Talbot Solara
Introduced in 1980 the Solara was intended to take Talbot upmarket. It was based on the Alpine (Simca 1301/1501), powered by the same engines as the hatchback, but having a 3-inch longer booted body. The hatchback continued until 1982 but it seems likely that Solara sales were at the expense of the Alpine/1510. 1982 the Solara Sceptre was introduced as a two tome Solara 1.6GL, and the Solara Vogue which was given auxiliary lamps and better trim. Solara Minx (LS) and Solara Rapier (GL) cars appeared on the UK market in 1984, with new 3-bar grilles. British production ended in 1985, and also at Poissy, with Spanish production continuing until 1986. 184,976 Solaras were produced.
aa Talbot Solara 1985 Minx badgem
aa Talbot Solara 1985 Minx badgem
Talbot Solara 1985 Minx - badge on wing. Introduced in 1984 the Talbot Minx ('Solara' was dropped even though the badge was still affixed to the bootlid).
aa Talbot Solara 1985 Minx badges
aa Talbot Solara 1985 Minx badges
Talbot Solara 1985 Minx. Introduced in 1984 the Talbot Minx ('Solara' was dropped even though the badge was still affixed to the bootlid).
aa Talbot Solara 1985 Minx badget
aa Talbot Solara 1985 Minx badget
Talbot Solara 1985 Minx. - badge on bonnet
ac Talbot Solara 1985 Minx head
ac Talbot Solara 1985 Minx head
Talbot Solara 1985 Minx. Introduced in 1984 the Talbot Minx had a new 3-bar grille and the 1,294cc engine
Chrysler Alpine S 1980 front
Chrysler Alpine S 1980 front
Chr Chrysler Alpine S 1980. The Alpine S was sold in the UK with the 1,442cc 85bhp engine given to the French Chrysler-Simca 1308
Hillman Minx Series IIIB 1960 convertible front
Hillman Minx Series IIIB 1960 convertible front
Hillman Minx Series IIIB 1960 convertible. In 1960, convertible versions of the Hillman Minx, Singer Gazelle and Sunbeam Rapier were available, all built by Thrupp and Maberley
Talbot Solara 1981 1-5 LS front
Talbot Solara 1981 1-5 LS front
Talbot Solara 1.5 LS. Launched in 1980, the Solara was a 3-box saloon version of the Chrysler Alpine/Simca 1510. It was 3-inches longer and was hoped to push Talbot cars upmarket since hatchbacks were deemed utilitarian. A 1442cc engine powered the Solar 1.5.
Talbot Solara 1981 1-5 LS rear
Talbot Solara 1981 1-5 LS rear
Talbot Solara 1981 1-5 LS. The Solara was a booted version of the Simca 1501/Chrysler Alpine and was 3-inches longer
Talbot Solara 1985 Minx front
Talbot Solara 1985 Minx front
Talbot Solara 1985 Minx. Introduced in 1984 the Talbot Minx was a version of the Solara LS with the new 3-bar grille and the 1,294cc engine.
Talbot (PSA)French CarsSimon Cars
All images and content of this site is the copyright of Simon GP Geoghegan