IsItAGoodCar
Reliability Guide

Common Problems with the
1981 Talbot Solara

We've identified 3 known issues that can affect the 1981 Talbot Solara. 1 of these are serious faults that could be expensive to repair.

3
Known Issues
1
Serious
2
Moderate
0
Minor

All Known Issues

Front wing arches, sills, and vinyl-roof skin corrosion

SeriousBodywork & Rust

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.

Est. Repair Cost: £350–£1,200
Warning Signs:

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

What to Inspect:
  • Press firmly around the roof pillars and windscreen header to ensure the steel beneath the vinyl has not softened
  • Inspect the lower sills and jacking points with a torch and probe for hollow filler repairs
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research TeamUpdated

Simca pushrod overhead-valve clatter and oil weeping

ModerateEngine

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.

Est. Repair Cost: £100–£320
Warning Signs:

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

What to Inspect:
  • Check valve clearances with feeler gauges to verify correct rocker gap adjustment
  • Inspect the perimeter of the rocker cover and timing cover for fresh oil weeping
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research TeamUpdated

Carburettor cold-start hesitation and automatic choke failure

ModerateFuel System

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.

Est. Repair Cost: £120–£350
Warning Signs:

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

What to Inspect:
  • Verify that the choke flap opens fully to the vertical position as the engine reaches normal temperature
  • Inspect rubber vacuum lines leading to the carburettor base for splits and air leaks
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research TeamUpdated

Buying Tips for 1981 Talbot Solara

  • Check beneath vinyl roof coverings on early GLS and SX models: trapped water causes severe rust perforation in the structural roof skin.
  • Examine the rear suspension mounting areas and trailing arm pockets: heavy corrosion here requires difficult structural welding.
  • Inspect dashboard plastic and column stalks: interior switches and trim are brittle and virtually impossible to source from breakers.
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Check a 1981 Talbot Solara by Registration