Chrysler Sunbeam
| Chrysler Sunbeam | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer |
Chrysler Europe PSA |
| Also called | Talbot Sunbeam (1979–1981) |
| Production | 1977–1981 |
| Assembly | Linwood, United Kingdom |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Supermini (B) |
| Body style | 3-door hatchback |
| Layout | FR layout |
| Related | Hillman Avenger |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 928 cc ohc I4 1295 cc ohv I4 1598 cc ohv I4 2172 cc 16V Lotus slant 4 |
| Transmission | 4 speed manual |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 2,413 mm (95.0 in) |
| Length | 3,829 mm (150.7 in) |
| Width | 1,603 mm (63.1 in) |
| Height | 1,395 mm (54.9 in) |
| Curb weight | 1,260 kg (2,780 lb) - 1,320 kg (2,910 lb) |
| Chronology | |
| Predecessor | Hillman Avenger |
| Successor | Talbot Samba |
The Chrysler Sunbeam is a small supermini three-door hatchback manufactured by Chrysler Europe at the former Rootes Group factory in Linwood in Scotland from 1977 to 1981. The Sunbeam's development was funded by a British government grant with the aim of keeping the Linwood plant running, and the small car was based on the larger Hillman Avenger, also manufactured there. After the takeover of Chrysler's European operations by PSA, the model was renamed "Talbot Sunbeam" and continued in production until 1981. A Talbot Sunbeam Lotus version was successful in rallying and won the World Rally Championship manufacturers' title for Talbot in 1981.
In the mid-1970s, the British automotive industry was in crisis, marred by frequent strikes and decreasing competitiveness compared to the increasingly successful Japanese automakers. It took its toll on Chrysler UK, which was the name given to the former Rootes Group after its takeover by the US-based Chrysler Corporation. In particular, the Linwood facility was generating losses due to many reasons, including underutilised capacity.
In 1975, the famous Ryder Report led to the effective nationalisation of Chrysler UK's major competitor, British Leyland. Chrysler management decided that the company should therefore also benefit from state aid, and pressed the government for it by threatening to close the UK operations. The government agreed to a state grant reported at GBP 55 million to fund the development of a small car, to be developed in Chrysler's UK facilities and manufactured in Linwood.
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