Back in the 1930s, Talbot was up there with the finest names in the automotive world – a manufacturer of bespoke, solidly built and elegant motor cars that were on a par with some of the finest names in the industry for quality and luxury.
Built by Clément-Talbot Limited in Kensington and bodied by Darracq, they were among the finest and most elegant cars on the market, with styling from visionary designer Georges Roeschs. The influences were clear, with their swooping running boards and over-sized headlamps exuding a wonderful art deco ambience.
This is one of the last Talbot 65s made, registered in 1934, and with a four-light saloon body. It’s beguilingly original and full of charm, but isn’t a concours contender. It’s a usable, presentable car that you can improve as you wish or simply use “as is”, as a head-turning example of pre-war prestige.
The cabin of this car is glorious in its originality – it bubbles with charm and period appeal albeit far from immaculate. The original green leather seats are largely serviceable, but there are some areas of damage and wear to the leather facings and the carpets have been replaced with domestic coverings. Similarly, there are areas of paint wear to the steering wheel and column and also wear to the headlining, but for a car fast approaching its 90th birthday it’s still a glorious place to sit, the careworn patina adding largely to its appeal. In some ways, it’s nicer than a restored car.
The dash and dials are excellent, the sliding roof still works as it should, the door cards and rope grab handles are all in fine order. It’s a special old thing, with a huge amount of character, and it still has its original “College Motors” supplying dealer plaque screwed to the dash.
It would be unwise to assume a car of this vintage has never been restored or painted but this one oozes originality, in part down to the various minor battle scars its body displays. There’s corrosion on the door bottoms and both sides of the bonnet, and also around the rear luggage compartment, but overall it presents quite smartly and the wear gives it charm that over-restored cars simply cannot wear.
Critically, the chassis appears strong and in excellent, clean order having been comprehensively rust-proofed to ensure its future longevity. There have been welded repairs in the past, but clearly carried out to a high standard.
Talbot’s 1,665cc six-cylinder engine is a strong unit, with a cast-iron block and four-bearing crank. It’s a smooth and unstressed unit that suits the car’s stately stature.
Included in the paperwork are photographs of a complete gearbox rebuild, carried out in 2013. It has also had a rebore, the crank was reground, new big ends, cylinder cores and a refaced cylinder head. In essence, a complete reengineering of the engine.
The front suspension and wheel bearings were also replaced, with a reconditioned steering box, and at the rear the axle, crown-wheel and pinion were replaced, and the brakes relined. Mechanically, it is excellent, having has over £11,000 spent in the past decade and subject to light use since.
Here, then, is a mechanically well-sorted and wonderfully grand pre-war saloon that has charm coming from every pore. It’s not cosmetically perfect, but the important parts that keep it working are all mostly renewed or renovated and it is in great running order. Ideal to improve and take to the next level cosmetically if you wanted to, or to use “as is” and simply enjoy its grand road presence and immeasurable character.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only. Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased. A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.
Car & Classic's secure payment system protects buyers and sellers. At the end of the auction, the winning bidder transfers payment into a third-party escrow account. Once the transfer of the vehicle is complete, both parties confirm they are happy with the sale and the money is released to the seller.
More about buying with us
1934 Talbot 65 Saloon
About Max Bids
The max bid process allows you to bid without any hassle.
Enter your maximum bid and we will then bid on your behalf to ensure you're the highest bidder - just enough to keep you in the lead and only up until your maximum.
Anti-sniping
Car & Classic prevent auction snipers from bidding in the last seconds to win an auction.
Auctions are extended by 3 minutes if anyone bids within the last 2 minutes to allow other bidders to react and counter-bid.
Auto-bidding increments
If your maximum bid is equal to or below the reserve price, your maximum bid will be applied in full if you are the highest bidder.
If you are the highest bidder and place a maximum bid above the reserve, we will automatically put in the reserve as your first bid.
Once the reserve has been met, Car & Classic will make sure you are the highest bidder using only the bidding increments stated below.
We will keep you in the lead up until your maximum bid OR the increment closest to your maximum bid, providing your maximum bid is enough to cover the increment value.
Bid Amount
Increment
£0 to £9,999
£100.00
£10,000 to £49,999
£250.00
£50,000 to £99,999
£500.00
£100,000 +
£1,000.00
Automatically outbid immediately
When you place a max bid and are outbid immediately that means that another bidder has placed a max bid limit which is higher than yours.
You can bid again and we will use our automatic bid system to try and get you as the highest bidder.
Matching max bids
When there are two max bids of the same value, the one placed first remains the lead bidder.
Pre-authorisation
We may hold a pre-authorisation charge on your card until the end of the auction when the hold will be cancelled. If you win, we'll take a security deposit which counts towards the payment for the vehicle and isn't any extra cost to you.
What are pre-bids?
A pre-bid means you're able to place a bid before the official start of the auction.
You will be notified whether or not you are the highest bidder when the auction starts.
Problem with your bid
Bids are contractually binding. To help protect you, we have some rules in place if we think it's been mistyped. Please check and amend what you have entered.
