Talbot Solara. 1980–5 (prod. 179,490 France only; 14,047 in Finland, incl. Talbot 1510). F/F, 1294, 1442, 1592 cm³ (I4 OHV). Launched April 1980, three-box follow-up to old Simca 1307 or Talbot 1510. Same mechanicals, which meant an enlarged Simca 1100 platform. Underpowered alongside rivals such as Opel Ascona B and Ford Taunus 80 and not that successful. As with 1510, Series 2 in UK from 1982, and Minx and Rapier trim levels there from 1984. French production ceased 1984 when only 7,704 Solaras made. Final cars sold in 1986, with Talbot brand withdrawn from passenger cars.

Manufacturing locations: Poissy, France; Ryton-on-Dunsmore, Warwickshire, England; Villaverde, Spain; Uusikaupunki, Finland

Marque: Talbot | Predecessors: Talbot Avenger, Chrysler Hunter | Successor: Peugeot 405

Off-site links

• Allpar.com: ‘The Chrysler Alpine, Simca 1307/1308, Talbot 1510, and Talbot Solara’
• AROnline: ‘The cars: Chrysler Alpine’