[Closed] PIC: A couple of very nice foreign makes,

The Panhard is absolutely beautiful aside from the filthy tires.

It's hard for me to understand how such a beautiful car could turn into such ugly ducklings in later years.

You're right, Bob. It's the first time I've thought a Panhard was stunning.

But, in the later years, they certainly had character!

A little spray of Armor-All should fix them up.

The Sunbeam turned up on the Rootes facebook page I follow...

Strictly speaking it's a Sunbeam Mk111 as Rootes dropped the 'Talbot' part in 1954/5. It's a beautiful example. As for the Panhard I love it as well...I like all Panhards anyway. This was produced as a model/kit in 1:43 by Rod Ward of Modelauto and I made a bunch of them for him. The Sunbeam Mk111 has never been made in 1:43 although Cult Models are supposed to be doing a 1:18 but it's been on their list for two years now and not appeared. I have made a few in 1:43 based on Somerville's Mk11A. The detail differences include the side grilles at the front, wheel trims and the small dummy vents on the sides of the bonnet (hood).

The Sunbeam was once a boyhood dream of ownership, but those sold locally lacked the overzealous acoutromonts and two-tone paint scheme.

I always wanted one too Bruce. A family friend had a 2A saloon..

and about 25 years ago I actually bought an 80 saloon but never managed to get it on the road. This was an early example with the small engine and low set headlights. The Mk111 here was among the last, the two tone an attempt to make them more saleworthy although they were outdated by then. If I ever won the lottery I'd buy one.