Not Sold (Est: £140,000 - £165,000)
1981 Talbot Sunbeam Lotus ‘Tolman Special
United Kingdom • 20 Sept 2025 • Lot Lot 232
Vehicle Details
AI Listing Summary
This 1981 Talbot Sunbeam Lotus 'Tolman Special' is a unique, high-performance recreation of the original rally cars, built with modern technology and no expense spared. With an estimated cost exceeding £200,000 and boasting 265bhp, this meticulously crafted Sunbeam offers a thrilling driving experience, blending classic aesthetics with contemporary performance.
Condition
8
The car is described as a meticulously built 'non-invasive' recreation, implying high standards of workmanship and care. Although it's not an original, the extensive modifications and upgrades, such as the rebuilt engine with modern enhancements, adjustable racing pedal box, and carbon fiber seats, suggest it is in excellent condition with minimal cosmetic imperfections. The fact that everything is fitted without alterations to the mounting points implies a high level of attention to detail and preservation, further supporting an excellent condition rating.
/ 10
Manual
Transmission:
T4DCYBL412643
Chassis No:
Odometer:
1,981 miles
BDM 401W
Reg Number:
RHD/LHD:
RHD
Year: 1981 Make: Talbot Model: Sunbeam Lotus ‘Tolman Special’ Registration: BDM 401W Chassis No: T4DCYBL412643 Odometer: tba The Talbot Sunbeam Lotus was one of the most exciting hot-hatches to emerge from the 1970s.
Chrysler commissioned Lotus to produce an effective entrant for international 'Group 4' rallying, to beat the dominant Ford Escort RSs at their own game.
Lotus took a 1.6 GLS shell and installed a 2.2 litre (Type 911 and closely related to the Type 912 found in the S2 and S3 Esprits) version of their 16-valve four-cylinder engine and a five-speed ZF gearbox.
The new Sunbeam Lotus certainly looked the part, initially offered only in black and silver, with Marchal spotlights and tailored 'double four-spoke' cast-alloy wheels.
Launched in 1979, the high-compression 2,174cc twin-cam engine breathed through two twin-choke Dell'Orto carburettors, developed 150bhp and delivered excellent performance, being rear-wheel drive and weighing only 960kg, giving a 0-60mph time of jus...
Points of note
£8,439
Lowest Price (Since 2020)
£24,475
Median Price (Since 2020)
£58,500
Highest Price (Since 2020)
World Record
If this vehicle sells at the mid-point estimate it will set a new record for the Sunbeam-Talbot Lotus
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Previous Sales
Gallery
MOT Information
Expired
Expired on May 03 2024
Latest MOT Mileage
605,600 kilometers
Registration Date
1981-05-08
MOT History
Passed
On Apr 28 2023 with 605,600 kilometers
Passed
On Apr 06 2022 with 539,800 kilometers
Passed
On May 04 2021 with 450,800 miles
Passed
On Oct 21 2019 with 15,400 miles
MOT Mileage Trend
