The Sunbeam Motor Car Company was a British automobile manufacturer founded in 1905. Originally known for its high-quality bicycles, Sunbeam transitioned into car production, gaining a reputation for luxury, performance, and motorsport success. The company was involved in Grand Prix racing and even set land speed records.
Sunbeam produced a range of models, including:
- Sunbeam Alpine – A stylish two-seat roadster, popular in the 1950s and 60s.
- Sunbeam Tiger – A high-performance V8 version of the Alpine, developed with Carroll Shelby.
- Sunbeam Rapier – A sporty coupe with rally success.
- Sunbeam Stiletto – A fastback variant of the Hillman Imp, offering twin-carb performance.
The brand was acquired by Rootes Group in 1934, later becoming part of Chrysler Europe. Sunbeam cars remained in production until 1981, leaving behind a legacy of innovation and motorsport heritage.
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Sunbeam Lotus (1979-83)
The Lotus Sunbeam (1979-1983) was introduced as a **high-performance rally-inspired hatchback**, designed to **compete in international Group 4 rallying** and challenge the dominance of the **Ford Escort RS models** Review | Honest John](https://classics.honestjohn.co.uk/reviews/talbot/sunbeam-lotus/). Chrysler commissioned **Lotus** to develop a **powerful, lightweight version** of the Sunbeam, blending **Lotus engineering with Chrysler’s compact platform** Review | Honest John](https://classics.honestjohn.co.uk/reviews/talbot/sunbeam-lotus/).
Purpose Behind the Lotus Sunbeam
- **Rally Success** – The car was built to **win in rallying**, featuring a **2.2L Lotus Type 911 engine**, producing **150bhp in road form** and up to **250bhp in rally trim**.
- **Performance-Oriented Engineering** – Lotus enhanced the **handling, suspension, and drivetrain**, making it one of the **best rally-derived road cars** Review | Honest John](https://classics.honestjohn.co.uk/reviews/talbot/sunbeam-lotus/).
- **Brand Recognition** – Chrysler aimed to **boost the Sunbeam’s image**, leveraging Lotus’s **motorsport expertise** to create a **high-performance variant**.
Expectations & Market Impact
- **Competing with Ford & Vauxhall** – The Lotus Sunbeam was expected to **rival the Ford Escort RS2000 and Vauxhall Chevette HS**, offering **superior power and handling** Review | Honest John](https://classics.honestjohn.co.uk/reviews/talbot/sunbeam-lotus/).
- **Limited Production & Exclusivity** – Despite plans for **4,500 units**, only **2,308 were built**, partly due to the **fuel crisis affecting demand for high-performance cars** Review | Honest John](https://classics.honestjohn.co.uk/reviews/talbot/sunbeam-lotus/).
- **Rally Success** – The car **proved its worth**, winning the **1980 Lombard RAC Rally**, cementing its status as a **legendary rally car** Review | Honest John](https://classics.honestjohn.co.uk/reviews/talbot/sunbeam-lotus/).
The **Lotus Sunbeam exceeded expectations**, earning **motorsport acclaim** and becoming a **cult classic among enthusiasts**.
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Sunbeam Stiletto Coupe (1967-72)
The Sunbeam Stiletto Coupe (1967-72) was a stylish and sporty variant of the Hillman Imp, produced by Rootes Group. It featured a sleek fastback design, a black vinyl roof, and quad headlights, making it one of the most desirable Imp models. Under the hood, it housed an 875cc Imp Sport engine, equipped with twin Stromberg carburetors, delivering a **top speed of around 90 mph. The Stiletto also boasted a unique dashboard, reclining front seats, and improved suspension for a more refined driving experience. It remains a sought-after classic among enthusiasts today.
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Sunbeam Tiger 260 & 289 (1964-67)
The Sunbeam Tiger (1964-67) was a high-performance version of the Sunbeam Alpine, developed with input from Carroll Shelby. It featured a Ford V8 engine, transforming the lightweight British roadster into a true muscle car.
- **Mark I (1964-67)**: Powered by a **260 cu in (4.3L) Ford V8**, offering strong acceleration and a thrilling driving experience.
- **Mark II (1967)**: Upgraded to a **289 cu in (4.7L) Ford V8**, with only 633 units produced, making it rarer and more powerful.
The Tiger was assembled by Jensen Motors in England, but production ended in 1967 after Chrysler took over **Rootes Group** and lacked a suitable replacement engine. Today, the Tiger remains a highly sought-after classic.
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Sunbeam Alpine (1969-75)
The Sunbeam Alpine (1969-75) marked a departure from its earlier roadster design, evolving into a fastback coupé. Built by Rootes Group, it was designed to compete with models like the MG B GT and Triumph GT6. While it retained the Alpine name, it lacked the sporting pedigree of its predecessors, focusing more on comfort and practicality. Despite its stylish design, it struggled in sales and remains a rare classic today.
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Sunbeam Alpine (1953-55)
The Sunbeam Alpine Mk I (1953-55) was a stylish British roadster built by **Rootes Group, designed for both sporting performance and luxury appeal. Derived from the Sunbeam-Talbot 90, it featured a 2.3L inline-4 engine and was hand-built in limited numbers, with only 1,582 units produced. Despite its rally success, including victories in the Monte Carlo Rally, it struggled in sales due to its high price compared to rivals like the Triumph TR2. Today, it remains a rare and collectible classic, admired for its elegant design and motorsport heritage.
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Sunbeam Alpine (1959-68)
The Sunbeam Alpine (1959-68) was a stylish British roadster built by Rootes Group, designed to compete with rivals like the MG B and **Triumph TR4. It featured a sleek, modern design, offering more comfort than many of its competitors, including wind-up windows instead of side screens. Initially powered by a 1.5L inline-4, later models received larger engines, culminating in the Series V with a 1.7L engine. While it lacked outright performance, it was praised for its **handling and refinement**. The Alpine also served as the base for the Sunbeam Tiger, a V8-powered variant. Today, it remains a classic British sports car, appreciated for its affordable entry into vintage motoring.
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Sunbeam Rapier Series IIIA (1961-63)
The Sunbeam Rapier Series IIIA (1961-63) was a stylish British coupé built by Rootes Group, offering a blend of performance and refinement. It retained the elegant design of the Series III but featured mechanical upgrades, including a 1.6L engine with improved durability. While slightly less powerful than its predecessor, the Series IIIA gained a reputation for reliability and comfort, making it a popular choice among enthusiasts. Today, it remains a rare and collectible classic, admired for its timeless styling and rally heritage.
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Sunbeam Rapier H-120 (1967-76)
The Sunbeam Rapier H120 (1967-76) was a high-performance version of the Rapier Fastback, built by Rootes Group. It featured a Holbay-tuned 1.7L engine, twin Weber carburettors, and a distinctive boot-lid spoiler, making it a sportier alternative to the standard Rapier. With 110 bhp, it offered improved acceleration and handling, competing with cars like the Ford Capri and Triumph Dolomite Sprint. Despite its stylish design and strong performance, production ended in 1976, marking the end of the Rapier name. Today, it remains a rare and collectible British coupé.
You can explore more details on the **Sunbeam Rapier H120** [here](https://motor-car.net/sunbeam/item/10265-rapier-fastback-h120-1967-76)
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Sunbeam Ti (1979-83)
The Sunbeam Ti (1979-83) was a sporty variant of the Chrysler/Talbot Sunbeam, designed as an affordable performance hatchback. Powered by a 1.6L engine with twin carburettors, it delivered 100 bhp, making it a popular choice for clubman rallying. The Ti featured distinctive styling, including black stripes, spoilers, and unique interior trim. Though overshadowed by the Sunbeam Lotus, the Ti remains a rare and collectible hot hatch today.
You can explore more details on the **Sunbeam Ti** [here](https://www.asoc.co.uk/articles/sunbeam-ti) and [here](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chrysler_Sunbeam).