Sunbeam-Talbot 90
| Company type | Subsidiary |
|---|---|
| Industry | Automotive |
| Founded | 1948 |
| Headquarters | Leicester , United Kingdom |
| Products | Automobiles |
The Sunbeam-Talbot 90 was manufactured by Sunbeam-Talbot from 1948 until 1954, after which it continued production under the name Sunbeam Mk III until 1957. Introduced alongside the smaller Sunbeam-Talbot 80, this model showcased a fresh body design incorporating elements from the pre-war Sunbeam-Talbot 2 Litre. Offered as either a four-door sports saloon or a two-door drophead coupe, the saloon was distinguished by its unique "pillarless" rear window featuring a reverse slope, a signature design exclusive to Sunbeam-Talbot.
The vehicle underwent three iterations before being renamed the Sunbeam Mk III in 1954. The Sunbeam-Talbot 90 MkIIA marked the last model to bear the Sunbeam-Talbot badge.
Sunbeam-Talbot 90 (1948–1950)
Unveiled in July 1948 following exhibitions in New York, Boston, and Toronto, the Sunbeam-Talbot 90 was equipped with a redesigned 1,944 cc four-cylinder engine derived from the earlier Hillman 14, now featuring a cast-iron cylinder head and overhead valve configuration. This powerplant delivered up to at 4100 rpm. The chassis maintained beam axles and semi-elliptic leaf springs but featured a wider track than its predecessor. Lockheed brakes were upgraded to hydraulic systems. The sports saloon's weight was around .
The gear lever was mounted on the steering column, noted for its smooth operation though reverse gear engagement required some effort. Both the saloon and drophead coupe versions had metal covers ("spats") over the rear wheel arches.
Performance assessments recorded a maximum speed close to , with comfortable cruising at , accompanied by low wind noise and quiet gear transitions. The suspension system provided adequate ride quality but lacked the refinement of independent front suspension designs. The interior exhibited minor issues such as occasional water ingress. Adjustable seating enhanced driver comfort, contributing to its reputation as one of the most stylish vehicles of its era.
Production numbers reached approximately 4,000 units between 1948 and 1950.
Sunbeam-Talbot 90 MkII (1950–1952)
In September 1950, the engine capacity increased to 2267 cc by enlarging the bore from 75 mm to 81 mm, sharing its block with the 1950 Humber Hawk but featuring a more advanced overhead valve setup. This engine produced , surpassing the Humber’s output of . The enhanced power-to-weight ratio permitted taller gearing for relaxed cruising and brisk acceleration.
The chassis received an upgrade with independent front suspension utilizing coil springs mounted on a new cross-member; initially, this was available only on export models.
Bodywork changes included elevating the headlights to comply with regulations and repositioning fog and driving lamps, which improved airflow around the radiator.
A coupé tested by The Motor in 1952 achieved a top speed of , accelerated from 0- in 20.2 seconds, and recorded fuel consumption of . The vehicle was priced at £1393 inclusive of taxes.
Total production amounted to 5,493 units.
Sunbeam-Talbot 90 MkIIA (1952–1954)
The Mk IIA variant introduced an engine with higher compression, increasing output to . To cope with greater performance demands, brake sizes were enlarged and cooling efficiency improved through pierced wheels.
Rear wheel spats were removed during this iteration. The drophead coupe version is particularly scarce.
Between 1952 and 1954, production totaled 10,888 units.
Sunbeam Mk III (1954–1957)
Starting in 1954, the model was rebranded by removing the Talbot designation and was sold as the Sunbeam Mk III, carrying the Sunbeam Supreme badge. Production of the drophead coupé version ended in 1955.
Design revisions included enlarged air intakes positioned beside the radiator grille and three small vents on the bonnet near the windshield. Additionally, dual-tone paint schemes became available. Engine performance was enhanced to , with an optional overdrive feature offered.
In a 1955 review by The Motor magazine, the vehicle achieved a maximum speed of , accelerated from 0 to in 17.4 seconds, and demonstrated fuel efficiency of . The test vehicle's price was £1191, inclusive of taxes.
Leicester-based dealer Castles provided a modification package that relocated the gear lever to the transmission tunnel, altered the cylinder head, added a bonnet air scoop, and changed the boot lid mechanism—commonly referred to as the Mk IIIS—with roughly 30 to 40 units converted. This upgrade was also accessible as an aftermarket option for earlier versions.
Production numbers for the Sunbeam Mk III totaled around 2,250 units.
Sporting achievements
A Sunbeam Mk II driven by Stirling Moss, Desmond Scannell, and John Cooper achieved second place in the 1952 Monte Carlo Rally.
The Sunbeam Mk III secured overall victory at the 1955 Monte Carlo Rally.
In the Alpine Rally, Stirling Moss was awarded a 'Coupe d'Or' (Gold Cup) for completing three consecutive penalty-free runs in 1952, 1953, and 1954—initially driving a Sunbeam-Talbot 90 Mk II and later a Sunbeam Alpine variant. The Sunbeam-Talbot Mk II team also claimed the team prize in 1952.
Jim Clark's first competition vehicle for driving tests and sprints in southern Scotland was a Mk III. Clark went on to become a two-time Formula 1 World Champion and is celebrated as one of motor racing's all-time greats.
In popular culture
A 1951 Sunbeam-Talbot 90 Drophead Coupé is prominently featured as Bunty's car in the British television series Father Brown (2013).