The Chrysler Sunbeam was
introduced on July 23, 1977, with a memorable advertising
campaign featuring Petula Clark singing "...put a Chrysler
Sunbeam in your life." The Chrysler Sunbeam is a three-door
hatchback manufactured by Chrysler Europe at the former Rootes Group
factory in Linwood, Scotland. After the takeover of Chrysler Europe
by PSA Peugeot Citroën, the model was renamed Talbot Sunbeam and
production continued until 1981.
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| Chrysler Sunbeam LS |
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| Chrysler Sunbeam S |
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| Chrysler Sunbeam GLS |
The development of the car
started in January 1976 under the codename Project R424. The styling
of the car was the responsibility of Chrysler's Whitley design studio
in Coventry, led by Roy Axe. The car was rear-wheel drive, unlike the
more advanced front-wheel drive Horizon by Chrysler's French
subsidiary, Simca.
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| Chrysler Sunbeam Ti |
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| Talbot Sunbeam Lotus (1981) |
There were three trim
levels available, the base version LS, the better-equipped version GL
and the most expensive version S (later GLS). Initially three engines
were available, a 928 cc L4, a 1295 cc L4, and 1598 cc L4 unit. In
1978 the Chrysler Sunbeam Ti was launched with the 1600cc Avenger
Tiger engine, including twin Weber carburettors. In 1979 the Sunbeam
Lotus was unveiled with a 2172 cc 16V Lotus power unit.
Chrysler Sunbeam Advert
Petula Clark's relationship with Chrysler sure lasted a while; Osborn Tramain's Youtube channel features her singing the praises of the '68 Plymouth Fury.
ReplyDeletehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FWRdmxYCdwU
Petula Clark was spokesperson for Plymouth in the USA in 1968 where she sang the jingle "The Plymouth Win You Over Beat Goes On" to the tune of Sonny & Cher's hit "The Beat Goes On." Petula was awarded a Clio Award (the Oscars of the Advertising World) in 1968 for "Best Female Spokesperson" in an Ad Campaign. Chrysler - Plymouth would bring her back again in 1969 as spokesperson where she sang "Just Look What Plymouth's Up to Now."
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