1983–1984 Talbot Samba GL Specs & Performance

The Talbot Samba GL occupied a practical middle ground in the small-car range, pairing a compact three-door hatchback body with a more substantial 1.4-litre engine. Its Peugeot-derived underpinnings gave it a familiar front-wheel-drive layout, while the short 2,340 mm wheelbase helped keep the car manoeuvrable in town. Four seats and a folding rear bench made it useful beyond basic commuting, although rear passenger space remained modest. The GL’s appeal was its uncomplicated blend of economy, everyday usability and straightforward mechanical design.

The naturally aspirated 1,360 cc XY7 four-cylinder develops 59 hp at 5,000 rpm and 77 lb·ft at 2,500 rpm. A five-speed manual gearbox is standard, giving the GL a more relaxed cruising option than the four-speed versions in the Samba range. Produced from 1983–1984, this specification represents the 1.4-litre GL offered in the early part of the model’s production run.