Full Description
SORRY NOW SOLD – SIMILAR WANTED
An incredibly rare and versatile Talbot Matra Rancho with just 34,590 miles from new.
EQUIPMENT
Moulded bumpers, body side protection, front crash bar, laminated windscreen, tinted glass, two speed wipers, locking petrol cap, tailgate wash/wipe, heated rear window, sliding rear windows, halogen headlamps, auxiliary driving lamps, roof rack, cigar lighter, split tailgate, inertia reel seatbelts, Veglia clock. Dealer fit options; Additional revolving search lamps.
EXTERIOR
This remarkable survivor is a testament to the pioneering vision of Talbot to create arguably the worlds first sports utility and family saloon hybrid. This brilliant Rancho is finished in Talbot White and presents amazingly well with a bright uniform shine. All trim sections and rugged body mouldings are intact and in excellent order, as is the glass. The optional extra and impossible to source, scuttle mounted search lamps, are intact although one has a small crack in the plastic housing and the driving lamps have minor internal chrome deterioration. Remedial paintwork has been carried out over the years to a good standard and this car has been the on regular show on the Talbot show stand. This hugely versatile example has been further adapted for wheel chair access when new by Smulders Systems whilst permanently retaining the rear bench seat. This conversion is facilitated by a rear lowering ramp and an ingenuous electric motor fitted to compress the rear springs and lower the entire rear of the car and allow effortless wheelchair access with safety restraint belt fitted. The ultimate dare to be different classic!
INTERIOR
The rugged, practical and hugely comfortable interior space is completely original. The large reclining front seats and matching rear bench in grey vinyl with check cloth centre panels are immaculate and completely free from wear, commensurate with such a low mileage example. The durable and washable rubber floor coverings are completely intact and the clean headlining is in excellent order with only three nicks to the fabric. The delightfully sparse yet functional dashboard and fascia are pristine and completely original even down to the working factory radio and electric clock! The gauges display healthy readings with no warning lights and all controls and functions operate seamlessly. A tremendously well preserved interior, exactly as Talbot Matra intended.
ENGINE & TRANSMISSION
The original four cylinder 1442cc engine produces 80bhp and 88.5lb.ft of torque allowing fair performance in modern traffic with a top speed of 90mph and 0-62 time of 16.3 seconds. The engine fires up instantly and is surprisingly quiet, most unlike a Talbot! The four speed all synchromesh gearbox is vague but exactly correct in its operation and the driver soon becomes accustomed to its use.
WHEELS, TYRES & BRAKES
The factory fitted styled pressed steel wheels remain fitted and are shod in branded 185/70 R14 tyres. The oversize wheels together with uprated suspension offer increased ground clearance over the saloon car variants and cement the appeal of this dependable leisure vehicle. Hydraulic dual circuit braking system with vacuum servo assistance incorporate 9.2in front discs and 9in rear drums to offers impressive stopping power.
HISTORY FILE
Supplied new by Peugeot Talbot Main Dealer George Blair Addlestone Ltd, this example was registered new on 25th May 1983. A fantastic history file with comprehensive MOT history fully documents the incredibly low 34,590 miles covered, and a vast collection of invoices clearly illustrate the cossetted ownership. The original handbook and dealer guides are present and even the ‘Talbot Certicarte’ identity card forms part of the impressive history file. Sold by KGF Classic Cars in 2014 to an avid car enthusiast who had searched hard for a number of years unsuccessfully to find such a car. During his ownership the car has enjoyed the show circuit including the 2017 Practical Classics Classic Car & Restoration Show at Birmingham’s NEC where it featured pride of place on the Talbot official stand.
Of 57,792 vehicles produced and with only four licensed examples remaining on UK roads, this pioneering and perhaps the worlds first ‘soft roader’ represents an incredibly rare survivor with immense practicality, versatility and onlooker intrigue in abundance!
HPI Clear.
