2023 ISSUE 4
DAC115Y
Resto Update Christmas GREETINGS
THE JULIA HIGMAN
AWARD
2023
MEMBERSHIP & MONEY • CHAIRMANS CHAT • NEW PARTS AND REGALIA OPPOSITE LOC MAGAZINE | 2018 – ISSUE 1
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SUNBEAM LOTUS OWNERS’ CLUB COMMITTEE MEMBERS: Honorary President: Paul White (Former Talbot Team Manager and winning co-driver on the 1980 Lombard RAC Rally) Chairman: Perry C. Antoniou 07802 600 616 chairman@sunbeamlotus.com
18
OLD GITS
Historian / Archivist / PR Liaison: Graeme Lawton 0771 949 0657 historian@sunbeamlotus.com Treasurer / Membership Secretary: Dave Merlane 01933 384586 Membership Secretary 10 Roberts Street, RUSHDEN, NN10 0NG membership@sunbeamlotus.com Secretary: Doug Field 0208 295 1815 secretary@sunbeamlotus.com Regalia: regalia@sunbeamlotus.com Events Secretary: Mark Higman events@sunbeamlotus.com Parts: Richard Blackburn parts@sunbeamlotus.com Technical Secretary: Mike Trim technical@sunbeamlotus.com ARCC Representative: Richard Blackburn pr@sunbeamlotus.com Valuations Officier/Web: Kieron Buckingham webmaster@sunbeamlotus.com Magazine: Angela Pittas editor@sunbeamlotus.com Competitions Secretary: Jez Moxon competitions@sunbeamlotus.com Social Media Secretary Alan Barnacle social@sunbeamlotus.com Sunbeam Lotus Owners’ Club is a registered Trade Mark of the Sunbeam Lotus Owners’ Club.
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Chairmants Chat Membership & Money Matters Historical Bit More DAC 115Y Higman Award New Engine Parts Old Gits Talbot Sunbeam Lotus Model New Parts Cobra Seats National Day Seat Material Period Items New Items New Regalia T-Shirts Lights Regalia Parts Spares Xmas Message .
OPPOSITE LOC MAGAZINE | 2023 – ISSUE 4
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CHAIRMAN’S
CHAT WELCOME ALL TO THE LATEST ISSUE of our club magazine. Suffice to say, where did 2023 go? Saying that, there has been a lot going in the club and with some great memories that will not be forgotten from this year. The usual from me, working on my Sunbeam Lotus and with all going to plan, it will be back on the road early in 2024. Small
things may still need to get done, but I plan to have it road going early into the year. The NEC show this year was amazing. We had a superb spot next to the entrance of the auctions where foot traffic is at it’s highest. This meant our stand was busy all three days from opening to closing. Lots of members, new members, owners old & new
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and unmolested Hillman Avenger Tiger. The show theme this year was “Keep it in the family” and the organiser has forever been moaning that most clubs don’t stick to the show theme. So, on the basis that the Sunbeam floorplan came from the Avenger and Andy Wilson is part of the #slocfamily owning both a Sunbeam Lotus and an Avenger Tiger, we thought it would be brilliant to have his car on stand. It was a great move and made our stand busier than ever. Huge thanks to Andy Wilson who made an absolute gargantuan effort to make it happen. Huge thanks also to Julian Anthill who brought us his race prepared Sunbeam Lotus, it left the show with about 10,000 peoples dribble on it. Chris Edwards with his lovely restored S2 that has knocked up 12,000 completely reliable miles touring the UK this year. And how can we not forget the stunning and amazing looking Pre-Production car belonging to Jez Moxon. Without these cars, we would not have had what I consider to be the best NEC show so far. So, we are coming to the end of 2023 and what an amazing year it has been for the club, members and our cars. Some great events and shows, along with a lot of effort by members getting their hands busy and working on their cars.
and plenty of information was gathered. We noticed the show was busier than last year but also that the demographics have changed somewhat. The main age group seems to be (and confirmed by the organisers) ages 25–45-year-olds! But what brought different people to our stand was Andy Wilson’s gorgeous, original
All that is left now is to bid you all a Merry Christmas and a Wonderful Happy & Healthy New Year.
PERRY C. ANTONIOU CHAIRMAN MEMBER NO. 750
OPPOSITE LOC MAGAZINE | 2023 – ISSUE 4
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MEMBERSHIP
MONEY
AS MANY HERE WILL KNOW, there has been a pretty much all round increase in insurance premiums for everyday cars, but knowing that the club combined public liability & parts cover was due last month, it was with some trepidation that I waited to receive the new cover costs. Up until the Association of Rootes Car Clubs (ARCC) disbanded we used their insurance cover, but following this event, & whilst investigating a policy of our own, we discovered that we had been woefully under insured via the ARCC policy (thankfully with no problems actually arising during this period) This was recognised & we proceeded to work around various insurance brokers, obtaining quotes, until we found the cover needed, & with a competitive premium. Eventually we got the best deal from Peter James Insurance (now with a name change to Kingfisher Motor Trade) who are well known specialist classic car & club brokers, but even this resulted in our premium increasing by circa £1000 compared to what we had been paying via The ARCC. However, I must say that after expecting an increase of perhaps 25% for the coming year, I was pleased to see an almost unchanged figure quoted for the renewal, & for the same level of cover as before. So … I paid the premium before there could be any change of mind, but at £1064.73 this still remains our second highest annually recurring expense (the magazine production is the highest) The NEC Classic Car Show was a success
all round, & well done to everyone who not only helped put the display together & manned it over the weekend, but also all those members & others who came along to say hallo & stay for a chat. We took around £1600 during the show, which is a good total, & don’t forget that payments don’t need to be cash these days. We have a mobile card reader that can accept all cards, & with a very reasonable fee resulting (no monthly charge – it’s just a very small % of the actual payment) this is a very efficient way all round of taking payments, plus it costs less than the bank charges resulting from cash deposits as well! In the town where I live the HSBC is in fact the only bank branch left that is still open, but I don’t know for how long? If that goes then I will have to check out how to use the Post Office for paying in cash, but as there is now only a single PO branch still open (in a town of over 30,000 people) I’m not looking forward to the queues! After processing the non renewals from the July list, the membership total dropped to just under 340, but as usual this has started to recover, & as I type this in early December the membership stands at 342. The next renewal list is in January, & if you are one of these, you will probably have either just received the renewal letter, or will do so shortly. Unless you have an old standing order arrangement (in which case payment will be made automatically at the end of January) your early attention to the renewal payment will be very much appreciated (the renewal payment remains at £30 for all classes of membership) Thanks. Best wishes to you & yours for 2024, & hope to see you at an event during the year. As always, thanks for your ongoing support, it is very much appreciated. DAVE MERLANE
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Historical
CORNER
SUNBEAM LOTUS IN SEPTEMBER 1979 a small team of Talbot vehicle evaluation engineers took a production Sunbeam Lotus on a trip to Italy. The (incomplete) chassis number provided on the report from this test suggests that the car in question was HHP 456V, the 82nd domestic production car by chassis number. The paperwork states that this was LHD, and the photos of it used in the Group 2 homologation papers for January 1980 confirm this. The report is signed by Peter Coleman, who had been with the company since his apprenticeship days in the late 1940s, and it came to us from his son Dale who, incidentally, also provided us with an original set of stripes many years ago, which helped us to start the process of making our own sets. The conclusion of the test highlighted the car as being “short of development”, listing several areas
of concern, namely Exhaust, Clutch, Carburation, Engine Lubrication, Rear Axle, Brakes, Wheel/ Drive-line balancing, Gear chatter, Suspension and Wind Roar! It is interesting that such testing and reporting was taking place after the vehicle had been delivered to its first customers but it does point to reasons why the exhaust was re-designed partway through series 1 production (“underframe fouling and durability” being cited) and the recommendation that “every effort is made to increase the fuel tank capacity” also ultimately bore fruit (no doubt added to by customer feedback!). I will expand on the contents of this document in more detail in future articles, since there is so much to explore. GRAEME LAWTON
OPPOSITE LOC MAGAZINE | 2023 – ISSUE 4
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Sunbeam Lotus
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8 | OPPOSITE LOC MAGAZINE | 2023 – ISSUE 4
es fir
It’s true that most people spend more money, time and effort pampering and perfecting their vehicles than on car and occupant safety.*
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OPPOSITE LOC MAGAZINE | 2022 – ISSUE 1
www.sunbeamlotus.com OPPOSITE LOC 2016 ISSUE 1
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RESTO UPDATE November 2023 After much work by Jon the front end is more or less done but there were quite a few problems to be overcome. The front end was always going to be the most difficult bit of the rebuild and a few unexpected alignment issues were encountered. Once the new chassis leg was fabricated it was discovered that the other chassis leg on the near side was about 1” higher than it should be - see the green laser line.
PIC1
Once the new chassis leg was fabricated it was discovered that the other chassis leg on the near side was about 1” higher than it should be - see the green laser line.
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PIC3
The doors were then offered up and despite them being the doors that came off the car they didn’t fit
PIC2
There were no signs of any accident damage so we can only assume that it came out of Linwood like that (Like many others!!!). Both chassis legs are now aligned
PIC4
After much pulling and pushing of the A post the doors are now sitting nicely with acceptable panel gaps. I reckon that the shell had been pulled out of true when it was strapped to a trailer as a bare shell. The wings were then offered up and they are looking good. It is like a moving jigsaw puzzle! Bonnet on and it looks like this O P P O S I T E L O C M A G A Z I N E | 2 0 2 3 – I S S U E 4 | 11
PIC5
The front panel was going to be replaced with a pattern part I had from another Sunbeam but after Jon had tried to make it fit he gave in and decided it would be easier to repair the original. So lots of rusty bits have been cut out and new metal welded in.
PIC6
NOS inkwell panel fitted and all stitched up
PIC7
NOS slam panel and looking like a car again and probably straighter than it was when it came out of Linwood Next jobs will be the replacement of inner and outer sills and some repairs to the floor.
More to come in 2024
CAMPBELL NEWALL
12 | O P P O S I T E L O C M A G A Z I N E | 2 0 2 3 – I S S U E 4
3D Motorsport Ltd The Grange, Dodford, Weedon Northants NN7 4SR Mob: 07968 056069 Email: Eliot@3DMotorsport.com
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If you would like to receive our monthly parts list and news letter, just drop us an email.
16 www.sunbeamlotus.com
O P P O S I T E L O C M A G A Z I N EOPPOSITE | 2 0 2 3LOC – 2016 I S SISSUE U E 44 | 13
JULIA
HIGMAN Memorial
TROPHY
DURING THE LUNCH STOP on the recent Mystery Tour the Julia Higman award was presented to this year’s recipient, Simon Hutchings OBE. During his presentation speech, Mark Higman mentioned that this was the first year that the award was made to someone not suggested by his dear late wife whose name it bears. This means that the onus was in the committee to decide; the proposal of Simon was warmly met and quickly approved. As a friend and long-time SLOC member, Simon has supported us since the 90s; you may know him and his car (DAC 35Y) from attending events in recent years but he also owned a pre-production car (DWK 817T) an awful long time ago, attending shows and providing enthusiastic support at other events and advice behind the scenes. In more recent years, his work connections allowed him to gain access for the club to hold National Days at Millbrook, which would never have been possible otherwise. 2023 was the perfect time to honour him, though, and that’s not related to Sunbeams but to his career spent in the British Army. We often joked that every time we saw him he was a different rank; well, he has recently retired as a Major-General and is also the ceremonial Master General of Logistics, and of course was heavily involved in Army Motorsport among other things. Further details of his service can be found on-line if you have some spare time to take a look. Above all, though, he is one of us and a jolly good bloke. We are so very proud of you, Simon. GRAEME LAWTON
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New Engine Parts
WATER PUMP
with gasket £195 + £8 p&p
CAM BELT TENSIONER £165 + £8 p&p
For enquiries
CONTACT RICHARD
parts@sunbeamlotus.com if interested in above parts O P P O S I T E L O C M A G A Z I N E | 2 0 2 3 – I S S U E 4 | 15
Established by the Association of Rootes Car Clubs (ARCC) in 2004, the Rootes Archive Centre Trust (RACT) is a charity now based in of Wroxton Established by the Association Rootes near Car Clubs Banbury, Oxfordshire, with Archive a primary objective (ARCC) in 2004, theUK Rootes Centre Trustof (RACT) is a charity now based in Wroxton preserving, protecting and promoting originalnear material UK with primaryGroup, objective andBanbury, artefactsOxfordshire, of interest from the aRootes its of preserving, and promoting original material associated andprotecting successor companies. and artefacts of interest from the Rootes Group, its Theassociated Collection: and successor companies. TheThe archive includes hundreds of thousands of detailed Collection: manufacturing drawings and blueprints from the 1930s The archive includes hundreds thousands of detailed through to the early 1980s, as wellofas specifications manufacturing drawings and blueprints from the 1930s and design changes. The engineering archive is through to the early 1980s, as well as specifications complemented with extensive marketing, sales and and design changes. The engineering archive is servicing literature, photographs and artefacts such as complemented with extensive marketing, sales and the Rootes boardroom table and chairs from servicing literature, photographs and artefacts such as Devonshire House, display engines, and various the Rootes boardroom table and chairs from dealership signage items. Theengines, collection continues Devonshire House, display and various to grow as further items are donated and saved for dealership signage items. The collection continues to current future generations of Rootes enthusiasts. growand as further items are donated and saved for current and future generations of Rootes enthusiasts. The Charity: The Charity: The charity is operated by a small group of dedicated volunteers andisisoperated open each Friday The charity by a small (please group oftelephone dedicated volunteers andtravelling) is open each telephone to confirm before andFriday on the(please first Sunday of confirm andvisits on the Sunday of the to month butbefore can betravelling) opened for byfirst arrangement. the month but can be opened for visits by arrangement. For contact details have a look at our new website: For contact details have a look at our new website:
Web: www.rootesarchive.org Web: www.rootesarchive.org Or follow us on Facebook: Or follow us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/RootesArchiveCentreTrust www.facebook.com/RootesArchiveCentreTrust
The Rootes Archive Centre Trust, 15 Apollo Office The Rootes Archive Centre Trust, 15 Apollo Office Park, Ironstone Lane, Wroxton, Banbury. OX15 6AY Park, Ironstone Lane, Wroxton, Banbury. OX15 6AY
16 | O P P O S I T E L O C M A G A Z I N E | 2 0 2 3 – I S S U E 4
O P P O S I T E L O C M A G A Z I N E | 2 0 2 3 – I S S U E 4 | 17
1 Sunbeam Lotus
+ 2 OLD GITS
= 3 Shires Stages
WE DID ENTER THE THREE SHIRES STAGES in 2022 but it was, along with Coventry Motofest, cancelled as a mark of respect following the Death of the Queen. Having now competed in the 2023 event I realise what a huge decision that was as the amount of organisation involved is immense. It was all a bit difficult to get the initial ball rolling as both co-driver Rob Thompson and Service Manager Grahame Standen were both hoping to compete on the Kent Forestry Targa
rally. Unfortunately, Rob was not quick enough to submit an entry before the entry list was full, so I had a co-driver and although Grahame did, fellow SLOC member George Lobban stepped in as a very worthy alternative. Run over 16/17 September the rally was based at Much Marcle showground near Hereford which provided more space than any service area I’ve ever seen. The only downside was it was on grass, and long, wet grass at that. The route was a loop of four closed road
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special stages, run three times giving a total of 60 competitive miles. Saturday started with a recce which restricted competitors to two slow speed runs through each stage followed by scrutineering and finally a ceremonial start in the centre of Ledbury. Despite watching the videos several times the recce showed up just how narrow and twisty some parts were and how open and fast other sections were. It also highlighted just how many and how tight the chicanes were. There were also 2 fords on the route, one virtually dry and one not. We completed the recce and returned to the service park to meet up with George and joined a long queue for noise check and scrutineering, both of which we passed without any issues. Following that, George got stuck in to fitting a
mount for the tracker device and Rob and I got kitted up ready for the ceremonial start. This consisted of an in control following which cars were parked up before being interviewed and flagged away 15 minutes later. All right in the town centre, and, there was still a sizable crowd even when we were there, despite our lowly start number of 95. It was then back to base for food and sleep. Sunday morning dawned early but dry and we set off for the first loop of stages. With 94 cars in front of us there were several delays and several car sized holes in the scenery but the chicanes proved to be more open than we thought and everything went without a hitch so we returned needing no more than a quick check and fuel. The second loop proved to be
O P P O S I T E L O C M A G A Z I N E | 2 0 2 3 – I S S U E 4 | 19
a bit more eventful. On the first stage of the loop we caught the Escort that had started 30 seconds in front of us, but he would not let us pass. We were so close behind him that we were a bit unsighted through one of the chicanes and were wide enough on the exit that we lost a bumper end cap in the hedge. The second stage passed without incident but as we queued for the start of the third it started to rain and it was raining quite hard by the time we did start meaning that we were on the wrong tyres and needed a more cautious approach. (That’s what Rob told me, but I didn’t have chance to look up the meaning of cautious). Still, we got through that OK and then on the final stage in the loop we had to stop due to a car ahead of us suffering a mechanical issue in a very narrow section between high banks shortly after the start. As many will no doubt know, the rules for dealing with a blockage is that cars that are unable to complete the stage competitively are awarded the time set by the last car to complete the stage prior to the blockage. Unfortunately, in this case it was the MK2 Cortina that finished the rally in next to last place by a margin of 3 minutes to the car ahead of him, so we were given a time around a minute slower than our first run through. Back at Much Marcle we were able to change onto a set of ‘wets’ for the final loop
of stages which despite being very slippery in places saw us catching cars on each stage, all of which were very courteous and let us pass very promptly. On the second stage of the loop we even caught the Cortina that had been the last car through the blocked stage and set the time for several cars that had to stop. And he had started a minute ahead of us and had already been caught and passed by the Escort that started 30 seconds ahead of us! All in all a great event, some great stages with the chance to really lean on the tyres through blind corners and over brows due to the pace notes, and even by the time we passed by there were still a lot of spectators, even in the rain and on road sections. As we arrived back at the finish, we were reunited with our lost bumper end cap thanks to a marshal who had retrieved it. George had already packed everything away before departing to undertake a long work-related journey. Results showed us 43rd o/a which despite our additional minute on stage 8 was enough to show the organisers what we thought of their seeding. By the time we were loaded up and ready to leave it was 6:30, so rather than drive home we elected to stay another night and set off to get home Monday lunch time allowing us to unload refreshed and in daylight. OLD GIT BILL COOK
20 | O P P O S I T E L O C M A G A Z I N E | 2 0 2 3 – I S S U E 4
TALBOT SUNBEAM LOTUS MODEL
NVC777W
We have a few of these 1:18 IXO Models of Henri Toivonen car 8 from the 1981 Monte Carlo Rally, they are £75.00 inc p&p to a UK address.
If you would like one contact regalia@sunbeamlotus.com
O P P O S I T E L O C M A G A Z I N E | 2 0 2 3 – I S S U E 4 | 21
NEW PARTS VARIOUS CABLES PRICES:
THROTTLE CABLE (Yellow) CLUTCH CABLE HANDBRAKE CABLES (PAIR) SPEEDO CABLES
£30 + p&p £45 + p&p £80 + p&p £25 + p&p
FRONT & REAR BUSH SET COMPONENTS:Trailing Arm Upper-Front Bush kit Trailing Arm Upper-Rear Bush kit Trailing Arm Lower-Front Bush kit Trailing Arm Lower-Rear Bush kit Control Arm Lower-Inner Bush kit Front Strut Bar Bush kit Anti-Roll Bar Link Bush kit Anti-Roll Bar Mount to Chassis Bush kit
POLY BUSH SETS NOW AVAILABLE
Specify if it’s for a S1 or S2 as the Trailing Arm Lower-Front Bush kit is different.
S1 £340 + p&p
S2 £370 + p&p
CONTACT RICHARD
parts@sunbeamlotus.com if interested in above parts. 22 | O P P O S I T E L O C M A G A Z I N E | 2 0 2 3 – I S S U E 4
After months of trying to find a wheel refurbishment company who are able to offer a club deal I’ve now done a deal with a company in the Bedford. Chemical strip, primer, powder coat, diamond cut & lacquer for £80 a wheel (plus any carriage costs). They will be painted in the correct original colour RAL7035. The company requires a minimum quantity 40 wheels to achieve this price.
IF YOU’RE INTERESTED PLEASE CONTACT RICHARD DIRECTLY ON parts@sunbeamlotus.com
All wheels will be individually stamped on the inside so you will get your own wheels back. No buckled or bent wheels so please have wheels checked for roundness. This is a refurbishment service only, no repairs/straightening/welding to wheels will be undertaken. O P P O S I T E L O C M A G A Z I N E | 2 0 2 3 – I S S U E 4 | 23
COBRA
SLOC Series 1 and Series 2
SEATS
THE CLUB has specially commissioned world class race seat manufacturer Cobra Seats to manufacture some seats from their range using the club Series 1 Grey and Series 2 Piccadilly materials that can be made available to you as both Office Chairs or Seats for your Sunbeam Lotus (for road or tagged/dated for competition use). The idea came to me a while ago when Snap On Tools were running the same promotion via their dealer network. I though it would be a great idea to approach Cobra to see if they would do the same for our small club. Cobra confirmed they are happy to do so and are offering any seat in their range to our club members utilising the club material. These will only be available via us and are not available direct from them or elsewhere (as the material belongs to the club). For the first seats, which we have had made as Office Chairs, we have asked for the MONACO SPORT race seat in S1 & S2 fabric and the CLASSIC RSR also in S1 & S2 fabric. You can see the photos of how good these seats look. Remember, you can choose any seat in their range. The first Office Chairs are available right now. Going forward, everything will be per order.
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They appear a little bit expensive in my opinion, but they certainly are unique and they are of the highest quality and considering you can have any seat they make and any material combination as well as whatever embroidery you wish (Your Registration Number, Your Name, Your Team Logo and wherever you wish them placed on the seat), I think the price reflects this. Some of you already know what a decent set of race seats cost, so we are not that far off that price. O P P O S I T E L O C M A G A Z I N E | 2 0 2 3 – I S S U E 4 | 25
National Day
2023
26 | O P P O S I T E L O C M A G A Z I N E | 2 0 2 3 – I S S U E 4
Shelsley Walsh in July – a great place to go, and even better with a line-up of Sunbeam Lotus cars and owners. 16 of our cars, in fact; a little lower than the past three years but as ever we were also joined by members without their cars, making a good turnout all-in-all.
O P P O S I T E L O C M A G A Z I N E | 2 0 2 3 – I S S U E 4 | 27
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Trophies were awarded as follows:
CONCOURS WINNER: DAC 101Y Chris Edwards HIGHLY COMMENDED: ARY 383Y Kieron Buckingham HIGHLY COMMENDED: DDU 16Y Geoff Di Cesare PHIL DAVISON ENGINEERING AWARD: FOD601Y Jez Moxon Congratulations to these chaps and their beautiful Sunbeams; that makes four different winners in a row now.
GRAEME LAWTON
O P P O S I T E L O C M A G A Z I N E | 2 0 2 3 – I S S U E 4 | 29
SEAT FABRIC Have you thought about trimming other items in the grey or striped fabric? We can supply off-cuts to suit any need, or rolls to re-trim larger vehicles, e.g. a camper van; unleash your imagination!
MUD FLAP DECALS In stock, replacement decals in a hardwearing vinyl (slightly different finish to originals but the same size, shape and design). Also suitable for a tool box! £3 each plus postage.
VARIOUS WINDOW CLING DECALS Club name (white on clear as well as white on blue), Talbot and Talbot On The Move. Inspired by period decals, add one to your Sunbeam for only £5 each plus postage.
30 | O P P O S I T E L O C M A G A Z I N E | 2 0 2 3 – I S S U E 4
SPECIAL EVENT PERIOD ITEMS FOR SALE!
The following items are never-tobe-repeated opportunities for SLOC members to acquire original period items from the archives of Leon Gibbs’ Arbury Service Station. Proceeds to the Midlands Air Ambulance.
These items will be sold to the two highest bidders, so please let me know your bid by the end of Sunday 14th January 2024, which should give you time to count your pennies after Christmas. SERVICE WALLET We have two only new-old-stock Sunbeam Lotus service wallets available. Each one is complete with an unused service history book (the original, not one of our reprints!), owners’ handbook, Sunbeam Lotus Directory and a Talbot lead The World card. Minimum bid of £150 please.
TALBOT JACKET Silver Talbot Sunbeam Lotus jacket, again newold-stock (some fading to colour but in effect they are brand-new). Only two of these available; one in size 42 and the other in size 46. Now, before you get excited about the numbers, please note that these are not representative of chest sizes! The 42 seems to equate to a medium size, something like 38” chest, while the 46 seems to be more like an extra-large, or 42” chest. Some of our volunteers at the recent NEC show tried them on, with varying results… Minimum bid of £200 please. If you would like to see further photos, please contact me. GRAEME LAWTON historian@sunbeamlotus.com
O P P O S I T E L O C M A G A Z I N E | 2 0 2 3 – I S S U E 4 | 31
NEW ITEMS FROM SLOC SERVICE WALLET PACK NEW! We have reproduced the wallet to keep your service book safe, and if you do not have one of those, we have had some of those made as well! Licensed by Lotus themselves, the wallet features the same design as the original, albeit with subtly smaller printing to avoid any confusion with original examples. The service book is a complete makeover of the original 1980 version (earlier cars came
with a Chrysler version but if you had bought a replacement book it would invariably have been the Talbot version). Following the same design, it features all of the useful pages from the original that provide information on servicing your car but without pages relating to warranty, etc. The service record section has been extended to cover up to 200,000 miles. These can be used to continue your service records from your original book, or if you never had one, to start from whenever you began servicing your car. Although they look like a period service book, they are different enough
32 | O P P O S I T E L O C M A G A Z I N E | 2 0 2 3 – I S S U E 4
so as not to be mistaken for an original. To complete the pack, we also have a reproduction of the handbook supplement for Sunbeam Lotus, covering all years of car. All three items are available exclusively to SLOC members for a package price of only £30. Postage at £2 in the UK.
TYRE PRESSURE DECAL Inspired by the yellow stickers fitted to export models (as required by legislation in certain countries, no doubt), we have produced our very own version for application to UK cars. Using recommended pressures from the handbook (24psi for normal running) and a car outline that looks rather more like a Sunbeam than the original version, we have made ours in black text on white vinyl, sized to fit on the B pillar above the door lock. These are certainly not a requirement for that authentic period look but are a bit of fun while also
being a useful reminder of the required pressure – whether that be for your benefit or your service garage. £3 plus postage.
SUNBEAM S1 BADGE DECALS We can now provide decals to freshen up any tired SUNBEAM badge on the back of your series 1 car. Easy to apply, once you have cleaned up the badge. £5 each.
TALBOT AND S2 BADGE DECALS
We can supply chrome vinyl decals to freshen up the badges on your series 2 car. Easy to apply (although the Sunbeam is a little trickier…) we will need to know the markings on the back of each badge to ensure we supply the correct decal. £10 each or £25 for a set of three.
O P P O S I T E L O C M A G A Z I N E | 2 0 2 3 – I S S U E 4 | 33
NEW REGALIA for 2023 8
TEA TOWELS! PLUS Yes, you read that P&P correctly, now in stock featuring artwork of all production variants of the glorious Sunbeam Lotus. 100% cotton. Perfect to dry dishes, car parts or even just to pin to the wall of your garage. Only £8 to members, plus postage.
BASEBALL HAT
SWEATSHIRTS New into stock, we have a new line of garment and very nice quality it is, too. Featuring the club logo on the chest, it can be yours for only £25 plus postage. We have a limited range of sizes in stock, all in black; please provide chest size to help us select the best size for you.
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HOODIES Also in stock we have some rather lovely and warm hoodies. These are quality garments, featuring exclusive designs of a road car (several versions available, others available to order) with a ghosted rally car alongside. £50 plus postage; please provide chest size to help us select the best size for you, Burgundy & Grey in stock.
DRINK MATS Made from 99.5% Recycled material, inc. 40% recycled rubber tyres. - £3 each or 4 for £10 + P&P.
If you would like to purchase any of these
contact regalia@sunbeamlotus.com O P P O S I T E L O C M A G A Z I N E | 2 0 2 3 – I S S U E 4 | 35
T-SHIRTS
available in White or Grey @ £20 plus P&P. Car design ones can be customised with your reg number for £25 plus P&P.
For enquiries contact
regalia@sunbeamlotus.com Unless stated, postage to be added at cost.
36 | O P P O S I T E L O C M A G A Z I N E | 2 0 2 3 – I S S U E 4
LIGHTS REFURBISHED S2 HEADLIGHT AVAILABLE They look like new and will transform the tired and probable MOT failure headlights that all S2 cars have by now. They are sold on an exchange basis, we can tell you how to separate the glass from the shell and you can exchange your tired and rusty shells yourself. We supply clear and concise instructions on how to dismantle the lights along with guidance as to the correct glass sealer you would need to put them together. Let’s face it, we own a lotus Sunbeam, so most of us have the capability to do the upgrade ourselves. The price for a pair is £330.00 inc. postage. This would normally cost you £200.00 per headlight, We would need to do them in batches of at least a dozen to keep the price we have. Get in touch with Mike Trim and grab yourself a pair.
O P P O S I T E L O C M A G A Z I N E | 2 0 2 3 – I S S U E 4 | 37
CONTACT: Richard Blackburn unless otherwise stated.
SLOCPARTS AMIL WHEEL CENTRE CAPS
Satin Black AMIL wheel centre caps, identical to the originals by using the “metal spinning” process
DEALER STICKERS
for your rear hatch glass How about some originality? We can now replicate all your rear window dealer stickers. We have done four so far and we can do any others depedant on demand. Let us know if you want one of the existing ones or if you would like us to do one for you that we don’t already have. Price £10 inc. UK P&P
Price £15 each or £50 for 4 or £60 for 5, all plus postage.
STRIPES
Please contact David Moodie at stripes@ sunbeamlotus.com
SERIES 2 HEADLIGHTS * SEE SEPERATE ADVERT
SEAT FABRIC The club has a supply of the correct shark grey seat fabric for Series 1 cars. This fabric is available to club members at an offer price of £150.00 + p&p
FIBERGLASS PARCEL SHELVES
These parcels shelves include the hinge pins but not the support strings. If required, we can supply a drawing for the support strings. The price is £220.00 + £22.00 carriage. Taking Deposits for next batch.
40 | O P P O S I T E L O C M A G A Z I N E | 2 0 2 3 – I S S U E 4
The fabric is durable, colourfast and fire resistant and have all the necessary approvals, and will not fade, slip or tear. The S2 Piccadilly fabric for Series 2 is available to club members at £280 + p&p
NEW - HEATER MATRIX In line with the club’s policy to get “hard to find” parts remanufactured, we have had a sample heater matrix made in aluminium. It is anticipated that the price for these will be between £350.00 and £400.00 when we order a batch of 10 units. If you require one of these, we need a £50.00 deposit and I will add your name to the list of orders. When we have reached 5 orders, we will have a batch made.
ASHLEY COMPETITION EXHAUSTS They offer a discount to SLOC members Ashley have produced a “works style”manifold based on a genuine works exhaust manifold. This manifold is fitted with a 2.25” outlet to suit their competition system sold separately. The road exhaust is a three box system. Contact: Brian Ashley directly (01922 720767)
BREATHERS/FLAMETRAPS
They are filled with oil vapour gauze filters and can be removed, opened, cleaned and replaced. The filters can also be replaced if required. They are £95 each + £5 p&p to UK addresses. Taking Deposits for next batch.
O P P O S I T E L O C M A G A Z I N E | 2 0 2 3 – I S S U E 4 | 41
AVAILABLE from SLOC
HOSES
TOP Hose......................... £15.00 BOTTOM Hose.................. £13.00 Manifold to Pump........... £11.00 Water Pump to elbow..... £11.00 TOP & BOTTOM Hoses..... £26.00 Pump Hoses.................... £20.00 All Four Hoses.................. £45.00
Period Tax Disc
with whatever vehicle details you want. You can even choose your own postmark! £10 will get you 6 discs (all the same) and a FREE Club Tax Disc Holder Contact chairman@sunbeamlotus.com
p&p £7.50 for 4 off to UK addresses.
Period Tax Disc
with whatever vehicle details you want. You can even choose your own postmark! £10 will get you 6 discs (all the same) and a FREE Club Tax Disc Holder CONTACT chairman@sunbeamlotus.com or give Perry a call one evening
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WORKS RALLY DECALS These are available from Graeme Lawton. Please contact him directly; his details are inside the front cover.
S1 TALBOT BADGE
New bonnet badges are available for £20 including postage within UK.
UNDER BONNET DECALS The club now has the following under-bonnet decals in stock @ £3.00 each.
SERIES 1:
ENGINE OIL LEVEL The engine oil level decal for the standard Airbox (both S1 & S2) .
SERIES 2:
O P P O S I T E L O C M A G A Z I N E | 2 0 2 3 – I S S U E 4 | 43
SLOC MERCHANDISE
If there is an item of clothing that you wish to buy with club branding, please let us know and we’ll see if we can supply it. We are continually looking for new items to produce.
5
Sunbeam Lotus £ MUGS – (SLOC1) EACH
5
Sunbeam Lotus £ MUGS – (SLOC2) EACH
Leather KEY FOBS Club, Laurel & Talbot Logos
£5
EACH
£15
Professionally printed POSTER on heavy photo paper, 42cm x 59cm.
BLANK KEYS - These are the correct type for your Sunbeam Lotus as available in period.
£5
EACH
Check availability of items on this page: regalia@sunbeamlotus.com 44 | O P P O S I T E L O C M A G A Z I N E | 2 0 2 3 – I S S U E 4
O P P O S I T E L O C M A G A Z I N E | 2 0 2 3 – I S S U E 1 | 43
CLUB USED PARTS 1.
11.
24.
10.
12.
4.
13.
18.
21.
44 | O P P O S I T E L O C M A G A Z I N E | 2 0 2 3 – I S S U E 4
29.
14.
15. 20. 2.
16. 17.
19.
22. 3.
25.
26.
27. O P P O S I T E L O C M A G A Z I N E | 2 0 2 3 – I S S U E 4 | 45
23.
31.
34.
5. 9.
32.
6.
30. 28.
8. 7. 33.
For more details on these parts
contact Richard
parts@sunbeamlotus.com 46 | O P P O S I T E L O C M A G A Z I N E | 2 0 2 3 – I S S U E 4
Wishing all
OUR MEMBERS An amazing
CHRISTMAS and a prosperous
SPECIAL EVENT
NEW YEAR From the Team
PERIOD at SLOCITEMS FOR SALE!
O P P O S I T E L O C M A G A Z I N E | 2 0 2 3 – I S S U E 4 | 47
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