Retro rally legend up for auction with a six-figure estimate

The Talbot Lotus Sunbeam used by British rally hero Russell Brookes in the early 1980s is going up for auction – complete with its original, legendary Andrews Heat for Hire livery.

Brookes joined Team Talbot for both the 1980 and 1981 World Rally Championship (WRC) seasons. As part of the deal, he took long-standing sponsor Andrews Heat for Hire with him, creating one of the most distinctive Lotus Sunbeams in history.

Despite this being the start of the four-wheel drive era, with the Audi quattros starting to dominate, Brookes still helped Team Talbot win the 1981 manufacturers’ championship with the car.

This is the very car Brookes used in the 1981 Lombard RAC Rally. 

The late Russell Brookes still competed in the car even after it had retired from WRC, most recently in the 2010 Halloween Historic Stages rally.

Many rising rally stars also used the car, including Ladies Rally Champion Louise Aitken-Walker.

Silverstone Auctions, which is overseeing the sale, reports the car is fully original, diligently maintained and has a full MSA passport so it can continue competing.

Many original parts are also included in the sale.

The ex-Russell Brookes Talbot Lotus Sunbeam is up for auction at the Silverstone Classic Live Online auction, which runs on 31 July and 1 August.

Estimate? Reflecting its heritage, it’s a six-figure one: £100,000 to £125,000.   

But the lucky bidder will undeniably be getting a stand-out piece of WRC history.

ALSO READ

2020 Goodwood Speedweek one-off event announced

Coolest cars of all time: the people’s vote

Alpine: the legendary French carmaker is back

Related Articles

Richard Aucock
Richard Aucock
I'm Managing Director at @editorial_mr. I run a bit, cycle a bit, love the automotive industry. I'm a World Car Awards juror and Deputy Chairman of the Guild of Motoring Writers.

1 COMMENT

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

spot_imgspot_img

Latest

1986 Toyota Corolla GT AE86 review: Retro Road Test

Tim Pitt drives the famous forerunner of today's Toyota GR86 sports car: the classic 'Hachi Roku' Corolla AE86.

Classic comeback: Alvis delivers first new Graber Drophead 

Destined for Japan, the Alvis Graber Drophead features an engine block first constructed more than 50 years ago.

The government wants YOUR advice on preserving classic cars

A new government initiative aims to make registering modified classic vehicles easier, including those converted to electric power.

BMW 503 owned by motorsport legend John Surtees heads to auction

An ultra-rare model in its own right, having been the personal car of a true racing icon makes this BMW truly special