1966 SUNBEAM VENEZIA TOURING

Lot 51
Go to lot
Estimation :
35000 - 45000 EUR
1966 SUNBEAM VENEZIA TOURING
Bodywork Touring Superleggera Less than 150 units Efficient and robust mechanics Spanish registration title Chassis n° 3190189 At the beginning of the 1960s, the British Rootes group owned many brands (Hillman, Singer, Humber or... Sunbeam) occupying different market segments. In competition, and in particular in rallying, it is the Sunbeam Alpine roadster which is in charge of defending the colors of the group against Triumph and MG competitors. The American market is rather successful, but why not try to conquer the hearts of Italians? The group’s directors signed a contract with Carrozzeria Touring, which would build Sunbeam Alpines and Hillman Super Minxes on site. It was also decided to develop a vehicle specifically for the Italian market, this time capable of competing with the most beautiful Italian GTs, including the Lancia Flaminia and Alfa Romeo 2600, no less! Touring therefore developed an astonishing 4-seater GT on a Hillman chassis, with the Rootes 4-cylinder 1,592 cc engine. The Sunbeam Venezia (Venice in Italian) was born! Presented at the 1963 Milan Motor Show, the car, bodied according to the Superleggera process, was met with a certain success, however limited by its selling price, equivalent to that of a Jaguar Mk 2, and much higher than the designated rivals. Out of the 300 cars (then 250) planned, only 150 were finally produced, with a few examples being exported, notably to the United Kingdom and Spain. This is the case of the car we are proposing, which reappeared in the hands of an Iberian enthusiast in the early 1990s. Initially in navy blue with a brown interior, and equipped with the 1,592 cc engine coupled to an automatic gearbox, it was decided to restore the car to its current configuration: grey color, blue fabric interior, and 1,725 cc engine (which replaced the 1,592 cc in the Rootes range in the mid-1960s, renowned for its reliability and robustness) coupled to a mechanical gearbox. The restoration of the car has just been completed, and it is therefore its future owner who will drive it for the first time. We could notice the seriousness of the work done, whether it is on the body (even if the adjustment of the elements would deserve to be resumed), interior and mechanics. Sunbeam Venezias are rare on the market, and the moderate price of this authentic Touring creation should not make you hesitate for long...
My orders
Sale information
Sales conditions
Return to catalogue