1982 Talbot Samba Cabriolet 1.1 petrol from Israel

Summary:

A cheap and rare Peugeot

Faults:

Overheating (radiator replaced).

Fuel indicator didn't work (rheostat replaced).

Rust spots all over the body inside the vehicle (anti-rust stuff solved it out).

Front axles needed to be replaced.

Engine carriers needed strengthening.

The water system leaked all over resulting in replacement of the pipes.

The water pump just crumbled and needed to be replaced.

Clutch needed to be replaced.

The exhaust needed strengthening.

Many other small problems.

General Comments:

This car has a lot of problems. If you're a good mechanic, or if you have plenty of time to learn how to fix it, you can get a lot of fun from it. All the parts are very easy to find here in Israel - this car is exactly a Peugeot 104!

The 1.1 Peugeot engine is very reliable and quick, though very sensitive to overheating. The 5 gear transmission is an excellent choice for this engine allowing good acceleration on high rpm's and cruising on highways on 90-110 km/h.

The chassis (and the design) is somewhat similar to Peugeot 205 Cabrio. This fact gives you a bunch of fun on sharp corners, especially when you ride on those tiny roads on the Golan Heights. It feels very stable on any road, in any weather.

The fuel consumption is low (app. 14 km/l).

The inside of this car is very well planned, supporting the driver with comfort and functionality. Four people can ride in it without a problem, although the back seats are not so comfortable and the space there is limited.

This model had a lot of original gadgets like electric windows, electric doors, wooden steering wheel and gear stick, magnesium wheels etc. that make you feel like you're inside a toy car (when they work). And of course, the confused people on the street looking on you and asking "what the hell is this???" - It's worth everything.

Conclusion:

A cheap and rare Peugeot, fun to drive and not easy to look for.

Ohhhrrr, I miss it so much now!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 6th November, 2003

19th May 2006, 11:22

A car with rust in Israel?? Isn't that pretty much the desert?

26th Jun 2009, 15:35

Israel is part desert, however there are still beaches, and where there are beaches there is salt.