In an attempt to boost the Sunbeam's image, Chrysler launched the Ti hot hatchback in 1978, but it was the Sunbeam Lotus unveiled the following year that was forged in the fires of rally competition with Ford.

Chrysler, who were developing the Sunbeam model at the time, commissioned Lotus to create a rally version to compete in motorsport. It was based on the Sunbeam 1.6 GLS but had stiffer suspension, larger anti-roll bar and an enlarged version of the Lotus 1973cc Type 907 engine coupled with a ZF gearbox. It's bite was not subtle - it was nicknamed a “real hooligan’s car” when it was being tested in the late 1970s. 

The road-going version of the rally car had the drivetrain fitted at Hethel, where Lotus is still based, and then transported to Linwood in Scotland for final assembly. Before the release to the public for sale, however, ownership transferred to PSA who rebadged the car the Talbot Sunbeam Lotus.

At first the cars were finished in black with silver side stripes, but later models were also available in Moonstone Blue with silver stripes. It really earnt its stripes in 1980 when Henri Toivonen and Paul White won the Lombard RAC Rally. The next year it gave Talbot the World Rally Championship for manufacturers. 

On loan from Phil Shaw through Tolman Motorsport.