Sunbeam-Talbot 90 MkII IIA
 | |
| Manufacturer | Rootes Group |
|---|---|
| Production | 1950 to 1954 |
| Predecessor | Sunbeam-Talbot 2-Litre |
| Successor | Sunbeam MkIII |
| Body style | 4-door saloon 2-door drophead coupé |
| Engine | 1944 cc Straight-4 till 1952 2267 cc Straight-4 from 1952 |
| Transmission | 4-speed manual |
| Wheelbase | 97.5 in (2,477 mm) |
| Length | 167.5 in (4,255 mm) |
| Width | 62.5 in (1,588 mm) |
| Height | 59 in (1,499 mm) |
The Sunbeam-Talbot 90 MkII IIA was a British luxury car built from 1950 to 1954 by the Rootes Group.
History
The new Sunbeam-Talbot 80 and 90 models were introduced in the summer of 1948, and manufactured in the new Ryton factory. Both had the same streamlined new design with the flowing front fenders into which the headlights were integrated in a way reminiscent of the front of a fighter jet, a shape that would have been all too familiar to potential buyers of the car.90s continued to be produced, renamed 90 MK II, with a new chassis and independent front suspension . The headlights were raised three inches to meet US regulations, and the front running lights were replaced with a pair of small air intake grilles.
The 90 MK II also had an overhead valve engine increased to 2267 cc. The MK IIA arrived in 1952, The larger engine block capacity was shared with the company's 1950 Humber Hawk, although the Humber retained the original side-valve layout in the cylinder head (until 1954). The Sunbeam's cylinder head was modified to include overhead valves, resulting in a claimed power output of 70 bhp (52 kW), as opposed to the Humber's 58 bhp (43 kW). The Talbot's favourable power-to-weight ratio allowed it to be "geared pretty high" while still providing remarkable acceleration for "rapid overtaking."A top speed of 85.2 mph (137.1 km/h) and could accelerate from 0-60 mph (97 km/h) in 20.2 seconds. A fuel consumption of 22.5 miles per imperial gallon (12.6 L/100 km; 18.7 mpg-US) .In total 5493 were made.
The Mk IIA from 1952 to 1954 had a higher compression engine raising output to 77 bhp (57 kW). To cater for the higher speeds the car was now capable of, the brakes were enlarged and to improve brake cooling the wheels were pierced. The Talbot MkIIA coupe/convertible is regarded as the rarest of the Sunbeam Talbots.The rear wheel spats were no longer fitted. 10,888 were made.
A Mk II was driven by Stirling Moss to take second place in the 1952 Monte Carlo Rally. A Sunbeam Mk III was outright winner of the 1955 Monte Carlo Rally.A Sunbeam-Talbot 90 Coupe is Featured in Live And Let Die novel. Commander Strangways gives this car to Bond.
