Jim,
I have a 1953 Sunbeam Talbot saloon almost the same as the one you
describe except if it is truely a 1947 model, the front fenders (wings)
would have the headlights set lower than the newer models. Other
differences would be the much smaller engine that would normally be in
place instead of the Pinto.
These cars were quite plentiful during their day but were very prone to
rust an so not too many have survived. Value can reach as much as $7,500.00
if you find a very good one - more in England and one with a Pinto engine
would be worth a lot less. I would question the year of this one as I have
never seen a 1947 model in N.A. Body parts are very scarce and mechanical
parts a bit easier to locate but with a Pinto engine..... Joining Sunbeam
Talbot Alpine Register in England would be a must if you owned this car as
they have a source of parts and an excellent magazine devoted to this model
of Sunbeam.
I have to agree with you that they are a particularly pleasing car to look
at - beautiful classic lines for a sedan - oops, saloon.
Regards,
Bob
At 10:58 PM 11/23/97 -0800, you wrote:
>Hey Listers:
>
>This weekend I discovered the Sunbeam mentioned above. Although totally
>unrestored, this car is beautiful! I have NEVER seen this model before!
>The lines are so great, suicide doors, factory sun roof, original
>factory tools inside bootlid, etc. Pile high with old magazines,
>clothes and JUNK!
>
>This car looks like it has minimal to zero rust, great sheetmetal, even
>though it is stored outside, uncovered :>( The owner was proudly
>telling me about the dual carbs, etc on the engine as we opened the
>bonnet. There to my shock was a Ford Pinto 1600cc engine. "Where are
>the dual carbs?", I asked. The owner (she) said, "Oh, I guess they're
>not there any more!" What a great reply!
>
>It doesn't appear that the firewall has been cut or tampered with. She
>tells me that she paid $2500 USD for the car some time back and drove
>it home. That was then, today is a different story! I sure get tired
>of the "it ran when we parked it her" story! Lots of negative things
>happen to a vehicle when it is "put away wet".
>
>Questions for the List: Is this a relatively rare car? How available
>are parts for a restoration (I think I know that answer!). What kind of
>market exists for this car if it was restored properly? Any insights
>would be most helpful!
>
>The owner tells me that she will *never* sell the car. Who knows if
>that will hold true in the big picture! Thanks in advance for your
>assistance!
>
>Cheers,
>Jim Boyd
>International Sportscar Components
>Paradise, CA
>
>
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Robert (Bob) A.C. Hamilton, Waverley, Nova Scotia, Canada
The Man of Many Sunbeams - Alpine, Drophead and Saloon 1953-1954
Home Page: http://cast.navnet.net/~hamilton/index.html
E-Mail: hamilton(at)cast.navnet.net
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