The Talbot Solara: A Comprehensive History and Overview
The Talbot Solara was a mid-sized family saloon produced between 1980 and 1986. Manufactured by PSA Group under the Talbot marque, the Solara represented a significant moment in the brand’s history—it was essentially a saloon version of the popular Talbot Horizon hatchback. While it never achieved major commercial success outside certain European markets, the Solara is remembered today as one of the last efforts to keep the Talbot name relevant before it was eventually phased out.
This article explores the Solara’s production history, models, trim levels, mechanical specifications, and legacy, along with a brief look at its future prospects as a classic collector’s car.
Background: Talbot and PSA’s Strategy
The Talbot brand had a complex history. Originally a British marque dating back to the early 20th century, it had passed through various owners over the decades. By the late 1970s, Talbot was in the hands of PSA Peugeot Citroën, which had acquired Chrysler Europe in 1978. Chrysler’s European operations included the former Rootes Group in the UK and Simca in France.
The Talbot Solara was developed during a period when PSA needed to quickly refresh the product range without incurring major development costs. The decision was made to create a saloon derivative of the Talbot Horizon—a car launched in 1978 and built in France and Spain. This approach allowed PSA to use existing engineering while targeting buyers who preferred a traditional booted sedan over a hatchback.
Design and Development
The Talbot Solara shared its basic platform, mechanical components, and much of its styling with the Horizon. The major change was the extended rear section, which provided a conventional four-door saloon body with a separate luggage compartment. The design work was handled at Simca’s facilities in Poissy, France.
In terms of styling, the Solara retained the Horizon’s clean, straight lines but adopted a slightly more formal appearance. The front end was largely identical, while the rear featured a more upright C-pillar and a longer boot lid. This gave the car a more conservative look, aimed at traditional sedan buyers—particularly in markets such as France, Spain, and the UK.
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Production Years and Locations
The Talbot Solara was produced from 1980 to 1986. Production took place primarily at the Poissy plant in France, with some assembly also occurring in other PSA facilities for certain markets.
Models and Trim Levels
Over its production run, the Solara was offered in several trim levels, varying by market and year. The range evolved over time, but the core lineup included:
- Base / LS
- The entry-level model featured simple interior trim, basic instrumentation, and minimal decorative features.
- Steel wheels and vinyl seat coverings were standard.
- Engine options typically included 1.3-litre or 1.6-litre Simca-derived petrol units.
- GL
- The GL offered upgraded interior materials, more exterior chrome detailing, and enhanced equipment compared to the base model.
- Often fitted with a radio, cloth upholstery, and improved sound insulation.
- Engine choices similar to LS, but sometimes included additional carburettor tuning for marginally better performance.
- GLS
- A mid-range trim offering further comfort and convenience features.
- Included features such as adjustable seats, improved dashboard trim, and additional brightwork.
- Frequently powered by the 1.6-litre engine, with optional 5-speed manual gearbox in later years.
- SX
- Positioned as the top-of-the-line luxury trim for the Solara.
- Features included velour upholstery, alloy wheels, tinted glass, and more comprehensive instrumentation.
- Some SX models were equipped with power-assisted steering, electric windows, and central locking.
- The SX often came with the larger 1.6-litre or 1.6-litre twin-carb engine, delivering improved performance.
- Diesel Models
- Later in the Solara’s life, PSA introduced diesel versions, primarily targeting fuel-conscious European buyers.
- These were typically available in GL and GLS trims, powered by PSA’s 1.9-litre diesel engine.
- Diesel Solara models were noted for their exceptional economy, though performance was modest.
- Special Editions
- In certain markets, special edition models were offered to boost sales. Examples included “Pullman” or “Executive” versions with extra equipment such as sunroofs, metallic paint, and enhanced audio systems.
- Spain and France saw limited-run versions with trim packages unique to those regions.
Mechanical Specifications
The Solara’s mechanical package was largely inherited from the Horizon. Engines were Simca-derived inline-four units, mounted transversely and driving the front wheels. Common petrol engine sizes included:
- 1.3-litre (1294 cc): Producing around 68 horsepower, this engine was economical but modest in performance.
- 1.6-litre (1592 cc): Producing between 85 and 90 horsepower depending on carburettor setup, this was the most popular engine, offering a reasonable balance between performance and economy.
- 1.6-litre twin-carb: Found in sportier SX versions, delivering up to 95 horsepower.
- 1.9-litre diesel: PSA’s proven XUD diesel engine, offering high fuel economy at the expense of acceleration.
Transmission options included a 4-speed manual gearbox for early models, later supplemented by a 5-speed manual in higher trims. A 3-speed automatic was also offered in some markets, particularly for the SX.
Suspension was fully independent, with MacPherson struts at the front and trailing arms at the rear. Ride quality was tuned for comfort, in line with French market preferences.
Market Position and Reception
At launch in 1980, the Talbot Solara was positioned as a family car, competing with models such as the Ford Cortina, Opel Ascona, and Peugeot 305. Its main selling points were the combination of Horizon-derived practicality and the formal appeal of a saloon body. Buyers in France and Spain appreciated the comfortable ride and spacious interior.
However, the Solara faced challenges. Talbot’s brand image was weaker than many rivals, and PSA’s limited marketing budget meant the car lacked strong promotion. Quality issues, particularly in early production, also affected consumer confidence. In the UK, the Solara struggled to gain traction against established competitors, and sales remained modest.
Facelift and Updates
In 1983, the Solara received a light facelift to keep it competitive. Changes included:
- Revised grille and headlights
- Updated interior fabrics and dashboard trim
- Minor mechanical improvements, including the option of a 5-speed gearbox on more models
- Introduction of diesel variants in additional markets
Despite these updates, the Solara’s basic design remained rooted in late 1970s styling, and by the mid-1980s, it was looking dated compared to newer rivals.
End of Production
By 1986, PSA had decided to wind down the Talbot brand in most markets. The Solara was discontinued, along with other Talbot passenger cars, as Peugeot and Citroën became the group’s primary focus. The Poissy plant switched to producing Peugeot models, and the Talbot name survived only on commercial vehicles for a few more years.
Legacy and Future Outlook
Today, the Talbot Solara is a rare sight. Surviving examples are mostly found in France and Spain, with a handful in the UK and other European countries. The car’s obscurity has made it a curiosity among classic car enthusiasts, particularly those interested in unusual or short-lived models.
From a collector’s perspective, the Solara’s future is niche. It does not have the performance pedigree or iconic status of some contemporaries, but it holds appeal for fans of 1980s European cars. Well-preserved SX or special edition models, especially with twin-carb engines or original features, are the most sought-after.
Parts availability can be challenging, though some mechanical components are shared with the Horizon and other PSA models, making maintenance possible for dedicated owners. The diesel versions, while less collectible, are appreciated among enthusiasts for their economy and longevity.
Why the Solara Matters
The Talbot Solara is significant for several reasons:
- Brand Transition: It represents one of the final passenger car efforts by the Talbot marque before its dissolution.
- Design Philosophy: It illustrates PSA’s strategy of platform sharing to save costs—transforming a hatchback into a saloon to reach a different segment.
- Market Snapshot: The Solara captures a moment in European automotive history when traditional saloons were still preferred by many buyers, just before hatchbacks became dominant.
Conclusion
Produced from 1980 to 1986, the Talbot Solara was a pragmatic effort by PSA to expand the Talbot range using existing technology. Offered in multiple trims—LS, GL, GLS, SX, and various diesel and special editions—it catered to a broad spectrum of buyers seeking a comfortable, practical family sedan. While it never achieved major commercial success, it remains an interesting chapter in the Talbot story.
Today, the Solara’s rarity makes it a talking point among enthusiasts. Its understated styling, comfortable ride, and connection to the Talbot Horizon give it a unique place in automotive history. As time passes, surviving examples will likely become more appreciated—not as high-value collectibles, but as distinctive reminders of a transitional era in European car manufacturing.
