Marque: Chrysler / Talbot - Company History & Models - Cars By Brand
Chrysler / Talbot
Amidst deep financial troubles, the Rootes Group was totally taken under the wing of the Americabased Chrysler Corporation in 1976 after acquiring the UK firm in 1967, and (with help from the British Government) a new small hatchback model was produced by Chrysler UK to replace the Imp. The resulting car (introduced in 1977 and based on the Hillman Avenger) was designated Chrysler Sunbeam.
Other…
Chrysler 180/2 Litre
Fast Facts
- Produced:
1971-81 - Bodywork:
Four-door saloon - Engine:
Overhead camshaft in-line four-cylinder 180: 1812cc 99bhp; 2 Litre: 1910cc 110bhp - 0-60 mph:
180: 15 sec; 2 Litre: 14 sec - Top Speed:
180: 105 mph; 2 Litre: 107 mph - MPG:
20-30+
Looking like a scaled-up Avenger, these posh saloons were spacious, comfortable and were in fact once to have been the all new Humber for the 1970s. However, ultimately the 180 and more powerful 2 Litre models were sales flops. They resulted from uneasy collaboration between the Simca and Rootes teams, and were powered by Simca engines (originally it had been intended to install a smooth British V6). Handling was never great but these cars were always fine for long distance cruising. Survivors are very rarely encountered, but if you can find one (and when did you last or even ever see one?) it can make a plush, roomy family classic for a pittance.
Chrysler / Talbot Alpine / Solara
Fast Facts
- Produced:
1975-86 - Bodywork:
Alpine: Five-door hatch; Solara: Four-door saloon - Engine:
1.3: Overhead valve in-line four-cylinder 1294cc 68bhp; 1.5S: Overhead valve in-line four-cylinder 1442cc 85bhp; 1.6: Overhead valve in-line four-cylinder 1592cc 87bhp - 0-60 mph:
12-15 sec - Top Speed:
93-100+ mph - MPG:
24-40
In many ways the five-door Alpine hatch (developed to replace the French Simca 1500/1501) was advanced for its time, offering class leading performance, handling and interior space. They were also attractively styled and all this meant that the Alpine was voted Car of the Year for 1976. Solara saloons followed in 1980 and were variations on the same theme and top line variants were well-equipped. For all their good points though the Alpines and Solaras did not sell in huge numbers; the engines became rattly due to them being canted over, bodies rusted away and build was poor. They are now rare but - are they classics worth saving?
