Sunbeam 90 Mark II
The rally-bred 'aristocrat of sports cars' that defined post-war British elegance.
- Power
- 70 bhp
- 0–60 mph
- 20.2 s
- Top speed
- 85 mph
- Est. value
- $12k–$26k
About the Sunbeam 90 Mark II
The Sunbeam-Talbot 90 Mark II was a significant evolution of the Rootes Group's premium sports saloon, introducing a larger 2.3-litre overhead-valve engine and independent front suspension. Its elegant, streamlined bodywork and high-quality interior appointments earned it the nickname 'the aristocrat of sports cars'. The model gained international fame through its competition success, most notably when Stirling Moss drove a Mark II to second place overall in the 1952 Monte Carlo Rally. Today, it is prized by collectors for its robust engineering, rally heritage, and the distinctive 'pillarless' styling of its rear windows.
Sunbeam 90 Mark II specs
The Sunbeam 90 Mark II produces 70 bhp (52 kW) and 142 Nm (105 lb-ft) of torque. It reaches 60 mph in 20.2 seconds and has a top speed of 85 mph (137 km/h).
| Make | Sunbeam |
|---|---|
| Model | 90 |
| Generation | Mark II |
| Trim | 2.3 |
| Years | 1950–1952 |
| Type | Classic |
| Body style | Saloon |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Production | About 5,493 built |
| Engine | 2.3-litre OHV inline-four |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 2,267 cc (2.3 litres) |
| Induction | Naturally aspirated |
| Power | 70 bhp (52 kW) at 4,000 rpm |
| Torque | 142 Nm (105 lb-ft) |
| 0–60 mph | 20.2 s |
| Top speed | 85 mph (137 km/h) |
| Transmission | 4-speed manual |
| Drivetrain | Rear-wheel drive |
| Weight | 1,334 kg (2,941 lb) |
| Power-to-weight | 52 bhp per tonne |
Typical figures for the standard car; options, markets and model years vary. Where our specs come from
How much is a Sunbeam 90 Mark II worth?
A typical Sunbeam 90 Mark II is estimated to be worth $12,000 – $26,000 (about £8,600 – £19,000).
Values are directional estimates for a typical example, not appraisals. Condition, mileage, history and specification all change what a real car is worth. Pound figures use the exchange rate of 3 November 2026. How values are estimated
Sunbeam 90 Mark II rarity in CarSpot
The Sunbeam 90 Mark II is a Rare card in CarSpot, with a rarity score of 48 out of 100. Performance cars, typically worth around £50,000 to £100,000. A Rare card is worth 40 XP.
Each model's tier starts from a 0–100 score based on its value plus its power or production numbers. Once enough players have spotted a model, how often it is spotted can move it up or down one tier. How CarSpot rarity works
Rarity is a collectible game mechanic, not an assessment of real-world scarcity or value.
Sunbeam 90 Mark II fun facts
- Stirling Moss famously finished second in the 1952 Monte Carlo Rally driving a Sunbeam-Talbot 90 Mark II, cementing the car's reputation for durability.
- The Mark II's engine was shared with the Humber Hawk, but the Sunbeam version featured a superior overhead-valve cylinder head for increased power.
- The 90 Mark II was the first in the series to feature independent front suspension, vastly improving its handling over the earlier beam-axle Mark I.