57-611: 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 UK 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 ,
114-533: A Chrysler Sunbeam in your life. " There were initially three engine sizes; 0.9, 1.3 and 1.6 litres, and three trim levels available - base "LS", better-equipped "GL" and the most expensive "S". To reduce in-house competition, the more basic versions of the two-door Avengers were dropped at the same time in the UK market, and the Chrysler Horizon was only available in five-door form. The Sunbeam sold well, but
171-506: A constraint in the development process took its toll on the initial look of the car - as the C2's (Horizon's) headlamps were not available at the planned launch time of the R424, the small car was given the lamps of the pre-facelift Hillman Avenger, which required the characteristic recessed mounting in the front fascia. The GLS version had a vinyl roof as standard. There was only one body style for
228-549: A dimensions on par or slightly larger than traditional B-segment cars, and often are built on the same platform as B-segment hatchbacks or saloons. B-segment SUVs are usually excluded by analysts from traditional B-segment car sales. 22 percent of SUV global sales were contributed by B-segment SUVs in 2019. One of the first mass-market electric B-segment cars in Europe was the Renault Zoe , released in 2012. Global sales of
285-638: A formal car classification term, eventually being adopted in European Commission classification as the B-segment. The 1990 Renault Clio and 1983 Fiat Uno were significant models in the supermini or the B-segment, being the recipients of the European Car of the Year award. The Clio replaced the long-running Renault 5, although the latter remained in production until 1996. In 1993,
342-602: A global sales of 910,839 units that year, in which 54 percent was contributed by its European sales. It took the world number one spot from the Toyota Corolla at 906,953 sales. Safety features have improved for the cars in the segment. In 1995, both petrol and diesel B-segment vehicles had only around 40 percent of the listed safety options installed (side impact bars, driver/passenger airbag, side airbag, ABS , electronic braking system, stability control), whereas by 2010 they were averaging over 90 percent. This represents
399-415: A length of approximately 3.7–4.2 m (146–165 in), and may vary depending on the body styles, markets, and era. In some cases, the same car may be differently positioned depending on the market. The Euro NCAP vehicle class called "Supermini" also includes smaller A-segment cars alongside B-segment cars. In Britain, the term "supermini" is more widely used for B-segment hatchbacks. The term
456-669: A more expensive offering. Examples include the Ford Fiesta ST , Hyundai i20 N , Peugeot 208 GTi , Suzuki Swift Sport , Toyota GR Yaris , Volkswagen Polo GTI , among others. B-segment MPV (also called mini MPV or B-MPV) are taller and/or longer derivatives of B-segment hatchbacks with an emphasis in interior space and practicality. Examples are the Citroën C3 Picasso , Fiat 500L , and Ford B-Max . B-segment crossovers or SUVs (also called subcompact crossover SUV, small SUV, or B-SUV ) are crossovers/SUVs that has
513-716: A pan-European image using the Chrysler brand as the only one for the whole range. The result was naming the car, "Chrysler Sunbeam", and the Sunbeam brand was discontinued, with the remaining Rootes Group models also rebranded as Chryslers in 1976. After a remarkably short development period of 19 months, the Chrysler Sunbeam was launched on July 23, 1977, to a positive reception by the British automotive press. An advertising campaign featured Petula Clark singing " ...put
570-504: A significant improvement in vehicle safety over the period, despite petrol and diesel B-segment vehicles averaging an inflation-adjusted price increase of 6 percent and 15 percent respectively. Studies from the European Union and JATO has found that the average maximum power output of B-segment vehicles has increased by 40 percent between 1995 and 2010, while the average overall vehicle weight only increased by around 20 percent in
627-573: A total of three registration plates and corresponding tax discs each to operate more discreetly. The Sunbeams, alongside the TASS unit, were eventually replaced by the Tactical Vehicle Crime Unit's Ford Escort XR3is and Ford Sierra RS Cosworths in the late 1980s. After the takeover, PSA decided that keeping Linwood running would remain unprofitable in the long run and that the facility would have to be closed. This would also mean
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#1732791685831684-604: A vinyl roof available on the Dodge Dart . Ford offered it on the Mustang . By mid-decade, four-door sedans, as well as coupes and station wagons offered by all automakers could be topped with several colorful types of vinyl. Vinyl-covered roofs became very common in most car classes by the late-1960s. Vinyl was produced that mimicked other materials such as canvas, and even alligator or snake hide. Chrysler briefly produced some patterns, with paisley or floral designs – this
741-626: The A0-class in China, and the supermini category for B-segment hatchbacks in Great Britain. Category:Subcompact cars ( 306 ) Vinyl roof Vinyl roof refers to a vinyl covering for an automobile's top. This covering was originally designed to give the appearance of a convertible to models with a fixed roof and eventually evolved into a styling statement in its own right. Vinyl roofs were most popular in
798-666: The Nissan Micra (K11) , became the first Japanese car company to be receive the European Car of the Year award. In 1999, the Toyota Yaris received the European Car of the Year award, and was noted for its high roof which allowed for improved interior space. Another notable model is the Opel Corsa , which was the best-selling car in the world in the year 1998 thanks to its extensive international presence. It recorded
855-546: The 1950s, as did the Kaiser on Manhattan sedans, although the material was still canvas as was used on the folding tops of convertibles of the time instead of vinyl. For the 1959 model year, the Chrysler 's Imperial featured a Landau top and the 1959 Desoto Adventurer Sportsman hardtop had a full roof that was not covered with vinyl, but both models had a textured black paint that was designed to look like leather. Probably
912-536: The 1960s and 1970s: The opera window was mounted in this pillar and was surrounded by sheet metal, not adjacent to either vinyl area. Three windows were mounted on each side of these cars; the Fairmont Futura had a similar style, differing only in not using the center opera window. A comparable two-piece roof covering was available on the AMC Pacer that emphasized the bump in the roof that accommodated
969-414: The 1970s. During this period, vinyl with padding under it was sometimes used, allowing the top to somewhat mimic the feel as well as the look of a genuine convertible. European and Japanese manufacturers offered vinyl-covered roofs. Chrysler's European-built cars used it on upmarket models of its Hunter and Avenger saloons. Ford had vinyl roofs on its European Escorts, Cortinas, Taunuses, and Granadas into
1026-451: The 1980s, but the coming of the "aero look," first introduced to the U.S. market by the 1983 Thunderbird, tended to militate against both opera windows and vinyl roofs, as their more formal style did not go well with the sleek profile designers were beginning to emphasize. Canvas-look tops, often called cabriolet roofs, with simulated convertible top bows under the fabric, gained some popularity. The availability of all vinyl styles dwindled in
1083-594: The 1990s, until the 2002 Lincoln Continental offered one of the last factory-applied versions. Hearse and limousine bodies almost universally still have vinyl tops. Not only are they part of the expected style of those vehicles, but they have a practical advantage in covering up the welded body seams that result when standard sedans are stretched to greater length. Aftermarket customizers also continue to install vinyl roofs of various types. These are usually seen on Cadillacs and Lincolns, but can be fitted to virtually any car. Several vinyl roof designs evolved during
1140-484: The 928 cc Coventry Climax -derived engine, an enlarged version of the 875cc unit used in the rear-engined Hillman Imp , also made in Linwood. Other than that, most components were identical to those of the Avenger. The car took its steering wheel and instrument pod from Chrysler's recently launched award-winning Simca 1307/Chrysler Alpine . On the outside, with the exception of the doors, which were straight from
1197-534: The American market, and they are considered one of the period hallmarks of the 1970s domestic cars. Vinyl roofs were also popular on European- (especially UK-) and Japanese-built cars during the 1970s, and tended to be applied to sporting or luxury trim versions of standard saloon (sedan) models. The vinyl roof cover was during the 1920s as a necessity to keep precipitation from occupants of the car. Other materials included leather and canvas. Some coverings replicated
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#17327916858311254-461: The Horizon model. For this reason, the Sunbeam was only available as a three-door derivative. Basing the car on the Avenger's platform allowed for the car not only to use as many existing components as possible, but also to put it in production in Linwood quickly and at minimal investment. The Avenger's wheelbase was shortened by 3 inches (76 mm), and some modifications were made to accommodate
1311-730: The Lotus 1973 cc Type 907 engine, a 16V slant four engine (the Sunbeam version being the Type 911 , along with a ZF gearbox , both mounted in the car at Ludham Airfield, close to the Lotus facility in Hethel, Norfolk , where the almost-complete cars were shipped from Linwood. Final inspection, in turn, took place in Stoke, Coventry . In road trim, the type 911 engine produced 150 bhp (112 kW; 152 PS) at 5,750rpm and 150 lb⋅ft (203 N⋅m) of torque at 4,500rpm. In rallying trim this
1368-469: The Sunbeam, that of a three-door hatchback . The car was literally a hatchback, with the rear hatch formed out of a single piece of glass as seen previously on the Hillman Imp. This required a high rear sill, which, while increasing structural rigidity made the loading and unloading of luggage rather difficult. Although it was a good looking car with clean modern lines, the tricky luggage compartment and
1425-921: The Talbot logo in lieu of the pentastar, which made it look completely in line with the new Talbot lineup. Until the time production ended, about 200,000 Sunbeams were made. Supermini car The B-segment is the second smallest of the European segments for passenger cars between the A-segment and C-segment , and commonly described as "small cars". The B-segment is the largest segment in Europe by volume, accounting for 20 percent of total car sales in 2020 according to JATO Dynamics . B-segment cars include hatchback, saloon , estate , coupe / convertible , MPV , and crossover / SUV body styles. The European segments are not based on size or weight criteria. In practice, B-segment cars have been described as having
1482-649: The UK from June 1979 priced at £3,779, it was based on the former Avenger Tiger (the name hailing back to the Sunbeam Tiger ), a sporty version of the Avenger. The 1.6-litre (1,598cc) engine fitted to the Sunbeam with twin Weber carburetors delivered 100 bhp (75 kW; 101 PS). It featured sporty two-tone paint and body kit, and was very sport-oriented, being stripped of equipment that would have compromised its performance (and image). It proved quite popular with reviewers and enthusiasts, and helped to emphasize
1539-632: The World Rally Championship - in 1980 , Henri Toivonen won the 29th Lombard RAC Rally in one, and, in 1981, the Sunbeam Lotus brought the entire manufacturer's championship to Talbot. Six Sunbeam Lotuses were acquired by Greater Manchester Police for their Traffic Area Support Services (TASS) unit in 1980 in a bid to combat car crime across Greater Manchester , operating alongside the Ford Capris being used by GMP at
1596-685: The Zoe achieved the 50,000 unit milestone in June 2016, and 200,000 units by March 2020. Other manufacturers followed suit; Groupe PSA introduced the Peugeot e-208 and Opel Corsa-e in 2019, while Honda followed with the low-volume Honda e , and Mini with their Mini Electric . The B-segment is considered as the European equivalent to the subcompact category widely known in North America,
1653-482: The advantages of the Sunbeam's rear-wheel drive against more trendy (and spacious) front-wheel drive rivals. Chrysler had also commissioned the sports car manufacturer and engineering company Lotus to develop a strict rally version of the Sunbeam. The resulting "Sunbeam Lotus" was based on the Sunbeam 1.6 GLS, but fitted with stiffer suspension , a larger anti-roll bar and a larger transmission tunnel. The drivetrain comprised an enlarged, 2,172 cc, version of
1710-446: The appearance of a movable top, similar to those on horse carriages, along with landau bars. The use of vinyl to cover the roofs of regular automobiles was to "give fixed-roof cars some of the flair and appeal of their convertible counterparts." An example is the 1928 - 1929 Ford Model "A" Special Coupe, featuring a roof completely covered with a vinyl-like material. This Model "A" Special Coupe's vinyl roof had two exposed seams on
1767-428: The back corners, with a lateral seam on the top covered with a narrow trim strip. The technique fell out of favor in the 1930s as painted steel was considered a better roof. Smoother, pontoon bodies began to be fashionable with metal. After World War II, the first example of using a fabric-covered top as a styling element, rather than a functional accessory, was the 1949 Kaiser Virginian. This four-door sedan model
Chrysler Sunbeam - Misplaced Pages Continue
1824-708: The country in 2020. The term supermini, which precedes the B-segment term, emerged in the UK in the 1970s, as car manufacturers sought a new design to surpass the influential Mini , launched in 1959, and journalists attempted to categorise such a vehicle. The car which is widely regarded as the first modern supermini is the Autobianchi A112 , launched in 1969. It was later followed by the Fiat 127 , Renault 5 , VW Polo and Honda Civic , which are similar in concept and size. These supermini or B-segment cars were considered to feature better comfort and convenience, with
1881-472: The early 1980s. British Leyland had vinyl roofs on the last Wolseley and top-end Princess models and the feature was optional for all other models. Volvo featured a standard vinyl top on its most luxurious two-door 262 C coupe. Toyota adopted vinyl roofs for its Corona Mark II , Crown and Century sedans in the mid-1970s, and they could be found on Nissan Laurels , Cedrics , and Glorias . Vinyl-covered roofs continued to appear in many car lines through
1938-485: The end of the Avenger and Sunbeam model lines. The Sunbeam also overlapped in size with the Simca-based Chrysler Horizon, while the Avenger upon which it was based overlapped with the Peugeot 305 , both of which were launched in 1977 and were newer, front wheel drive designs. The decision was quite reasonable, given the advanced age of the former and the fact that the "C2-short", in development,
1995-468: The first modern vinyl roof as it would later be accepted was the 1956 Cadillac Eldorado Seville that came standard with a roof covered in an early vinyl material called "Vicodec" which was simply diamond point convertible fabric. The recommended cleaning methods were the same for the Eldorado as regular convertible tops. The fabric was applied over a thin pad with two parallel seams running the length of
2052-523: The government for it by threatening to close the UK operations. The government agreed to a state grant reported at £55,000,000 to fund the development of a small car, to be developed in Chrysler's UK facilities and manufactured in Linwood. The development of the new car started in January 1976, under the codename Project R424 . The technical side was the responsibility of the engineering team in Ryton, while
2109-534: The lack of alternative bodystyles - the reasoning being that the Avenger range already offered saloon and estate variants - ultimately compromised the car's appeal in the UK market. The Sunbeam's main competitor in the UK, the Vauxhall Chevette was produced in different body styles, two- and four-door saloons and an estate, catering to a broader range of customers. On the interior side, the "GL" version
2166-414: The look of a convertible. This was not popular and the vinyl-covered models were discontinued the following year as Ford introduced pillarless hardtop models for 1951. Kaiser Motors introduced a unique trim option in 1951 for their all-new full-size four-door sedans. The interior vinyl upholstery featured simulated reptile pattern and an optional padded vinyl covered roof with a lizard skin pattern that
2223-550: 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 bad management, frequent strikes and decreasing competitiveness compared to the increasingly successful French and Japanese automakers. It took its toll on Chrysler UK, which
2280-467: The more trendy front-wheel drive constructions of Chrysler's French subsidiary, Simca . The Sunbeam was, unlike the larger Horizon and Alpine models which were launched by Chrysler in the mid to late 1970s, never sold in France as a Simca. Although it was targeted at the supermini size class, the Sunbeam's Avenger underpinnings meant that it was slightly larger than its intended rivals, and overlapped with
2337-642: The roof to mimic the appearance of a convertible model. Sales were low, but the Eldorado Seville with its vinyl roof was produced until 1960. Ford followed a few years later with a vinyl roof option on the 1962 Ford Thunderbird that also re-introduced landau bars as a styling element. The vinyl covering proved popular, and some form of vinyl trim would be seen on Thunderbird roofs for the next two decades. Other manufacturers followed. Vinyl appeared on some coupe models in GM's 1962 full-size line. Chrysler made
Chrysler Sunbeam - Misplaced Pages Continue
2394-526: The safety and surefootedness of the Mini's front-wheel drive/transverse engine package. That meant the addition of a hatchback and folding rear seats. The oil crisis in the 1970s was also argued to increase supermini market share. In 1976, Ford launched the Ford Fiesta which became popular. The segment began to be more popular in the 1980s. By the mid-1980s, the term supermini had become established as
2451-470: The same period. Fuel consumption has decreased by around 20 percent, and power-to-weight ratio has increased by 15 percent. Hatchback is the most popular body style for the segment. While the majority is equipped with five doors, many European-oriented hatchbacks was offered with both three-door and five-door versions, with 31 percent of European customers opting for three-door B-segment hatchbacks by 2007. The share has decreased to 13 percent in 2016 due to
2508-554: The shift of market preference which is moving towards prioritizing usability and practicality. As the result, by late 2010s, a number of manufacturers had stopped offering three-door versions of its B-segment hatchback models in Europe. Other body styles currently available in the segment in Europe are saloon (example: Dacia Logan ), estate (example: Dacia Logan MCV and Škoda Fabia Combi ), and coupe/convertible (example: Mini Cooper Cabrio/Convertible ). Performance-oriented versions of B-segment hatchbacks were developed and sold as
2565-525: The styling was the responsibility of Chrysler's Whitley design studio in Coventry , led by Roy Axe (who left the UK for Chrysler's headquarters in the US before the car was launched). Many constraints, such as a very tight schedule, low budget and the need to use as many British components as possible, led to the decision to use the rear-wheel drive Hillman Avenger as the base for the new vehicle, rather than
2622-528: The time. The six cars were modified to appear as regular Talbot Sunbeams, being painted in regular Talbot colours and having exterior Lotus badging removed while also being equipped with a Britax magnetic blue light, two-tone siren horns, police warning signage on the trunk lid and a VHF police radio. Throughout their service during the 1980s, five of the six Sunbeam Lotuses were operated interchangeably across various parts of Greater Manchester, often deployed in high-speed stolen vehicle pursuits and also issued with
2679-438: The two-door Avenger, the R424 was given an all-new body, styled very much in line with Chrysler's new, angular "international" style, conceived by Axe, which was first presented with the debut of the 1975 Simca 1307/Chrysler Alpine , and was later also represented by the 1977 Simca/Chrysler Horizon ( Project C2 ). This ensured that the R424 fitted in well with the new Chrysler lineup and came across as fairly modern. Nevertheless,
2736-515: Was a fixed-roof version of the Kaiser Manhattan four-door convertible and the roof was covered with the same nylon fabric as the convertible. The pillarless hardtop body style was introduced to resemble convertibles. Because Ford did not have a hardtop body style offered by General Motors and Chrysler, a vinyl-covered roof was optional on the 1950 two-door Ford Crestliner, Mercury Monterey, and Lincoln Lido models as an effort to simulate
2793-482: Was called the "Mod Top" option. The Mercury Cougar briefly offered a houndstooth pattern. There was even an aftermarket spray-on product that claimed to add that factory vinyl look. By 1972, even the Ford Pinto offered a vinyl roof option. At about that same time, the modern opera window first appeared, and it went so well with a vinyl surround that the two together became emblematic of American body design in
2850-604: Was developed in the 1970s as an informal categorisation, and by 1977 was used regularly by the British newspaper The Times . By the mid-1980s, it had widespread use in Britain. In Germany, the term "small cars" ( German : Kleinwagen ) has been endorsed by the Federal Motor Transport Authority ( Kraftfahrt-Bundesamt [ de ] , KBA) equivalent to the B-segment. The segment accounts for 15.1 percent of total car registrations in
2907-618: Was increased to 250 bhp (186 kW; 253 PS). The Sunbeam Lotus was unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in April 1979, but the road-going version of the rally car was not ready for deliveries to the public until after the rebranding, and thus became the "Talbot Sunbeam Lotus". At first these were produced mostly in black and silver, although later models came in a moonstone blue and silver (or black) scheme. The car saw not only enthusiastic press reviews, but also much success in
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#17327916858312964-477: Was named "Dinosaur." The automaker introduced a special luxury model, the Kaiser Dragon for the 1953 model year. In addition to numerous standard equipment and features such as 14- karat gold plated hood ornament and nameplates, the cars special upholstery and padded roof now featured a grass-patterned "Bambu" vinyl. Lincoln simulated the appearance of a convertible on some Cosmopolitan coupes in
3021-471: Was not a runaway success. In spite of the ability to keep the UK business afloat, Chrysler was still making losses both in Europe and at home, and, facing the possibility of complete bankruptcy, decided to sell Chrysler Europe to PSA. The French company took control of the former Chrysler Europe effective January 1, 1979, and in the course of the year announced all former Chrysler Europe products would be rebranded to Talbots starting August 1, 1979. The Sunbeam
3078-402: Was simply rebadged in the strictest sense of the word, with the Chrysler badge on the bonnet replaced by one that read "Talbot", but retaining its grille with a prominent Chrysler pentastar until 1981. In order to boost the Sunbeam's image, a " hot hatch " version of the Sunbeam was launched at the 1978 British International Motor Show and Paris Motor Show , called "Sunbeam Ti". On sale in
3135-547: Was the first car to sport printed "melded" fabric from Cambrelle on its seats. These have been considered similar to the Avenger in their comfort. Until the R424's launch, most Chrysler UK products were sold in export markets under the Sunbeam brand of the former Rootes portfolio. Chrysler, however, was striving to cut down on the Rootes brand palette (which at that time existed solely by means of badge engineering ) and introduce
3192-550: Was the name given to the former Rootes Group after its takeover by the American-based Chrysler Corporation . In particular, the Linwood facility was generating losses due to many reasons, including underutilised capacity. In 1975, the infamous 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
3249-588: Was to be launched. Even though the C2-short programme was eventually scrapped, PSA did prepare their own version, the Talbot Samba (based on PSA's own front-wheel drive supermini, the Peugeot 104 ). The Samba was launched in 1981, signalling the time the Sunbeam would take its final bow. Even though the end was looming, the Sunbeam was afforded a facelift for its final 1981 model year, finally gaining flush headlamps along with an entire new front end, featuring
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