Lot 610: 1951 Sunbeam-Talbot MkII 90 Sports-Saloon

Post-war, Sunbeam-Talbot production was transferred from the old Talbot works in London to the much more spacious Rootes Group owned Ryton-on-Dunsmore facility, just outside Coventry, where Hillmans and Humbers were also made. The pre-war Ten and 2-Litre designs were replaced in 1948 by overhead-valve engine 80 and more powerful 90 models with flowing wings and rear wheel spats, their bodies having been completely re-styled by Ted White at the London office with interiors the work of the Raymond Loewy studios. The 90 immediately excelled in rallying with Murray Frame winning a Coupe des Alpes at the wheel of one in 1948.
By September 1950, only a 90 MkII was offered with new independent front suspension by coil springs and wishbones replacing the pre-war beam-type front axle and a hypoid rear axle and more powerful 2267cc engine fitted. Externally, there were small horizontal grills next to the traditional vertical grille. The model became even more popular with the sporting motorist of the day.
First registered 13 November 1951, this MkII 90 joined a stable of cars in Broadstone, Dorset, belonging to first owner Anthony Long, who, having drive it for just over 14,000 miles, laid it up in 1971 (the year on the last tax disc on file from this period). The Sports-Saloon then remained in the same family ownership for 52 years until November 2003 when it was acquired by the current owner.
The odometer reading recorded on the latest MOT test certificate issued 5 September 2007 was 14,702 miles, which, in the view of the vendor, is likely to be the genuine total from new. The low overall mileage displayed is validated, he says, by the condition of the cylinder bores, a recent inspection of which revealed little wear, and there being only light wear to the largely original interior in grey leather piped in white. Both chassis and body panels are also sound and original, he claims, while the paintwork has been repainted in gun metal and the bumpers re-chromed in 2006. The original registration is confirmed by a current V5 document and we are told that the historic vehicle duty-exempt tax disc is likely to have been renewed by sale day.