Talbot Samba
ENGINE 954cc/4-cyl/OHC POWER 45bhp@6000rpm TORQUE 47lbft@3000rpm MAXIMUM SPEED 84mph 0-60MPH 18sec FUEL CONSUMPTION 38-45mpg TRANSMISSION FWD, four-speed manual MoT November 2017 ODOMETER 55,063 miles
WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?
The engine starts and runs eagerly and effortlessly, settling to a sweet idle without any undue noises. The initially heavy clutch feels lighter the more you drive it. The gears engage easily, and the brakes are more than adequate, despite needing more bedding-in time. Suspension damping is excellent and there are no rattles. Progress is sprightly enough for an engine that delivers its peak power at 6000rpm and there are no significant tappet sounds or other concerning noises.
BODYWORK CHECK
The bodywork appears rust-free, albeit with some evidence of touch up paint and repairs here and there. These include some work to the offside quarter lower panel – apparently to sort out a dent – which could be improved upon cosmetically. There’s also a welded patch on the A-pillar hinge mount. The inner arches look clean with no visible signs of rust. The decal around the rear window has faded but the boot floor is in excellent condition with sharp and clean seams. The steel wheels are all in excellent condition, complemented by Talbot centre caps and chrome trim rings. Tyres are Event 135 80 R13s with ample tread remaining.
HOW’S THE INTERIOR?
The immaculate burnt orange fabric seats are soft and very comfortable but have no head restraints or seat-back adjustment. The headlining and grey carpets (including the one in the boot) are unmarked and in fantastic condition. The dashboard plastics and door cards are all in good nick. The tilt glass sunroof works fine and there’s no evidence of leaks. All the switches work and a 12v socket has been added to the passenger side of the dashboard. The aftermarket 1970s-vintage Motorola radio looks great but isn’t connected, so we can’t vouch for the system’s quality.
UNDER THE BONNET
The car was serviced and fitted with a new clutch, tyres and brake pads around six months ago and has covered few miles since. The spare wheel – which sits on top of the engine – wears a Goodyear GT80 tyre with good tread, but is of indeterminate age. The engine bay is unlikely to win any awards, but is all in order. The exhaust appears recent. Fluids are to the correct levels and look healthy. A fan with extra blades has been fitted. The paperwork contains MoTs dating back to when it had 14k miles on the clock, confirming the current mileage.
THE CCW VIEW
This three-owner Samba Style – a runout model fitted with a radio and sunroof to help shift remaining stock before the car was dropped – is believed to be one of three survivors. It’s solid in the usual Samba problem areas (inner arches and A-pillars), but there’s room for cosmetic improvement.