1981 Talbot Samba Cabrio (51E) Dimensions, Size & Specs

The curb weight of the Talbot Samba Cabrio typically falls around 810 to 850 kilograms (approximately 1,786 to 1,874 pounds). This lightweight construction is partly due to its small size and cabriolet design, making it easier to handle and contributing to a more spirited driving experience despite its modest power output. The reduced weight also helps improve fuel efficiency and makes parking simpler. However, being lightweight means the car may feel more sensitive to strong crosswinds, especially with the soft top down, which is typical for cabriolets of this era.

The Talbot Samba Cabrio is designed primarily as a small two-door cabriolet with seating typically for four passengers, although the rear seats are best suited for smaller adults or children. The interior prioritizes a cozy and intimate driving experience rather than spaciousness. Due to its compact size, rear legroom and headroom are limited, especially when the roof is up, but the design maximizes the available space efficiently. The foldable soft top also contributes to a more open cabin feel, enhancing enjoyment for front passengers.

Yes, the Talbot Samba Cabrio's compact dimensions make it well-suited to fit into a standard garage. With a length of approximately 3,565 mm (140.4 inches), width of 1,570 mm (61.8 inches), and height of around 1,400 mm (55.1 inches), it is smaller than or comparable to many typical passenger cars. This means most single-car garages can easily accommodate it with ample room for opening doors and accessing the vehicle. Its cabriolet design also means that with the roof down, the height remains relatively low, but the footprint remains comfortably manageable for typical residential parking.

The Talbot Samba Cabrio (51E) is based on the original Samba, which was itself a derivative of the Peugeot 104 platform. Compared to the predecessor hatchback Samba, the Cabrio retains very similar dimensions with only slight modifications to accommodate the convertible roof mechanism and reinforce the chassis for rigidity. Length, width, and height remain largely consistent with the standard Samba hatchback, which measured about 3,530 mm in length, so the cabriolet variant offers nearly the same compact footprint with the benefit of open-air motoring. This minimal size change ensured that the driving characteristics and urban maneuverability of the car were preserved.

Compared to similar early-1980s small cabriolets, such as the Fiat 127 Cabrio or the Peugeot 205 Cabriolet, the Talbot Samba Cabrio's dimensions are competitive and compact. Its length of 3,565 mm (140.4 inches) is slightly shorter than some of its rivals, providing an advantage in tighter urban settings. Width-wise at 1,570 mm (61.8 inches), it tends to be a bit narrower, which fosters nimble handling but potentially less cabin width. Height is comparable across this category, given standard cabriolet roof designs. Overall, the Samba Cabrio fits well into the segment of sporty, small, and economical open-top cars popular in Europe during the early 1980s.

The Talbot Samba Cabrio is a small, two-door cabriolet automobile primarily designed for personal and leisure use. Its open-top design and compact dimensions make it ideal for city driving, weekend getaways, and leisurely cruises rather than long-distance touring or family hauling. It offers an engaging driving experience with easy maneuverability and is often appreciated by enthusiasts who value classic European cabriolets. Its size and styling also make it attractive for those seeking a vintage, stylish vehicle that stands out in everyday traffic.

The Talbot Samba Cabrio is distinguished by its soft folding roof that converts the car from a closed coupe into a stylish open-air vehicle. It features body reinforcements to compensate for the loss of structural rigidity caused by removing the fixed roof. The design incorporates clean, angular lines typical of early 1980s European cars and small, round headlights carry a classic aesthetic. Inside, it offers a minimalist yet functional dashboard, and the overall focus was on lightweight construction and simplicity, prioritizing driving enjoyment and ease of maintenance.

The Talbot Samba Cabrio was equipped with small-displacement inline-four engines, commonly around 1.0 to 1.2 liters, reflecting its lightweight design and economical intent. Power output varied, typically between 45 to 60 horsepower depending on the specific model and market. The car came with a 4-speed or 5-speed manual gearbox, emphasizing simplicity and driver engagement. This modest powertrain configuration was adequate for the Samba's size and weight, providing decent acceleration for urban and suburban driving, but it was not designed for high-speed performance.

Owing to its compact size and relatively low curb weight (approximately 810 to 850 kg or 1,786 to 1,874 lbs), the Talbot Samba Cabrio tends to offer improved fuel efficiency compared to larger and heavier cabriolets from the early 1980s. Its small displacement engines work efficiently in combination with the light structure, enabling fuel consumption figures that were competitive for its class and era — often in the range of 6 to 7 liters per 100 kilometers (approximately 34 to 39 miles per gallon). This efficiency made it an appealing option for budget-conscious drivers who wanted the flair of an open-top car without excessive operating costs.