Description:

1978 – Talbot Sunbeam Lotus Gr. 2 "Ex Works"

Chassis n° R4DCA8L173305

UK registration title

« European Rally Championship results »

Our example was built by Talbot's competition department in Coventry from factory cars to the specifications of Toivonen's, and is fitted with the same parts as the factory Gr. 2 version; Cypriot driver Dimi Mavropoulos distinguished himself at the wheel of this car in the early 1980s, including 2 second places in the Cyprus Rally in the European Championship in 1981 and 1982: his steering wheel bearing his initials is still in the car!

In 1985, the car was acquired by the Silverstone-based Rally School for promotional and rally purposes; 4 years later, a Swiss enthusiast took possession of it and orchestrated a complete restoration of the car, opting for a white livery in keeping with that of the factory team.

In the early 2010s, ATT 790T reappeared in the Rhône-Alpes region, where its current owner once again restored the car in accordance with its Gr. 2 homologation sheet, and it was also at this time that the car switched to left-hand drive; from 2017, its second French owner undertook extensive mechanical work, including a complete overhaul of the engine and braking system.

Under the bonnet is the Lotus 2.2-litre 16-valve twin-cylinder engine developing around 200 hp; with its dry sump, short ZF gearbox, reinforced Salisbury rear axle and twin Dell'Orto 45 carburettors, this car leaves nothing to chance. At the wheel we discovered a highly efficient, healthy and playful car, with a childlike grip and a 4-cylinder that roars with every acceleration - a pure delight!

Our Sunbeam Lotus still bears its original registration (ATT 790T) and its period livery, and is accompanied by an extensive history file and its HTP valid until 2025 (currently being renewed); an emblematic model that won the World Rally Championship in 1981, this fine example with its record of achievements is your best ticket to the most prestigious historic rallies.

Estimate : 60 000 – 80 000 €

This car will be sold by auction by AGUTTES Auction House, in Paris, France, on December the 1srt, 2024.

The digital catalog is available on our website :

https://issuu.com/aguttes/docs/cat-bd_autoworld_20241005_bat_j?fr=sNWI0ODYzMjkzMTU

Please contact us for any further details :

automobiles@aguttes.com

+ 33 668 362 622

 

Website:

https://issuu.com/aguttes/docs/cat-bd_autoworld_20241005_bat_j?fr=sNWI0ODYzMjkzMTU

Keyword Search Terms:

rally works world cup talbot sunbeam lotus historic FIA PTH european rally championship cyprus