Sunbeam Avenger 1.6 GT FIA GR2 ’1974

Chassis nr. R4841184216

2 door, LHD

Completely rebuilt:

Body refurbished and repainted

New engine and exhaust done by Sunbeam specialist P.Sappinen: 140 hp / 182 Nm

Refurbished close-Ratio gearbox by Kimtech

Documented rally history since 1985

Valid FIA HTP

Road traffic legal: Mot/Tüv inspection valid until 02/2023.

-Sold to Tenerife, canary islands-

Rootes Group was British engine and car manufacturer founded by Rootes brothers William and Reginald in 1913. In 1960’s Rootes Motors was taken over in stages by Chrysler Corporation. Avenger was the first and last model that was developed under Chrysler Corporation leadership. It was introduced in Paris Motorshow in 1970 and it was produced as a Sunbeam, Hillman, Chrysler, Talbot, Plymouth and Volkswagen.

Since 1950’s the Rootes group had taken apart to British and other European rallying and Sir Stirling Moss, Desmond Channel and John Cooper achieved the second place in Monte Carlo 1952 with Sunbeam–Talbot 90 MKII and and Per Malling and Gunnar Fading win of the Monte Carlo in 1955 with MKIII.

So was it natural to take the Avenger to the gravel as well. In mid 1970’s British Ian Gemmel succeed to victory with Avenger in 1600 Group 1 and overall Group 1 to second place. They won the Tour Mull and first ever Knockhill Rallycross with Avenger as well. With small team they finished as a third in British Rally Championship in 1975. In September 1985 Colin McRae was only 17 years old and wanted to take apart to Kames Rally. He borrowed the Avenger from David Burden. He could borrow the car if he would replace the broken gearbox of the rally car. He did and win his class with Avenger. In Finland Henri Toivonen won the Jyväskylä Suurajot group 1 in 1977 with Avenger and was fifth in overall rally.

This car has been rallying in Finland since mid 1980’s.

Since 2019 the Avenger has been completely refurbished and rebuilt for GR2 Historic Rally use. Body was refurbished and painted with classic Sunbeam White & Blue shades.

Engine was rebuilt by Sunbeam specialist P. Sappinen. Everything is designed for challenging racing conditions. Rebuilt engine with custom made alloy intake air chamber produces 140 hp and 182 nm.  Engine has an aluminium sump guard and the body has rear trailing arms with custom made protecting shields.

Engine works with electronic distributor. Car electrics have been totally and properly remade with all new wiring, fusebox and twin coil -system. In the front of the car there are CIBIE additional lights with quick release.

Avenger has new Jaz Racing tank with foam and the filling is easy from the trunk.

Close-ratio gearbox is built by racing car transmission specialist Kimtech. Gearbox have been rebuilt with all new bearings and synchromesh. Final drive ratio is 4.375 and the car has reconditioned limited slip differential. Rear axle is X-bolted and refurbished with all new bearings.

Inside You find both the genuine Halda Twinmaster from ‘1970’s but also the updated and correct VDO instruments. Both the driver and co-driver have the alloy foot support, co-driver’s support is adjustable for different sized co-drivers. Peltor Intercom -headset system. Car has the Sparco fire extinguisher system and one hand-extinguisher. Car hass FIA approved Sparco seats and Sabelt belts. Windscreen has been renewed and sidewindows with sliders made of polycarbonate. For winter rallies and other cold conditions the car has additional Webasto fuel heater to keep the cabin and drivers warm.

Car is ready to race with Minilite alloy wheels and correct Pirelli gravel tires.

Valid FIA HTP and MOT/Tüv. Road legal rally car ready to race!

Located in Lahti, Finland. Views by appointment only.

Worldwide shipping with generous rates.