1981 Talbot Solara

Corrosion is the single biggest destroyer of surviving Talbot Solaras. Road spray rapidly attacks the front wing lips, sills, and rear wheelarch returns due to nonexistent plastic arch liners. Crucially, early UK-market GLS and SX models were factory-fitted with glued vinyl roof coverings; moisture penetrates the seams, becoming trapped beneath the vinyl and quietly rotting through the structural roof skin and windscreen header rail without obvious early visual warning.

Symptoms: Bubbling and crusty rust deposits beneath the edges of the vinyl roof covering, Flaking paint and perforations visible on the front wheelarch rims and outer sill panels

Est. repair cost: £350–£1,200

The 1.3-litre and 1.6-litre Simca engines in the Solara rely on an overhead-valve, side-camshaft architecture that generates a distinct chattering soundtrack. Over extended mileages, mechanical tappets work loose and pushrod ends wear, amplifying the top-end noise. Additionally, cork rocker cover gaskets, sump joints, and rear crankshaft seals dry out and weep oil onto the exhaust downpipe, resulting in unpleasant oil burning smells inside the passenger cabin.

Symptoms: Persistent chattering valve noise from the top of the engine bay under light acceleration, Oil dripping beneath the engine sump onto driveways and smoke hazing off the hot exhaust manifold

Est. repair cost: £100–£320

Solara 1.6 models utilise Weber or Solex twin-choke carburettors fitted with an automatic bi-metallic choke mechanism. Over time, internal choke diaphragms perish, vacuum pull-off pipes crack, and internal fuel jets suffer from gumming. The choke fails to disengage as the engine warms up, causing over-fuelling, black exhaust smoke, fouled spark plugs, and rough running when attempting to pull away from rest.

Symptoms: Engine hunting and stalling after starting from cold, requiring throttle pumping to keep running, Black exhaust smoke and strong unburned petrol smell with heavy fuel consumption

Est. repair cost: £120–£350