Coupé version tested by The Motor magazine in 1952 had a top speed of 85.2 mph (137.1 km/h) and could accelerate from 0-60 mph (97 km/h) in 20.2 seconds. A fuel consumption of 22.5 miles per imperial gallon (12.6 L/100 km/18.7 mpg US) was recorded. The test car cost £1393 including taxes. [2]
5493 were made.[1]
[edit] Sunbeam-Talbot 90 MkIIA 1952-1954
The Mk IIA had a higher compression engine raising output to 77 bhp (57 kW)[1]. To cater for the higher speeds the car was now capable of, the brakes were enlarged and to improve brake cooling the wheels were pierced.
The rear wheel spats were no longer fitted.
10,888 were made.[1]
[edit] Sunbeam Mk III
From 1954 to 1957 the car continued but without the Talbot part of the name being badged as a plain Sunbeam MkIII. The drophead coupé was not made after 1955.[1]
There was some minor styling changes to the front with three small grilles on the side of the bonnet. Two colour paint schemes were also available. Engine power was increased to 80 bhp (60 kW)[1] and overdrive became an option.
A Mk III tested by The Motor magazine in 1955 had a top speed of 93.6 mph (150.6 km/h) and could accelerate from 0-60 mph (97 km/h) in 17.4 seconds. A fuel consumption of 22.1 miles per imperial gallon (12.8 L/100 km/18.4 mpg US) was recorded. The test car cost £1191 including taxes. [3]
The main Rootes Group dealers in Leicester, Castles of Leicester, offered a conversion that moved the gearchange to the floor, modified the cylinder head, fitted a bonnet air scoop and changed the way the boot lid opened. These models were not connected with the Sunbeam factory but are sometimes referred to as the Mk IIIS. Some 30-40 cars were modified. [4]
Approximately 2250 were made.[1]
[edit] Sporting achievements
A Mk II was driven by Stirling Moss to take second place in the 1952 Monte Carlo Rally.
A Sunbeam Mk III was outright winner of the 1955 Monte Carlo Rally.
[edit] References
- ^ a b c d e f g h i Robson, Graham (2006). A-Z British Cars 1945-1980. Devon, UK: Herridge & Sons. ISBN 0-9541063-9-3.
- ^ a b c d e f g "The Sunbeam-Talbot "90" Coupé" (January 9 1952). The Motor.
- ^ "The Sunbeam Mk III Saloon" (May 25 1955). The Motor.
- ^ Sedgwick, M.; Gillies.M (1986). A-Z of Cars 1945-1970. Devon, UK: Bay View Books. ISBN 1-870979-39-7.
